Hi Volks:

I posted this before, but I s'pose we could see it again.

About mounting the rack (Yakima or Thule) to Westie pop tops:

One of the Syncro Westie guys here in Anchortown (I spoke to him, but I
can't remember his name - I don't think he's on the List) had a local
machine shop fabricate 4 (two for each side) stainless steel raingutter
rails. The rails fit in horizontally in the recessed area of the vertical
sides of the pop tops. This setup allows for a wide adjustment range of
the rack, fore and aft, whilst mounted on the vehicle. Now, for the
design of the rail, he took one of Yakima's "bolt-on" rain gutter mounts
to the fabricator to use as a pattern for the "Lip" portion of the
stainless rail. Therefore, the resulting stainless steel rail has the
same "rail" dimension as the Yakima original, yet is LONGER!

You should see this setup. I've seen all kinds of suggestions on the
List, and when I saw how this guy did it I was amazed at the simplicity
and functionality of his design!

He told me that if he had to do it again he'd make two changes:

1) Make the rail for each side (i.e. driver/passenger) of the pop top,
ONE piece instead of two. This would allow for even greater adjustment
possibilities, of which he did find necessary. This would be a good idea
if you're carrying bikes one day and kayaks the next.

2) Mount ANOTHER plate, equal in length (and width?) to the outside rail,
on the INSIDE of the pop top, opposite the outside rail. Stainless
mounting hardware, with neoprene and stainless washers, would then pass
through both the inner reenforcement plate and the outer "rain gutter
rail". This would provide more torsional rigidity to the entire setup. He
said the fiberglass is working fine so far (several years now), but
having steel on both sides of the pop top would be much better. (Again
kayaks)

I hope this is clear enough for y'all. If not, let me know. I'll try to
'splain better.

This is a slick setup! I urge all you rack Volks to explore this option.
It'll make you happier, younger, richer, thinner, and better looking!

Kevin...turinsky@juno.com
"Anchored, down in Anchorage---Alaska"
61:10:42 North
149:11:11 West
Elevation: 101 feet

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