DIY Remove Roof Rails

[Saleen00_227]

For those who want to know what to expect. Here it is. Oh and something to keep in mind if you are gonna paint these, there is padding that goes in between the rails and your car......Don't loose these or the rails will sit on your paint and ruin it when you reinstall them.


There are 4 caps. Each cap has 3 clips. The caps can be gently lifted up slightly so you can get to the clips. This is the front view pointing out the locations of the the clips. Once you unclip all 3 you can lift up and forward. There are 2 bolts under each cap, i think they were 13mm.




Here is the Rear and clip locations.




Here it is off.


After removing you will have holes that were factory made. For those that want to go rail-less.....i don't know if they make caps for these holes. For those who are rail-less and want to have rails.......i don't know if you have the mounting points since they look like this:

 

[bleedingsujit]

i believe it's the same for the 1st gen guys. pics help a lot. thanks.

 

[hammermill]

the pics really do help, thx bro

 

[jacklo322]

Thank you so much. Question.. How do you paint these? What kind of paint do you use and etc?

 

[kidfx35]

Does anyone have this DIY for a 03-08 model

I know how to remove the roof rail from the top but does anyone have a write up like this for how to remove the roofliner inside the car?

 

[Highwind]

I havent read through the whole thing but you might want to check the FSM. Try any of the URLs below.

nicoclub.com/FSM/FX/2004.0_FX45-35/fwd.pdf

or

nicoclub.com/FSM/FX/

for other years.

 

[jeetaa]

i tried to do this but i couldnt even get the caps off:\ how exactly do u take off the caps

 

[Slamming45]

They should be connected with a few plastic tab like the first gens. Take your time and use a nylon pry tool. Start around the base and there is one at the top where it butts up with the rail, that one is last. If you try to force it off the tabs will break. Once agian take your time.

 

[jasonadams74]

Has anyone successfully removed the rails and installed any type of "body plug or grommet"? I am interested in doing this, just worry about "leaks"
Thanks in advance
J

 

[blueduck1105]

Never been a big fan of the rail less look after seeing some on the street. Just looks so bald! But I think there is a thread that discusses this.

There are a few I believe who have done it. So leaks shouldn't be a concern

 

[superwario]

Has anyone successfully removed the rails and installed any type of "body plug or grommet"? I am interested in doing this, just worry about "leaks"
Thanks in advance
J

Im wondering the same thing

 

[cheste1]

If you really want them gone don't have any intention of replacing them, throw on some body filler and repaint for the waxy-bald look.

 

[RAGTPZ]

Just in time! I am painting mine this weekend! Thanks!

 

[2010fx35]

can someone demonstrate with a screw driver or some sort of tool to remove the caps? i been fiddling with it today and no luck. Im scared to jam a screw driver in there and break the clip. Can someone get a picture of how i should inster a tool and should i be pushing in towards the car or out away from the car.