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Old 05-04-2018, 09:31 AM   #1
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Roof rack track install on penthouse

I'm about to drill into my top and install Yakima tracks and roof rack. When drill from the bottom to get started can I use the fabric as a guide? Meaning if I go off of both sides of the fabric will the tracks be even? My top isn't exactly square to the van. I've searched the forums for a few weeks but can't find and answer to my question.

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Old 05-04-2018, 09:35 AM   #2
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Not sure I'd approach it that way. I think your best bet is to line up the track the way you want it from the top and and carefully drill pilot holes.
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Old 05-04-2018, 09:45 AM   #3
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Not sure I'd approach it that way. I think your best bet is to line up the track the way you want it from the top and and carefully drill pilot holes.
I was going off of John Kalmbach's instructions
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ement-899.html
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Old 05-04-2018, 09:45 AM   #4
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If there's a better/easier way I'm all ears
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Old 05-04-2018, 09:46 AM   #5
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This thread from way back is how SMB West does it for both Yak and Thule racks. http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ement-899.html

Personally I hated the Yakima system on top of my van and using the same holes for the Yak tracks I mounted the Eezi Awn system and their low profile aluminum rack. Came out pretty sweet.
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Old 05-04-2018, 09:52 AM   #6
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This thread from way back is how SMB West does it for both Yak and Thule racks. http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ement-899.html

Personally I hated the Yakima system on top of my van and using the same holes for the Yak tracks I mounted the Eezi Awn system and their low profile aluminum rack. Came out pretty sweet.
my link is the same
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Old 05-04-2018, 09:58 AM   #7
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my link is the same
\
Duh My bad. I'm getting too used to the forum vampires that can't seem to manage the search function.

I still have the Yakima tracks, bars, and towers if you haven't purchased it yet. I'd ship it out for a screaming deal if you want it.

Seemed to me the danger zone was toward the back. That's where you run out of space for the drilled hole between the canvas and where you run out of flat space on the top.
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Old 05-04-2018, 10:04 AM   #8
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Duh My bad. I'm getting too used to the forum vampires that can't seem to manage the search function.

I still have the Yakima tracks, bars, and towers if you haven't purchased it yet. I'd ship it out for a screaming deal if you want it.

Seemed to me the danger zone was toward the back. That's where you run out of space for the drilled hole between the canvas and where you run out of flat space on the top.
When using this method did everything come out perpendicular?
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Old 05-04-2018, 10:17 AM   #9
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When using this method did everything come out perpendicular?
Yes, but SMB did the install. I'm the 3rd owner. So the rails are parallel but I noticed that the holes were not. The holes are pre-drilled on the Yak tracks which meant my tracks did not start and end and the same place, not that I ever noticed since I just had a set of towers which can go anywhere along the tracks.
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Old 05-04-2018, 10:27 AM   #10
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I have Yakima/Thule tracks that were installed on my EB350 by SMB Austin.

They are not parallel their whole length. They taper towards the back just like the top does.

Once the bars are up there you may or may not need to adjust forward or backwards. I haven't touched mine just like I've never touched mine on the dozen cars or so that have had bars. I just put stuff on and off.

John's instructions are great I would follow them.
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