Added a Ski/Snoboard Rack and removed the thumb screws

[VP23271]

I picked up a Yakima Fat Cat 6 Snowboard rack and installed it last weekend. I like the rack for it's low profile. One thing that I noticed when installing the rack was that all of the cross rails are held in place by thumb screws. Removing 2 rails with my snowboards and new Yakima rack attached could not be any easier for a thief. He would not even need a single tool to remove it from my FJ. So I made a trip down to Home Depot and picked up a set of hex head cap screws and washers to replace the stock thumb screws. I was hoping to pick up a set of tamper resistant torx screws, but Home Depot did not have any. The hex head cap screws will do for now, but I plan on replacing them after I find some torx online.

The screw size is metric, 6mm x 30mm long.

[NTX_FJ]

I did just that last Fall with a FatCat 6. However, I attached the rear ski rack to the back round part of the factory rack--that way I only had to worry about the front one (attached to a crossbar) being stolen. I also put no head (allen wrench) bolts in the crossbar for the front rack.

Just a suggestion, it is very easy to load the ski rack standing on the rear bumper with the rear-most rack installed on the rear part of the factory rack (and not a crossbar). I also put my skis inside the FJ at night. It meant a little more work in the morning but I slept better knowing they were a little safer.

Btw, the FatCat 6 held 7 pairs of normal shaped skis.

[VP23271]

NTX_FJ previously said:

I did just that last Fall with a FatCat 6. However, I attached the rear ski rack to the back round part of the factory rack--that way I only had to worry about the front one (attached to a crossbar) being stolen. I also put no head (allen wrench) bolts in the crossbar for the front rack.

Just a suggestion, it is very easy to load the ski rack standing on the rear bumper with the rear-most rack installed on the rear part of the factory rack (and not a crossbar). I also put my skis inside the FJ at night. It meant a little more work in the morning but I slept better knowing they were a little safer.

Btw, the FatCat 6 held 7 pairs of normal shaped skis.

Thanks NTX_FJ, I actually just moved the rear rack last night to the same position as yours, except I mini/half racked my stock rack last week. Even with the Donahoe Lift and 33" tires, I am still able to park my FJ in the garage. If I can find button head torx screws I will post price and the manufacture. I took pictures and will try to post.

[VP23271]

Half/Mini Rack with Yakima Fat Cat 6 Snowboard/Ski Rack
(I am new, so I hope the attached pictures work)

[potatomutato]

i have the same set up and replaced the thumb screws as well. however, it's still very easy to rip off.

if i plan to leave them on for an extended period of time, i don't. i just take off the crossbars with the fat cats still attached and leave them in the garage. anyone with a hex key can rip those puppies off just as quickly as someone with thumbs.

the fat cats are cool as heck! good choice.

[daPitbull]

mini-me rack with yakima crossbars. You can attach any of the yakima stuff on without it being so high...