Interior / Exterior Visual TechThis section contains discussion related to visual modifications of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Some items might include dash kits, roof rack modifications and other visual modifications.
Something to consider when purchasing an after market roof rack for the FJ-
The Toyota OEM factory rack is made from non rusting aluminium. Most of the aftermarket roof racks are made of steel. Years ago, aftermarket metal roof racks would usually begin to rust a year or two after install. UV, rain, road grime, salt etc, all impact the racks cosmetic protection. The paint protection MAY be better now, I don't know. Welds have a way of rusting especially if they are not clean welds.
For the out lay of the big $$$$ that aftermarket suppliers are demanding for their roof racks, a buyer may want to inquire about how rust proof the roof rack is. Does it come with a warranty against rusting or corosion?
With the FJ's white roof the first signs of rust from a poorly welded/painted steel rack will show up quickly. Something to consider before parting with your $Benjamins$.
__________________ 07 FJ, SUN FUSION- 4x4 AT-Loaded, TOYTEC 3" Lift, BFG AT 285/70/17's, Romik Brush Guard, PIAA 540 DRL, xm.
Nice heads up on that. I really like my Mini-Me rack, no problems. I wonder if the Gobi is up to par.
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good heads up, I also am wondering about the mounting of an aftermarket, I see the plastic covers where my rack should go, but 1)is it an easy install 2)are all kits made for fj compatable with these mount spots 3 Is there any drilling or holes of some sort that may lead to leakage or rot and rust? I really dont know squat about racks, sorry flame on if you must
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I have the ARB rack. It installed right into the factory mounting holes with similar bolts. They provide a rubber gasket to prevent leakage and encourage some sort of sealant application just to be safe. No drilling is necessary and it installed in about 30 minutes.
Now, I don't know about the paint protection, but the key is to make sure the finish does not get damaged. It won't rust through the powdercoating any time soon, that I can tell ya.
The benefits (IMHO) greatly outweigh the potential drawbacks. The ARB is SOLID! It must weigh 5 times what the stock rack does...or more! It's flat and the full roof rack covers the whole roof of the truck. It will hold so much more than the stock rack. When I had the stock rack on there, I couldn't climd on top of the truck, the plastic connectors for the cross pieces would flex too much and I was afraid I was going to break them. I would feel comfortable jumping up and down on these cross pieces.
All in all, I think it's finding what is suited best for you. I use the roof rack a lot because when I travel or wheel, there is a dog in the back of the truck and I need the space on top for stuff.
__________________ Heather
Titanium '07 FJ Cruiser - #1774!
Red and White 1973 FJ55
TreadLightly! Master Trainer
I have the ARB rack. It installed right into the factory mounting holes with similar bolts. They provide a rubber gasket to prevent leakage and encourage some sort of sealant application just to be safe. No drilling is necessary and it installed in about 30 minutes.
Now, I don't know about the paint protection, but the key is to make sure the finish does not get damaged. It won't rust through the powdercoating any time soon, that I can tell ya.
The benefits (IMHO) greatly outweigh the potential drawbacks. The ARB is SOLID! It must weigh 5 times what the stock rack does...or more! It's flat and the full roof rack covers the whole roof of the truck. It will hold so much more than the stock rack. When I had the stock rack on there, I couldn't climd on top of the truck, the plastic connectors for the cross pieces would flex too much and I was afraid I was going to break them. I would feel comfortable jumping up and down on these cross pieces.
All in all, I think it's finding what is suited best for you. I use the roof rack a lot because when I travel or wheel, there is a dog in the back of the truck and I need the space on top for stuff.
Here are some possible drawbacks-
Yet again I say RUST. Once the aftermarket rack begins to rust, your scaaarewd. This is one part of the FJ that is exposed to all of the elements. And rust spots are a biotch to get out of white paint.
Cannot effectively clean and wax the roof or the aftermarket rack once you bolt it down.
The cost is prohibitive for an add-on that will require me to pay to have it repainted someday.
I say, if it makes you happy add on brother! Just an observation here-
__________________ 07 FJ, SUN FUSION- 4x4 AT-Loaded, TOYTEC 3" Lift, BFG AT 285/70/17's, Romik Brush Guard, PIAA 540 DRL, xm.
Nice heads up on that. I really like my Mini-Me rack, no problems. I wonder if the Gobi is up to par.
The Gobi rack is epoxy-coated first, and powder-coated on top of the epoxy to prevent corrosion (so is the ARB rack, FYI). We've sold quite a few Gobi and ARB racks, and have never had a rack returned for a corrosion issue. It's important to keep the rack clean, and to touch-up any scratches or gouges in the paint to help prevent future corrosion, but overall I've seen no issue with either of those brands...
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Re: Aftermarket FJ ROOF RACK
aluminum may not rust, but it still vulnerable to corrosion. Ask anybody who lives in the middle of the ocean...the Hawaii crew and they'll tell ya when aluminum corrodes it aint pretty. Bottom line: check your metal bits and touch up, sand, and paint as necessary to beat out mother nature to the punch.
aluminum may not rust, but it still vulnerable to corrosion. Ask anybody who lives in the middle of the ocean...the Hawaii crew and they'll tell ya when aluminum corrodes it aint pretty. Bottom line: check your metal bits and touch up, sand, and paint as necessary to beat out mother nature to the punch.
Yep; we live on the coast and eventually the corrosion will finds its' way under any powder coating. I use the stock rack becasue I haul surfboards ant it is excellent for that with the flex. placement of the crossbars. Once it goes I will replace it with and aftermarket though. If the rack is properly prep'd with an epoxy base coat the well painted ( I would prefer paint to powdercoating) it will last quite a long time. As was suggested - touch up any exposed metal.
Ligten up, it's the internet. 
Re: Aftermarket FJ ROOF RACK
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