Factory Roof Rack for Hybrid

[hybridrack]

OK, we're going against the grain here... we own a 2008 Tahoe Hybrid. Great car, and would be better if we had a roof rack! The factory did not install (and will not install) a roof rack rail system. Anyone have a solution to this? I've already tried buying the factory rails, without any luck.

 

[aaron72]

I'm pretty sure they don't offer one as they want to keep it as aerodynamic as possible. You'd have to look for a 3rd party one like they have for cars.

 

[Gruson]

I would like to add one to mine as well....let me know what you find out.



I might add the spare tire option too they just announced.

 

[hybridrack]

Gruson - we'll do.

Spare tire option? Tell me more...

 

[Gruson]

Gruson - we'll do.

Spare tire option? Tell me more...

Here you go:

http://www.gmaccessorieszone.com/ac...e Wheel Kit/?tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[type]=gm_wheels

 

[riverst]

I have the 07 LTZ OEM roof rack and cross bars for sale if you want it.

 

[Gruson]

I have the 07 LTZ OEM roof rack and cross bars for sale if you want it.

I want them but not sure how I would mount them on the Hybrid....

 

[73shark]

You could probably do it w/ well-nuts. Not sure how the factory mounts it. Might ask riverst.

 

[convoyduel]

The factory roof racks are mounted with 5 well nuts per side. As long as you bought a set of factory rails, you can drill the holes yourself and install well nuts or something similar.

 

[hybridrack]

Where do I buy factory roof rack rails?

Thanks for the info. Know where I can buy the factory roof rack rails? The dealer tells me they don't sell them.

 

[convoyduel]

You have a bad dealer then. GM sells EVERYTHING they put on those vehicles, you just have to have the part number or be able to look it up. I'll see if I can find some part numbers on my set in the garage tonight.

 

[hybridrack]

Part numbers?!?

Great - Let me know what you find.

Anyone know if the Hybrid has the framework in the roof to accept the rack rails, or will the headliner have to come down in order to get it installed?

 

[riverst]

I have the 07 LTZ OEM roof rack and cross bars for sale if you want it.

Sale 150.00 shipped

 

[convoyduel]

Looking at my set, the rails consist of 4+ pieces per side plus crossbows. Each side has a metal frame and three attached plastic feet. Those feet are comprised of a top and a bottom that are assembled together and then snap onto the metal frame.

The metal frame has the following two numbers stamped into it:
15224018
15854118

The rear foot has the following number stamped into it:
15854114

I didn't pull the other rail out, but with those numbers, a GM parts counterman should be able to pull up the entire assembly.

 

[hybridrack]

Convoy duel - rules!

Thanks for the part number info. I'll try the dealer and hopefully this does the trick!

Could you tell how the unit was mounted to your roof? I presume there is a female thread embedded in the roof of the tahoe that accepts the bolts which hold the rails down?

 

[73shark]

They're called Wellnuts. It's a rubber sleeve w/ a metal, threaded insert. As you tighten the screw, the insert compresses the rubber behind the roof metal. Not unlike a Mollybolt.

 

[convoyduel]

A rubber well nut should work, although they tend to tear when they are subjected to a strong load. The factory installation features a riveted nut assembly with lips on the outside and inside of the roof skin. I was surprised at the lack of waterproof sealant on the factory installation. It appears that they pin their hopes primarily on the seal of the plastic feet against the roof.

 

[73shark]

Are you sure there's no sealant associated w/ the Rivnut?

 

[convoyduel]

Not on the exterior surface on my Tahoe. It's just metal to metal and the bottom edge of the rivnut is serated, leaving small gaps between the surfaces. I sealed mine with several coats of paint. the other thing that surprised me was that the Rivnuts were installed after the body was painted, leaving them bare metal. They looked like they were galvanized, not aluminum, leading me to believe that longterm, they are a potential source of corrosion.

 

[73shark]

That's interesting that they were put in after painting. How did you seal the threaded hole?