Bike rack on roof, how to protect the paint? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zeronero · #1 11-10-2003, 11:28 PM

I'm about to put my Yakima bike rack on the roof of my car and am wondering how to do it without ruining the paint. I had one on my Acura Legend and the paint rubs off where the rack sits, even though there are rubber seals. I plan on leaving the rack on a while. The only thing that I can think of it that clear plastic stuff for protecting against rocks.

ksing44 · #2 11-11-2003, 07:52 AM

Get a Draw-tite receiver trailer hitch so you can place the bike rack in the hitch. The rack slides into the hitch in just a second and it works great. You don't have to have the rack on when you don't want it. I don’t think you should put a bike rack on the top of your car and you certainly don’t want to drive around with the rack on all of the time.

http://www.draw-tite.com/

ksing44 · #3 11-11-2003, 07:56 AM

You never even notice the hitch is there until you slide in the bike rack.

http://www.draw-tite.com/

jcyuhn · #4 11-11-2003, 09:57 AM

Check the Yakima fitment catalog at your local cycling store. I think it recommends not leaving the rack on a 124 Mercedes because it interferes with the doors. I could be wrong about which chassis, but I think it's the 124.

I used a similar Yakima rack with big rubber feet on both my old Ford and 123 sedan. Best suggestion is to wax the heck out of the area under the feet just before installing it. You'll still get a bit of wear, but it should clean up easily enough with a product such as Meguirs #7 or #9 after removing the rack. The Mercedes paint is much tougher than the Acura paint, so the damage will be less.

My solution was to buy a 124 wagon. Got new mounts for the Yakima which attach it to the roof rails. Only way to go - nothing touches the paint, nothing interferes with the door seals.

- JimY

placo1 · #5 11-11-2003, 11:32 AM

Any roof rack unless mounted to a luggage rack will leave a haze on your paint. The receiver racks are definitely the best way to carrie bikes and prevent damage to your car but then you'll have to add a receiver hitch.

If you already have the rack and plan on leaving it on the car through the winter you can purchase some 3M Clear Bra from Griots or other online sources. This will protect your paint and can be removed in the spring. Watch for damage to the upper door sear if the Feet wrap around to the door.

zeronero · #6 11-11-2003, 09:30 PM

I already have the rack, it's the one from the Acura. All I need to buy are some new mounting plates that are like $50. The rack shouldn't ruin the seals for the door so that's not a problem. Guess that 3M stuff will work, I'll just cut it into small squares.

#7 11-12-2003, 06:39 PM

ive used the clear stuff on several leading edges (fairing) on one of my sportbikes, and it worked great. easy to work with, comes off easily, protects well, as doesnt look too bad.

i usually applied a heavy coat of wax to the area just prior to application, and have never had any ill effects from the plastic.

i would think it would be far better than rubber on paint.