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New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 8:10 pm
by tronvibe
HI gang,
I just picked up a base 2009 Vibe in Steel Blue. We are a family of three and have hopes of adding a roof rack with a storage container. I was hoping to hear some setups of Vibers that have Aftermarket racks already. I have been looking at Thule among other brands and wanted to hear some real world comparisons.
Is there an issue with OEM racks that i should stay away from? (i currently have no rack installed)
Thanks for the help!
Tron in Vancouver BC Canada
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 6:33 pm
by trb
Don't know anything in particular about the roof racks, but there is a thread on here about the factory ones. I know several people have installed the Matrix rack on their Vibes since they seem to be a bit more substantial. The Vibe racks if you haven't seen them only go from side to side, while the Matrix ones have side rails and cross bars. Matrix racks run about $250 or so on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2010-2011- ... fd&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Good luck!
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 7:48 pm
by tpollauf
Welcome to GenVibe

Another newer member here just removed her factory 2009 roof rack and it just might be available??? She's just to the north of you also! Here's the post:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42913" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Post pics of your Vibe so we can check it out. Thanks & Welcome

Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 4:31 am
by kumquat
I have a Yakima rack and box that I'm very happy with. See the thread in my sig.
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 4:53 pm
by vibenvy
Welcome to GenVibe! Steel Blue Metallic is one of the best colors on the 2nd gen (after Liquid Platinum Metallic of course

)! My mom's 2009 GT is Steel Blue Metallic and it is a gorgeous color

!
If you get OEM roof racks, definitely get the Matrix ones because they look a lot better then the 2nd gen Vibe roof racks.
Best of luck on finding a suitable roof rack setup for you and your Vibe. Post some pictures of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance

!
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 6:16 pm
by tronvibe
trb wrote:Don't know anything in particular about the roof racks, but there is a thread on here about the factory ones. I know several people have installed the Matrix rack on their Vibes since they seem to be a bit more substantial. The Vibe racks if you haven't seen them only go from side to side, while the Matrix ones have side rails and cross bars. Matrix racks run about $250 or so on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2010-2011- ... fd&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply
Do you know if the matrix racks are suitable for a thule topper? i have seen some that seem to be tilted back like a big wind catcher.
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 6:40 pm
by tronvibe
Thanks for all the help everybody!
Im really into how that Yakima rack looks! I hope to have something together soon. I will get some better pictures uploaded and look forward to joining this community!
Thanks for the links!

Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 6:42 pm
by tronvibe
kumquat wrote:I have a Yakima rack and box that I'm very happy with. See the thread in my sig.
Love how that rack looks! How much was the entire setup? Had any issues with it? Where do i find those rear bumper protectors under the Hatch?
thanks for the help
Re: New Viber with roof rack questions
Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 5:09 pm
by kumquat
tronvibe wrote:kumquat wrote:I have a Yakima rack and box that I'm very happy with. See the thread in my sig.
Love how that rack looks! How much was the entire setup? Had any issues with it? Where do i find those rear bumper protectors under the Hatch?
thanks for the help
Dunno. I've had the rack for about 14 years now actually. It used to be on my Grand Am, then I just bought a new $30 fit kit to attach it to my Vibe. Retail for the kit without the fairing is about $350.
I think I got the bumper protector from Amazon. Bushwacker 34011.