I'm trying to decide on a roof rack system for a 2000 Solara. I will be carrying one or two 18 ft long kayaks, 60 lbs each. I get mixed preferences from the kayak news groups, none who own a Solara, and none who have tried installing custom tracks on a curved roof, so thought I would try here.
I could go with Yakima Q towers and Q Extension kit. This would be the standard system.
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Maximum distance between the load bars would be only 30 inches though, not that long for carrying an 18 ft kayak. I might be able to go with permanently installed tracks. I could use push nuts so that I don't have to remove the headliner.
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One potential problem is that I'm not sure the Aluminum rails would bend enough to conform to the curved contour of the roof. Probably would need to flex a couple inches. Yakima service people aren't sure either. Also not sure how well the push nuts would hold versus dropping the headliner and installing washer and nuts. Has anyone here installed the tracks? If so, with push nuts, or by dropping the headliner? Are you happy with the system?
So far I'm thinking if I opt to drop the headline I should have an auto upholstery shop do it, unless someone convinces me it's easy. I haven't found any info on that. I'm thinking it's in the $150 Toyota repair manual if anywhere. It seems pretty tricky with everything snapping together.
Paul S.