Remove luggage rack?

[sgraham602]

I've got to get all new seals for my '75 Westy. No idea how long it has been without seals (all the way around). I am looking at getting the full kit from Bus Depot. Their kit says that you don't have to remove the luggage rack to install the seals. I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to remove the luggage rack to see if there might be any 'cleaning up' that needs to be done?

Although...out of sight out of mind...I might not want to know whats under there!!

Thanks.
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What a long strange trip it's been.

[busdaddy]

If you are up for it do it, there's always a pile of pine needles or some other deposit stuck under there and often a few spots of rust that could use some attention. Pull the molding off the pop top opening and lower the headliner a little so you can get some PB blaster on the nuts now and give them a chance to soak while you contemplate the job.
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[vwwestyman]

I pulled mine off last week because I'm painting my pop top and going to install new seals.

(Got the Bus Depot kit for this, haven't tried fitting them yet but they do look nice.)

It wasn't difficult to pull. Four screws on the outside, and four bolts holding it down from the inside. You'll need to remove the screws holding the rear of the front headliner, and there will be two screws in the corners of the rubbery trim piece. That'll allow you to carefully bend the headliner down enough to access the nuts from below.

There are also a couple bits of foam under the rear corners that it would probably be good to replace.

Here's what I found when I pulled it:

I'd say pull it!
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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[notchboy]

Thats like sayin I think I wiped my ass good enough - right - if I don't look then that will do?

Remove it. If you find some rust then take care of it. But chances are high that you will find some crud.
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[sgraham602]