Advice! I want to lose my roof bars, i like the sleeker look of the Fx without them. Problem i have is i am not a very handy man, and what i have read about the diy seems like a pain, and i don't want to do any damage to the interior. Any suggestions?
there is a DIY on the org
http://www.infinitifx.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5943
by:
CAR54
This write-up provides two options for removing the roof rails from the FX, commonly referred to as a "railectomy". The first involves cutting the bolts which the rails attach to, while the second requires removing the interior headliner to unscrew the bolts.
OPTION 1 - Cutting the Bolts
Materials Needed
- - Hex keys
- Socket wrench
- Dremel tool w/ #420 and #407 or #932
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Duct and/or masking tape
- Molly grease (petroleum jelly may substitute)
- Eye protection
- Touch-up paint (just in case)
- Color-coded roof end caps (4)
- #73882-CG003 (Liquid Copper)
#73882-CG007 (Diamond Graphite)
Removal Procedures
- 1. Remove crossbars if necessary (straight-forward process)
2. Remove rail covers (see below *1)
3. Remove nuts holding down the rails
4. Remove and set aside the roof rails
5. Remove the plastic roof mouldings (simply snaps off)
6. Remove the black gromets from the bolts (light twist with pliers will break the adhesive)
7. Prep the area against scratches and nicks (see below *2)
8. Cut and grind down the bolts sticking out (see below *3)
9. Apply Molly grease to the remaining bolt nubs to prevent rusting
10. Replace the roof mouldings
11. Install end cap pieces into the mouldings
*1 - Pop off the rail covers with a small pry or crowbar (if using a metal bar, wrap the end in duct tape to avoid scratching the paint). Gently pull toward you and then lift up. The other side can be removed by hand then simply slide the cover off the rail.
*2 - Taping off potential impact areas of the roof with several layers of masking or duct tape to help prevent nicks and scratches.
*3 - A Dremel with several heavy-duty cutoff wheels (#420) and a grinding attachment (#407 or #932) is needed. The sparks won't hurt the paint, but wear saftey glasses for eye protection. I nicked the paint in two spots (D'oh
View attachment 151071 ) since I wasn't being careful and taking my time -- this is where touch-up paint becomes handy! Cut the bolt 30-40% on one side and then same on the other side. Trying to cut all the way through may shatter the cutoff wheel and create collateral damage to your face or roof (think huge stone chip). Then use a pair of pliers to wiggle the bolt off. Cutting the bolt as low as possible will save time, but isn't necessary. Just grind down down the remaining bolt nub afterwards, as close to the bracket as possible, so the end caps will fit into the roof moulding later.
OPTION 2 - Unscrewing the Bolts
Credit goes to AfterFX for this approach.
Time: approximately 2 1/2 hours from start to finish with no damage to the headliner. Please note that the entire headliner does not have to be removed.
- 1. Remove the crossbars and roof rails as directed in Option 1 above. Option 2 merely describes how to deal with the remaining bolts and brackets sticking out of the roof.
2. For the front brackets, remove the sunvisors, pillar covers and the front assist grip.
3. Lower the front of the headliner enough to gain access and remove the bolts with ease.
4. The rear is slightly more difficult. Remove the rear plastic section which houses the cargo area lamp.
5. Remove a section of sound proofing to gain access to the rear brackets bolts.
6. Use 3M weather-proof tape to cover the remaining holes. Check it occasionally to make sure it stays sealed. Or screw in new, shorter bolts and apply Molly grease to the bolt heads to prevent rusting.
