Rubber underneath roof rack rails on Caprice wagon

Discussion in 'Cosmetic & Restoration' started by Spartan, Sep 25, 2022.

  1. Spartan

    Spartan Active Member

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    I was washing my 83 Caprice wagon and noticed that the rubber (plastic?) pieces underneath the roof rack rails are starting to crumble away. Before I remove any of these strips to see what is going on underneath (and cause potential leaks) has anyone come up with any replacement solutions?

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  2. Spartan

    Spartan Active Member

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    I found an eBay auction for an entire roof rack, and according to the description, those pieces are plastic:
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    I predict removing my rails will make the problem exponentially worse.
     
  3. Darcane

    Darcane Well-Known Member

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  4. Spartan

    Spartan Active Member

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    Interesting... I think the best solution would be some kind of thick rubber strips. Although I don't how the screws are attached to the roof -- i.e. if there is a nut on the underside, or where the threads are. I have no leaks (that I know of) so I think I'll leave well enough alone for now.
     
  5. Steve-E-D

    Steve-E-D Well-Known Member

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    My roof rails were just attached with sheet metal screws. I reinstalled them with a blob of silicone goop at each screw.

    That set on ebay is exactly what mine looked like. Flexible plastic, maybe polypropylene?
     
  6. kevdupuis

    kevdupuis Membrane

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    I would lean to the gaskets being an ABS blend to give them a degree of flexibility and durability, the material initials should be moulded right into the gaskets, PP, ABS, ABS-PC.
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2022
  7. Steve-E-D

    Steve-E-D Well-Known Member

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    The Resin Identification Code standard didn't start until 1988 but took years to become widely used.
    I would guess them to either be PP or more likely HDPE.
     

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