Thule 300 rack question...
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thule 300 rack question...
I was wondering if it is necessary to do anything to the car before putting these on the car. For example, place some duct tape on the paint where they will attach the the rain gutter. The rubber looks pretty hard and I do not want to do any irreversible damage to the car. Any bad experiences before I put them on I should be aware of? Thanks.
#2
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No need to do anything special. I have black paint(shows everything) on my car and it rubbed slightly at the front raingutter. A little polish and it came right out. A bit of duct tape is a good idea. Just be careful when installing. Having someone help you line it up will prevent you from bumping the paint.
Other than that, just be prepared for some strange looks. I had my dirt laiden mountainbike on my car and people seemed to think it was rather funny. I guess it was too much contrast for people.
Other than that, just be prepared for some strange looks. I had my dirt laiden mountainbike on my car and people seemed to think it was rather funny. I guess it was too much contrast for people.
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. I have plenty of friends who think it is sacrilige to put a rack on the car. I definately expect some strange looks. If I ever move up north, the skis and snow tires will probably get some looks also.
#4
I've used this rack on my '95 many times to transport my mountain bike. Yes you will get some strange looks. However it does the job.
In my opinion, the rubberized coating over the feet does not provide enough protection for the car. When I first got the rack, I did a fit test to make sure that it would work. After I removed the rack, I noticed small indentations in the paint inside the gutter from the feet pressing down. This was solved by finding some split rubber edging, cutting to length, and slipping it over the feet. This provided enough cushion to prevent any future marks. At the time, I was working for a manufacturer that used a lot of sheet metal. This rubber was used to cover sharp edges. I'm note sure where is can be bought, although a hardware store may carry it.
Another thing to notice is the door weather stripping will rub against the bottom portion of the foot clamp. This makes the doors a little harder to close, but does not appear to cause any damage.
In my opinion, the rubberized coating over the feet does not provide enough protection for the car. When I first got the rack, I did a fit test to make sure that it would work. After I removed the rack, I noticed small indentations in the paint inside the gutter from the feet pressing down. This was solved by finding some split rubber edging, cutting to length, and slipping it over the feet. This provided enough cushion to prevent any future marks. At the time, I was working for a manufacturer that used a lot of sheet metal. This rubber was used to cover sharp edges. I'm note sure where is can be bought, although a hardware store may carry it.
Another thing to notice is the door weather stripping will rub against the bottom portion of the foot clamp. This makes the doors a little harder to close, but does not appear to cause any damage.
#6
You guys are crazy, I like, but crazy nonetheless. I ride mountain bikes and I couldn't imagine getting back from a ride and sticking my bike on top of the 4S, it just doesn't seem right. IF I could actually get past putting the bike ON the car, I still couldn't imagine putting my dirty, dusty, muddy *** on the seats, even with seat protection. I give you props for being motivated enough to put racks on your car, not to mention dealing with people like me when they look at you funny.
#7
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
David,
After a few OTE's with the 993 in true HWFMR spirit, a little dirt from the bike (I threw some clean cloths on) seems relatively small. My car is anything but a concours car. Someday...maybe...but doubtful.
After a few OTE's with the 993 in true HWFMR spirit, a little dirt from the bike (I threw some clean cloths on) seems relatively small. My car is anything but a concours car. Someday...maybe...but doubtful.
Trending Topics
#9
Yeah, you guys know the routine. Even throwing my gear in the car would scare me. I too drive my car and its no garage queen, but....but.....I just hope I don't see a 993 with a rack (and bike) on it, I would be jealous, and upset.
#10
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I routinely put my golf clubs and three-wheeled cart in the back .. a tight squeeze (woods must be loaded separately) as the cart just clears the roof. Just an old mexican blanket under it all to ease the mind. Somehow I just can't fathom heading home after eighteen without tracking a few back roads.
#12
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by ibdavid
You guys are crazy.
But I like the idea... though I would not do it myself.
#13
Advanced
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anybody have pictures of cars with the racks attached? I just got back from the bike races in Austin, no 993's there but they were using a Cayenne as a wheel van.
I am in the market for a 993 and was wondering how the bike rack would look.
I am in the market for a 993 and was wondering how the bike rack would look.
#14
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"wondering how the bike rack would look"
Look pretty cool with a MTB covered in mud on top a of a shiny 993. I don't have any pictures, but next time I do a mud ride I will have to snap some shots.
Look pretty cool with a MTB covered in mud on top a of a shiny 993. I don't have any pictures, but next time I do a mud ride I will have to snap some shots.