New Part number for Roof Rack Accessory bars

[SteveP]

I see at http://www.gmpartsdirect.com there is a new part number for the roof rack accessory bars - 12498684. Can anyone find out any details about these? They may be like Thule 751XTs, since the 2005 Vibe does not have crossbars. It would be great if they are, since the 751xt bars are discontinued from Thule. If someone could get a look at these that would be great.

[ragingfish]

They're likely identical to the stock bars fro 03/04.In 05, the bars became an option, however there was no reason to believe they would be any different this year than others.

[SteveP]

I understand what you are saying, my reasoning is this:If a user wants to install crossbars on an 05, the Thule 751XT type option is much easier to install then risking breaking parts by trying to install the 03/04 crossbars (breaking parts by removing the black plastic covers for the rails). When I saw the part number had changed I reasoned that they might have done this. I had seen GM branded Thules on a Venture before and thought they would be a good solution on the Vibe.I know therre are some GM connected people here, so I thought I'd ask.

[ragingfish]

My suspicion is that the number changed because the bars were never an accessory.The number changed from replacement part to accessory part. Accessory parts seem to follow a specific nomenclature when it comes to part numbering...But I can't say for sure.

[SteveP]

They always were an accessory though, needed before you could add accessory ski or bike racks. They were accessory part number 12498117.

[ragingfish]

What I mean is, they were never considered a dealer-added accessory prior to 05. They came on the car from the factory, so the part number they were issued then was not as a catalog accessory, but as a replacement part.The part number likely changed this year because they are ONLY an accessory now, and must be purchased through the dealer.When I say accessory, I mean something that doesn't come as a sandard or optional feature from the factory, but something that must be purchased separately from the car.

[SteveP]

The standard crossbars were not an accessory, but the "Roof Rack Utility Bars" were on 03 and 04 vibes. See the accessory catalog for a photo.

[SteveP]

Check out this ebay auction:ebay item# 7911998740The seller says this is a picture of part #12498684. I asked him for the part # in an email.

[ragingfish]

oooooooooooooooooooooook....I see what you mean now!!!!We've been talking about different things all along!My bad...thanks for pointing out the accessory catalog...Unfortunately, I don't have the answer to your question, but at least we're on the same page now.

[SteveP]

NO, I should have been more descriptive from the start. I'm trying to verify the auction is for the right part before I bid.This has been fun.

[AKLGT]

hmm.. maybe i should put mine up for sale too? but they are kinda heavy and would be a pain to ship.

[SteveP]

Do yours look like the ones in the auction? That would at least verify to me that they are the right ones.

[SteveP]

GM part number 12498684, roof rack accessory bars, are the same as Thule 751XT. I took a chance and got a set on Ebay for $19.99! Anyway incase anyone was wondering 12498684 is even a gret deal from gmpartsdirect.com since it comes with locks and the Thule list price without locks is $205(US).

[ragingfish]

If you can get me a pic when you get them, I'd like to add it to a quasi-accessory catalog I'm developing. It will feature available accessories, part numbers, descriptions, and pictures.Thanks!

[SteveP]

I got them yesterday and put them on. I'll get a pic after I wash the car.