Removing Prinsu Rack

Has anyone removed their Prinsu rack before? It’s the drill version before they released their non drill version. It’s been on for about 6 years now. Any issues with removing it? What do I do with the holes that were drilled for the front mounting points? And the weatherstripping that had to be cut during original install?

 

What are you plans for the roof after the rack is removed?

 

Either go with the naked look or buy a used oem rack to put back on. Not sure what to do with the front holes.

 

Those will have to be patched and waterproofed somehow. Maybe ask a body shop what they would suggest. The good news is they will be covered by the new trim you can purchase from Toyota.

You'll have to remove the rack bolts carefully, back and forth between the two at each mount, without removing one all the way. You don't want to lose the bracket inside. If you go naked, Toyota sells a cover kit.

 

Similar question but for a different reason. I'm replacing my no-drill Prinsu with another rack. I used RTV in the holes, as one does. Any issues with just backing the bolts out normally? And do I need to somehow get all the old RTV out before installing new rack and using new RTV to seal?

 

Mostly depends on how long the rack you want to remove has been on there, seems to me. If you use the back and forth bolt removal method, there shouldn't be an issue.

As far as the RTV goes, not having replaced my rack, I don't have much to say about that, other than from what I've read, butyl tape works much better than RTV or silicone for waterproofing, as it stays pliable.

Good luck with the rack replacement!

 

Why does one need to go back and forth between the bolts when removing? Ohhhh is it to prevent the bracket inside the roof from spinning?

 

Exactly. If you remove one bolt completely, especially before even breaking the other bolt loose, there's a chance you could break loose the bracket on the inside. You don't want to have to remove the headliner to chase that bracket down.

 

Actually... that happened to me on the install of my current rack. Had to bring to dealer to have them remove headliner and install new bracket (stock one bent as well as spun). They did it for free, though.

 

how hard is it to drop the headliner? i lost one side of the brackets when taking my OEM rack off to put on a gobi. right now there is a bolt shoved in it with tons of silicone and the other bolt is fine. id like to remedy this situation sooner than later. wonder if the my dealer would actually help with this...

 

Worth a try lol, but they'll probably charge you if the new rack is already installed and silicone'd in.