Quick question on roof racks?
 

I know this may be a stupid question but I am just wondering how do I go about buying a complete roof rack system for cheap on craigslist. Do any Q clips fit a ge8? Also does the length of the bars matter and fairings? Also anyone that uses one have you ever run to any problems in terms of someone trying to steal it even if it was locked etc, damage, I live in Northern Virginia and stuff like that happens -_- (my diy lip was ripped off for no reason). or does anyone know how I can buy a full system for cheap, I am a broke college student TT
Thanks!

i have a yakima roof rack.
my bars are 48" just dont go shorter my length is about perfect
fairing is 38" which is a bit to small i suggest a 42"+ i believe
Clips are Q99. Qtowers

I usually use my roof rack for necessary reason (bikes, snowboard, etc.) and also i sometimes throw it on for style points(lol). but i suggest dont keep your roof rack on at times when not needed, thats for me cause im just scared someone might steal them. and yes i do have locks. but its not bad to be safe.

i would just get the used bars and if the fairing is long enough. but clips unless u get lucky buy brand new at a local outdoor/camping store. roughly $70.

I had 48s and kept walking into the front bar. This guy kept walking into a bar...

I have the yakima as well. Had the old style Q towers and just got the updated q99 clips - works just fine. Skip the Fairing; it looks cool on the car but you drop a few mpg with it on. Get the Windjammers (4 if you are driving without any accessories, 2 if you have a cargo box, bike, or ski rack on one side) as they cut down on noise almost as much as the fairing but have no impact on economy.

~SB

I have used both Yakima Q-Towers and Thule 400XT and I would say that Thule provides a FAR SUPERIOR fitment to the roof. Also, where the feet meet the roof is MUCH more structurally sound.

If you go with Thule you need clip set 2199. I got a complete setup for 75$ on craigslist with the old 400XT towers and the LB50 bars. Compared to Thule's newest set, there is no performance difference (my buddy has a set).

Link to the foot and clip fit kit 2199:
Thule Fit Kit 2199 - Thule Fit Kits

You can get the 400 XT tower all day for under 100$ on ebay. Try to get a set with matching lock cores and a key:
Thule 400XT Aero Foot PacksTowers Qty 4 set | eBay

LB50 bars (you can get these for 20$ used):
http://www.rackattack.com/product-pa...-load-bars.asp

You can also use the 400XTR with the same clips:
BRAND NEW THULE Rapid Aero 400XTR Foot Pack Set of 4 Rapid Aero Bar Retail $179 | eBay

it'll make a lot of wind noise and make your mpg go down

Ya... What blackup said. Ha. I have the Thule set-up with the old school fairing. The fairing is strictly for style points. I don't leave my rack on when not in use because of fuel economy. I lose about 3-5mpg with it on. The Thule set-up is SPECIFICLY for each car. The Yakima is for a range of cars. Most accessories will work with either set-up though.

Hey Blackup I assume that thule set up works fine on your 2012 fit? I went to a local rack outfitter who swore the roof line on the 2012 fit was slightly different from 09-11 fits and there wasn't a clip from thule or yakima yet. I parked next to an older fit and I couldn't tell the difference :confused:

They're the exact same.

^^^this^^^

My two kayaks weigh 140lbs which is above the recommended capacity of either rack system. When carrying a load like that, the Thule really shines because it puts the load on and around the rain gutters, while the Yakima places it on the curved sheet-metal outside of the gutter. I knew I was pushing the limit, especially when you add in the wind resistance with two big kayaks up there at 70 mph. The Yakima setup barely handled it while Thule didn't flinch.

Awesome, thanks! I dunno what that rack salesman guy was talking about. Probably just trying to up sell me on the permanent roof mounted track...

Good info because I was leaning more towards the Yakima setup but now I going to look at the Thule rack.

I'm over in Columbia and I'm in the upstate a few times per month for work. Maybe I'll see you around... :vtec:

You might. I haven't seen to many orange 12s around me.

I can't seem to find those 2199 clips including on thules website

yeah, me too. all it says is "currently not available in the USA". :mad: