I just bought a kayak and was planning on getting a Yakima rack but had to bring it home using foam blocks as the kayak dealer couldn't get the Q-clips and didn't carry Thule. The foam worked and for short trips it is probably acceptable but I would be a lot happier with at least a cross bar in the front. The front foam goes just behind the windshield as is perched at a very dangerous angle. The rear foam goes just forward of the spoiler and seems secure enough.

When I got home I called Rack Attack and was told told that Yakima had recalled the rack for the Fit because of a large numbers of damage claims.

Rack Attack hasn't heard of any problems with the Thule and also mentioned installing rails. I'm not all that comfortable drilling holes in the roof and the Thule rack is about half the price of a rail system so I'm tending to go that route.

 

dcmoore,

You may find my piece, titled Honda Fit Roof Rack Installation helpful. Hit Search, then type in the title. Inst for '08. '09 is a bit longer, so some dimensions would change. The "damage" you speek of was probably done by incopetent installers...the job is a bit tricky. Mine works great, I love it.

Idaho Jake

 

I ordered a set of Q clips and towers for the 09. They'll be here monday. I plan on installing that evening. I'll let you know how it goes. Try to get some pictures up as well.

 

Once my measurements were perfect on the car, i just snapped down the sides and they clicked right in place. I barely had to adjust anything. Really nice fitment even compared to the last car the rack was on. I have never heard of ANY yakima rack being recalled FWIW. My rack is like 7-8 years old and I cleaned it up it looks brand new. I do all the spacing measurements on crossbars before I even put them on the car. You can shake the car by tugging on the roofrack, no movement or damage from the feet.