Repaint Original Cross Bars

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
Post Reply
WinstonWolf
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu May 23, 2013 12:47 pm
Location: Milwaukee, WI

Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by WinstonWolf »

Long time lurker, first time poster...

The crossbars on my '03 Vibe have got a couple large patches of exposed metal where the paint has been worn away (likely from the roof top carrier I used to use on trips). Anyone have any succcess repainting theirs? I found a great thread on here for removing the cross bars, but nothing on repainting.
User avatar
Rayven01
Posts: 525
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:07 pm

Re: Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by Rayven01 »

I haven't seen a re-paint but lots of people plasti-dip them.
Image  Image
User avatar
ColonelPanic
Posts: 8419
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 8:48 am
Location: South Central Indiana

Re: Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by ColonelPanic »

I am this close to just scraping all the paint off those suckers! The roof rack has never been used on this thing but both of the cross bars started losing their paint least year. it just flakes off in sizable chunks right down to the metal (assuming aluminum since they aren't rusty.) I have to buck convention and wash the roof last since there's always paint flakes up there that get picked up by the wash mitt. I'd rather not spread those around and make the paint elsewhere even worse than it already is after almost 11 years. :?

We had a member here many years ago that had the aluminum sides of the rack powder coated, but I don't recall anyone ever painting the cross bars.

I wouldn't mind taking them off and getting some kind of paint on them, but who knows what I'll break in the process. Anyway, I'll definitely be monitoring this thread for potential suggestions!
03 Vibe base. Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM
Auto, Moon & Tunes, power package. 143k
Neptune/dying clearcoat/primer grey. :lol:

Image

'21 Elantra Limited - 2.0L/IVT
'15 Escape SE - 1.6L EcoBoost (hers)
Image Image
WinstonWolf
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu May 23, 2013 12:47 pm
Location: Milwaukee, WI

Re: Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by WinstonWolf »

Rayven01 wrote:I haven't seen a re-paint but lots of people plasti-dip them.
Plasti-Dip??
User avatar
Rayven01
Posts: 525
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:07 pm

Re: Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by Rayven01 »

WinstonWolf wrote:Plasti-Dip??
Plasti Dip. Black is generally available at most retailers and more of the range can be gotten at https://www.dipyourcar.com/home.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
Image  Image
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Re: Repaint Original Cross Bars

Post by cptnsolo77 »

I was in the same boat as you. Bare metal & flakes. I was going to repaint them, but I figured that I would spend less time removing them than painting them. I just removed them. It wasnt as hard as I thought. Just have to be REALLY carefull removing the caps. I was really hesitant because I didnt want to beak them so I bit the bullet. Looks better too.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
Post Reply