Another Roof Rack Mod Question

sierra710 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-25-2012, 09:27 PM

Hello newbie here, I recently got a 2002 Frontier XE, the roof rack does not seem like the typical tubular OEM type that most come with. I am trying to figure out if this is OEM, or some mod that someone has done. I have searched on internet and have not found much of anything with a rack similar to this.

https://skydrive.live.com/?sc=photos...6B03B3482B!441

the second part of my question, if this is an OEM nissan rack, can it be easily swapped with the typical tubular OEM type rack?

I don't care for the load bars with this rack, and am trying to decide if I want to get the thule rack footers 450XT to work with the Thule load bars, or if it is easily possible to switch this roof rack with the typical nissan OEM tubular rack, so that I can mount my thule load bars. By easily possible, I mean I am not sure if the holes drilled in the roof match up with the same hardware/brackets with the tubular OEM rack.

thanks in advance ! mark

fangars · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 03:24 PM

Those look like spoiler "wings" off of a small car.

sierra710 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 07:11 PM

yeah, how bout it. they are next to useless. I am afraid to peel back the ceiling lining in the cab...I may take a stab at it this weekend just to find out.

noob · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2012, 07:50 PM

Who cares if those look flimsy ...if you need better ones both yakima and thule makes "towers" and crossbars, the important thing is that the rail/chanel is there .

sierra710 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-28-2012, 05:51 PM

Yeah, I am not sure what type of rack this. However, the load bars / cross bars are not good like Thule, especially for really torqueing down tie downs for boats. Moreover, I have all thule attachments for other stuff like snowboards.

I have learned that Thule and Yakima both do make feet for track rail systems. so, I can just get the Thule feet, and use my Thule load bars and other attachments. its just not clear to me what brand this rack is, and if the rail system dimensions are standard across Thule racks. I will have to call Thule to confirm.

Essentially I will do what this guy did:
Nissan Frontier Bare Roof Rack Installation