Rack Pads

Looking for 2 pads for my roof rack for the cross members... So I can put my surfboard, lumber on top without scraping the hell out of my beatifull powder coated rack!! Also I've seen small pads that would work, But looking for 2 that will fit completely across the 2 bars, Sure I could make some, BUT%$#@, LaZY anything out there friends??
ALOHA

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My only solution.. look up mechanical insulation.. look for armaflex.. foam pipe insulation.. you can get it preformed to match the dia. of the crossbars.. and in thicknesses from 3/8" to 1". A few tie wraps or velcro straps and you are in business.

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member of http://www.soxc.org
http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk

I know you don't want to make them but if you used some of those floatation noodles that kids use in pools, you could probably match the color of your X.

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i was thinking of the same thing, some pad to protect the cross members. home depot has pipe insulator made out of a foam rubber type material that can be used for this. its black in color and kept near the duct work. check it out.

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Silver Ice Xterra Xe
4x4 auto 3pk

That is basically the armaflex I mentioned ( cheap version usually ) you can get it in matching diameter to it will cover the crossbar totally.. & give it a neat look..

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member of http://www.soxc.org
http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk

As a surfer in SoCal, I am having the same problem finding a good rack system. I have low clearance in my garage, so I cannot install a standard Thule or Yakima system. Regular surf cross bar pads do not fit, and even the oversized windsurfer pads do not wrap around nicely. I am going to try a couple other ideas in the next few weeks; I will share any solutions with you.

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Here is what I did. I had some left over ski protector. This is a clear laminate that goes on the top of the ski. It protects the finish from scratches and is weather proof to boot. Mnay other sharp edges of skiis have crossed across the tops of my skiis with no ill rsults.
The stuff I had came in 5 inch widths, which was enough to wrap around the top and the front edge. This way the wind will not peel it back. I have had 2X4s and skiis up there and no scratches.
I doubt, however, that you will find this stuff in Hawaii.

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2001 Silver Ice XE automatic 4X4

Why not just use an old towel between the boards and bars when you're hauling the boards around?

Yeah, low-tech is great. Too many folks overthink things instead of improvising.

Brent

Hey Aloha, try calling some surf shops here on Oahu, I've seen Xterras with the pads you are talking about and they are even branded with the surf shop they come from. I'm sorry I don't remember the store name but I will keep my eye out for them. Maybe HIC or Locomotion?
Good Luck!

Here's what I did:
Walmart/Target/Kmart all sell "toolbox liners". The material these liners are made out of is an extremely durable rubber mesh. It comes in long sheets (approx. 15" X 10'). Anyway. I tried to tear apart the material and I couldn't do it, so I knew it could withstand anything else I could throw at it. Plus it's only like $8 a roll. I bought one roll and wrapped both of crossbars with it. I wrapped them VERY tight and secured them with about 8 of those plastic straps (I can't think of their name, but they are the pieces of plastic that wrap around something and feed back into itself. What the hell are they called... anyway, you get the point) I've had these on there for several months without a problem. I mainly use them for carrying lumber so that I don't damage the crossbars.
Hope this helps.

zip ties

Jake, that's a good idea. I've seen that stuff before. Sounds like a good way to keep my spare from slipping off the crossbars when I'm 'wheeling.

Brent

wow, i posted this about 7 months ago... and still getting responses.... not many message boards can say that!
As too the Rack Pads.. Found some Rack Pads made specifically for the X, They fit over the cross bars puurrfectly from end to end.. The logo on them says EXTREME SPORTS MAUI... I'll post some pics ASAP.. K aloha

I just upped the photos to photopoint..now what?? can someone tell me how to get them to open up here.. thanks

[ 09-18-2001: Message edited by: AlohaXterra ]

I used 3" PVC insulation, gray color. For my surfboard rack. It fits fairly good around the crossbars. I still have not come up with a good strap system to tie my surfboards down. Bungies seem ok but I'm still a bit uncomfortable with them since the smaller versions seem to pop out from the hook part. What do you guys use for straps and how do you attach them to the rack. Notice there is no loops or holes in the rack its self.

I use my regular tie-downs.. Although i've put some scrapes up on top becouse of them... But they work.. wish Nissan would have thought about us surfers more.. oh welll this works fine i guess.

I use rope and rope ratchets. They can be found at most hardware stores.They don't loosen up until you want them to.

I windsurf and had the same pad problem and used those foam/rubber cylinders that you put your pop cans in to to insult. Those things fit perfict once you take off the bottom.
They work great for holding your masts togther as well and protecting the mast from the rack. I will try posting picture within the next few days if some one is interested.
here is the pad

i use
these


and loop them around the rack on each side, so essentially the strap crosses my board twice. they're cheap, and the buckle sits flat on the board.

i found them at lowe's for about $3 each.