Custom roof rack gutter mounts

[xj_mike]

This is how they mounted. I replaced the stock mounts with 5/16" steel nutserts in the stock rack holes. There are 6 per side. This gave the rack 12 mounting bolts.

Hey Matt, on a late model (2000) how do you get out the old nutserts before upgrading to 5/16"? Drill them out or ??? Do you have to remove the headliner to get out the old ones, metal shavings, etc.?

Thanks for any info.

 

[FarmerMatt]

You just drill them out. The 5/16" nutserts go into a 1/2" hole. The old nutserts will fall down on top of the headliner & roll into a valley ridge that runs down the length of the XJ. To do it properly you'll want to drop the headliner to catch the pieces, but most don't & I haven't heard of any complaints of rattle. Rattles from the pieses would be the only concern.

 

[jwtrapper]

Do you have to have a special tool to install the nutserts or can you use a drill for them?

 

[FarmerMatt]

This is a pic of the tool I used. It's very inexpensive & basically an oversized nut that is serated on one side...

 

[jwtrapper]

Where do you get them at? I am wanting to do a roof rack and was going to use the stock nutserts but bigger is better.

 

[JR aka RJROffRoad]

Where do you get them at? I am wanting to do a roof rack and was going to use the stock nutserts but bigger is better.

most hardware stores should have them...they typically call them riv nuts. I've seen online sources too.

 

[xj_mike]

You just drill them out. The 5/16" nutserts go into a 1/2" hole. The old nutserts will fall down on top of the headliner & roll into a valley ridge that runs down the length of the XJ. To do it properly you'll want to drop the headliner to catch the pieces, but most don't & I haven't heard of any complaints of rattle. Rattles from the pieses would be the only concern.

Thanks Matt!

 

[FarmerMatt]

I used to buy mine through Wicks Aircraft Supply. Here's a link to the tool.

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalo...ml?PHPSESSID=d796552ec60af9b5f1f10cffa77a2d94