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Mounting GM Utility Bars
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:30 am
by CoolAKid
Okay, I'm feeling REALLY stupid right now. I picked up a set of the straight GM utility bars for my '06 Vibe today. They were new in the box, and included the keys, but no instructions. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to secure them to the roof rails. The keys don't seem to do anything except pop the end caps off and allow you to pull out about an 8 inch rod attached to the cap. But when I slide the rod back in and turn the key, it doesn't seem to do anything except lock the end cap. The utitlity bar is still loose on the crossrail, and still slides from side to side through the clamp. I'm beginning to think I got the wrong bars. Does the "hook' on the inside part of the clamp go in the groove, or simply rest on the top of the roof rail? Mine seems to rest on the top. My receipt has the correct model number, but I can't find a matching number anywhere on the crossbars themselves. They just seem...wrong somehow. I'm planning on calling the dealer parts department tomorrow, but if some GenVibe member can spare me the embarrassment and enlighten me, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Re: Mounting GM Utility Bars (CoolAKid)
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:32 am
by kunkstyle
With that rod pulled part way out, turn it. That will tighten those rubber arms to clamp onto the roof rails.If you can't get it, i can take some pics later.
Re: Mounting GM Utility Bars (kunkstyle)
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:40 am
by CoolAKid
I still feel stupid, but incredibly relieved. It worked! I never would have thought to try that. Thank you, my friend!!!
Re: Mounting GM Utility Bars (CoolAKid)
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:19 am
by bull77
I took me awhile to figure out how to secure them -- now I can get all four off in less than 5mins
Re: Mounting GM Utility Bars (bull77)
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:35 am
by CoolAKid
I must have messed with those things for at least an hour without any progress. I even carried one inside after dinner, sat on the couch staring at it, and STILL couldn't figure out the mechanism. Anyway, thanks again, kunkstyle, for your swift and most excellent advice, and you, bull77, for your support and understanding. This is why I love GenVibe!
Re: Mounting GM Utility Bars (CoolAKid)
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:04 pm
by kunkstyle
Hahaha! No problem. I know exactly how you feel. A friend of mine and I wasted about an hour and a 6-pack trying to figure those out. And both of our jobs are mechanical in nature. We had a good laugh about it. First time either of us had seen a roof rack like that.