Factory roof rack on my vibe?

[vibedrivermatt]

hey I got an 09 vibe. It was equipped almost just they way I wanted it but, not with a roof rack or fog lights. Is it possible for the mechanics to put a roof rack in at the dealership? The tech I talked to said his boss might not let them do it because they would have to drill holes in the roof. The salesman who sold me the vibe said they could probably do and just charge me the normal cost of the having it as an option..

[jake75]

Unless you just like the look, you might want to wait and see how much you really need a roof rack. I don't think I used mine more than twice in the 6 years I had my '03. The roof rack probably adds a little drag and thus you lose some fuel economy.As for the fogs, I never thought they were of any practical use on my '03.

[vibedrivermatt]

Well I sorta do like the look. The roof of my vibe seems sorta bland and could use a more utilitarian look. I do plan on using it so I can haul around my kayak. My only real concern is it adding any annoying wind noise. The fog lights are just a look thing..I have no real need for those..Also I prefer how the racks run from front to back on the older vibes rather than side to side from the 09 vibes rack but ohhwell.....

[vibedrivermatt]

ok I just found the answer somewhere else on the forum.. apparently there are already holes in roof of my car for the rack and I can get a roof rack kit from pontiac for $250.. great just gotta wait until I have an extra $250 laying around...ohhh man might take awhile..anybody have $250 they can give me?

[jake75]

I never had reason to look - there are two plastic caps each about 4 inches long on each side covering what might be "holes" in that non-metal piece running from front to back that separates the roof from the metal above the doors (both sides). Probably about 1.5 hours labor to install those two rails per the standard mechanics rate book.

[vibedrivermatt]

yup I've know about those plastic pieces for awhile but didn't expect there to be holes after the parts guy said they'd have to drill holes in my roof.. I kinda thought they knew some stuff about the car, guess not....I haven't looked under them myself yet but, I'm expecting to find some threaded holes..

[gimmegimme]

I've removed the caps on my GT before (just out of curiousity) and found threaded holes.

[jake75]

What do you suppose those two rails cost GM? $50 tops? Maybe someone will have an aftermarket version. - or versions so you can choose between side to side, or front to back with cross beams. Maybe Fiat-Chrysler coudl offer them!

[vibedrivermatt]

someone who bought the rails said he paid $125 per rail..total cost of $250.