Will SportRack Frontier Semi-Custom Roof Rack # SR1002 Install Without Scratching Car
Updated 02/25/2013 | Published 02/19/2013
Question:
I am looking at the SportRack Frontier Semi-Custom Roof Rack, and I see that there are rubber feet under the feet so as not to scratch the roof. However, the clamps that are used to actually tighten the rack to the car look like they are not protected with rubber, but rather, bare metal. I am curious if the clamps would leave markings, scratches, and if not how is that accomplished. Thanks a lot.
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
Any roof rack that affixes to your vehicle roof line will naturally put some pressure on the mating surface. However, as long as you install the rack as detailed by the manufacturer instructions, tighten as directed and use it within its weight limits, there should be no issue with damage to your vehicle. Since these racks are semi-custom, they are designed to mate with the specific contours of your vehicle.
There is a layer of rubberized foam padding on the base of the rack feet; there is also a layer of soft plastic on the edges of the clamps. There is no metal-to-metal contact between the rack and your vehicle.
As you begin to consider roof rack options, I suggest you refer to your Civic owners manual to verify the weight-carrying capacity of the vehicle roof. This will enable you to select a system that is fully compatible. I checked online and found a figure of 110 pounds, but you will want to check your manual to confirm the figure for your specific vehicle.
The SportRack system specified for the 2012 Honda Civic 4-door is the SportRack 50-Inch Semi-Custom Roof Rack for Naked Roofs, part # SR1002. (Naked roof means no factory side rails or crossbars.) The rack you were looking at uses 45-1/2 inch crossbars. For the 2012 4-door with naked roof we suggest the SportRack system with 50-inch bars.
If you wish to browse all rack options for the 4-door, you can use the provided link.
If you have the 2-door Civic with a naked roof you can choose from among the options shown on the second link, which shows all compatible roof racks for the 2-door model.
Your choice of rack will depend to some degree on what you intend to carry on your roof. Some rack options are intended specifically for carrying skis and some do not allow use of certain accessory items, such as specific kayak or bike carriers. The distance between crossbars (crossbar spread) also varies among the systems offered, and here again, you will want to consider the items to be carried as you make your selection of a roof rack that will best match the items to be transported.
If you wish, you can let me know whether you have the 2-door or 4-door Civic, confirm that your Civic has a naked roof, and advise what it is that you intend to carry on the vehicle; I can then make specific roof rack recommendations based on your particular requirements.
