Yakima Rack Issue -Westy-Thoughts?

[DeMinimis]

Hey all:

Finally got around to installing my Yakima Racks on my Westy. Same 1A towers with extensions I've been using since '89. I installed the Kwik Rails a little better than half the way up the sides from the bottom of the indented areas along the sides of a Westy top (if that makes any sense). In a nutshell, the retaining pins and associated and tabs on the back side of the 1A towers are slightly above the top of the Westy shell. Here's the rub, litterally, when I tighten the towers, the clip on the backside of the towers makes contact with the Westy shell. I've installed the plastic dohickies on the clips needed for tight places, but its not enough. Can't quite get the towers tight enough because of the clearance issues, and don't want to damage the top either. Not about to drill new holes and move the towers even higher (frankly, they are damn high right now). Also, hate to go out an buy the wider Kwik Rails, if I can help it. So, PDXWesty and others with Yakima racks, got any other ideas? Thanks.
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Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[backcountrymedic]

Ummm... I'm not quite picturing what you're saying. Can you post any pics?

I have Yakima racks mounted on my Westy's top, in the same location as yours. I didn't use the tower extensions though (didn't need 'em).

Does this help?

-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[DeMinimis]

I went lower with my mounts. Like PDXwesty, I used the extensions so as to not affect the operation of the roof vent. On the other hand, because of the extensions, I mounted them lower and now have clearance issues with the sides of the westy shell. It didn't even dawn on me that I'd have those issues. When I first used Kwik Rails and 1A towers, it was on a 4Runner, but now that I try to remember way back when, those rails were mounted higher in relation to the top. Damn. Looks like I'll be buying a new set of the wider rails, if they even make those any more. I'm such a dumba$$.
_________________
Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[DeMinimis]

The first thing I noticed in this picture was the location of PDXWesty's Kwik Rails. I've gone with two cross bars at present (will probably add a third later). My rails are mounted in roughly the same location as PDXwesty's front two sets of rails.

_________________
Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[DeMinimis]

ok, figured it out. PDX used the wider rails. I have the narrow ones. Guess I'm buying new rails.

_________________
Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[backcountrymedic]

New rails is a lot better option than re-drilling. Man it freaked me out the day I did that

-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[DeMinimis]

Damn, anyone want to buy four new (well, new as late as last night) Kwik rails?

Here are the ones I'll now need:

_________________
Yes Virginia, beer can make you smarter.

'78 SB CEII In Progress.

[backcountrymedic]

One word... ebay!
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[tds3pete]

I just installed the wide rails and there is another advantage....you can drill a hole in the horizontal lip and ithey can then be used as a tie downs for something on the top.

I also liked the wide version because they have four bolts each instead of two. I backed them up with 1/4" alum plates on the inside for more strength.

Good luck
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'58 Westy camper-come and gone
'73 Westy-bought new in Holland,now gone
'86 Syncro weekender-come and gone
'79 Westy...Oscar
'95 Eurovan Camper/5 spd...Marsha Mellow

[AMERI-SWISS]

OUCH, it always breaks my heart to see that (also my worst nightmare that some jackas* sending a text message while driving smashes into my bus) was it fixable?
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I guess that makes me a Swissicain