Did you install your own roof rack or have a shop do it? Labor question

[ThatSickRIp]

Was curious to see how many here have installed their own roof racks, time/labor involved, etc.

I got a quote from a local shop and they want $467.97 (3 hrs) for the instal for a Wescott lo pro rack.

The shop has a great reputation and hear they do good work. Was wondering if thats in line with other areas

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[mfoga]

I did it myself. The hardest part was getting covers from old rack off.

 

[ChasingTrail]

My husband, who's extremely mechanically inclined, did mine and said it was easy. Like another comment said, removing the old one was the annoyance.

However, he also installed a RTT a couple days later, and THAT is a serious pain. Because of just how low-profile this rack is, maneuvering brackets/mounts etc underneath is seriously challenging. Just something to be aware of.

 

[Rellims]

I had a shop do it. While I do most mods on my own being a solo modder I didn't want to risk dropping the rack on the roof.

 

[n1comedes]

I installed my sherpa capitol roof rack by myself. Fairly easy, just a bunch of nuts and bolts and repeat. Like everyone said, its the removal of the old rack that was annoying. Highly suggest getting an auto trim removal kit, makes it way much easier without the possibility of scratching or denting your roof with a flat screwdriver

 

[tpmacleod]

My husband, who's extremely mechanically inclined, did mine and said it was easy. Like another comment said, removing the old one was the annoyance.

However, he also installed a RTT a couple days later, and THAT is a serious pain. Because of just how low-profile this rack is, maneuvering brackets/mounts etc underneath is seriously challenging. Just something to be aware of.

I agree with this completely. I did my own Westcott Pro and since it sits so tight to the roof you really have to position it correctly for it not to sit on the frame. I was worried I did something wrong at first. I would suggest two people do the job and cover your roof so you don’t get accidental scratches.

 

[mfoga]

The RTT the first time was a lot of work but that was a lot getting things lined up exactly where you want.

Now I have where I can install and remove well under 30min. That being said I did insane amount of searching for the best possible mounts to allow it be be as easy as possible before I started at all.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

My husband, who's extremely mechanically inclined, did mine and said it was easy. Like another comment said, removing the old one was the annoyance.

However, he also installed a RTT a couple days later, and THAT is a serious pain. Because of just how low-profile this rack is, maneuvering brackets/mounts etc underneath is seriously challenging. Just something to be aware of.

No RTT plans, so good to go lol

 

[ThatSickRIp]

I had a shop do it. While I do most mods on my own being a solo modder I didn't want to risk dropping the rack on the roof.

One of my concerns as well

 

[ThatSickRIp]

I installed my sherpa capitol roof rack by myself. Fairly easy, just a bunch of nuts and bolts and repeat. Like everyone said, its the removal of the old rack that was annoying. Highly suggest getting an auto trim removal kit, makes it way much easier without the possibility of scratching or denting your roof with a flat screwdriver

Good to go auto trim removal kits

 

[ThatSickRIp]

So has anyone tried installing one by installing the side rails first individually, and then installing the crossbars once the side rails are mounted? Id imagine that would make it way easier to install solo, but Im not sure if its possible since all the install videos show building the rack and then setting it on the roof.

 

[ToYoDaMan]

Was curious to see how many here have installed their own roof racks, time/labor involved, etc.

I got a quote from a local shop and they want $467.97 (3 hrs) for the instal for a Wescott lo pro rack.

The shop has a great reputation and hear they do good work. Was wondering if thats in line with other areas

That sounds like a good price. In California., it's triple that amount .

 

[n1comedes]

So has anyone tried installing one by installing the side rails first individually, and then installing the crossbars once the side rails are mounted? Id imagine that would make it way easier to install solo, but Im not sure if its possible since all the install videos show building the rack and then setting it on the roof.

That’s pretty much what i did when I installed it on the roof by myself. Its just a pain having to go back and forth from one side to the other. But it saves you from having to call a friend and lifting one heavy piece than one small light piece at a time

 

[mfoga]

I did not put all the rails but only a few, enough to hold its shape. I did have help to lift it on. I put folder up towels at the four corners to hold up and then would remove folds as I got it more in place and where I wanted it height wise. Then put the rest of the rails in.

 

[3rdRunner]

I did not put all the rails but only a few, enough to hold its shape. I did have help to lift it on. I put folder up towels at the four corners to hold up and then would remove folds as I got it more in place and where I wanted it height wise. Then put the rest of the rails in.

I had a shop do it- big mistake. They installed the front brackets incorrectly and in the wrong configuration. I ended up having to tear it down and redo it. Was trying to save time but ended up losing time and money on the deal. Lesson learned. You can definitely do it yourself. There are plenty of resources online. Just be patient.

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