Thread: Roof rails

So I know I said I was done messing with my Grand Prix for the most part... Well today I was at the junkyard and found these bad boys! It's a 40th Edition and it's in Rockford IL LKQ for anyone looking.

https://imgur.com/w2gyDG8

I guess I'll add this to the list. I still can't decide if I want to paint them black or the color of my car (The brown metallic color). Hopefully I can also get the old ones out without destroying them.

Nice find. I recently found a set on line searching Hollander.

I got my old ones out without destroying them by using an old plastic card/credit card and inserting it between the roof panel and rail. It worked really well separating the adhesive bonding the two together without scratching the paint.

So I do have a question about getting these painted and installed. I think I'm gonna go with the black since it fits my color scheme well.

I can paint them myself, but it has to be a one part paint because I don't have the equipment to paint two part paints safely. I can BC/CC them with automotive grade spray cans, I'm pretty good at spray painting. But I'm not sure if this will last in the elements. Maybe someone has done this?

Or should I ask a body shop to just hit them for me if I prep em? Would they just do that? I would also want them to not heat dry them since I know they can warp.

Also, how should I attach these? Should I be concerned with being able to peel them out later if necessary?

Originally Posted by gingerdude

So I do have a question about getting these painted and installed. I think I'm gonna go with the black since it fits my color scheme well.

I can paint them myself, but it has to be a one part paint because I don't have the equipment to paint two part paints safely. I can BC/CC them with automotive grade spray cans, I'm pretty good at spray painting. But I'm not sure if this will last in the elements. Maybe someone has done this?

Or should I ask a body shop to just hit them for me if I prep em? Would they just do that? I would also want them to not heat dry them since I know they can warp.

Also, how should I attach these? Should I be concerned with being able to peel them out later if necessary?

I did mine black with Duplicolor universal black, and some of their clear. Both single component aerosols. I ran short on clear and never polished them but the only thing anyone notices is "Those look ghey, what are they and why would you want them?". I say they are devil horns and help my distinguish my black GTP from all the other stock black GTPs in a parking lot.

My suggestion for you is to do like I did except use a catalyzed aerosol clearcoat. Available online or at parts and paint stores. The DC universal black is a bit browner than GM's WA8555 in strong sunlight but the difference isn't worth buying anything fancier. Spray that, then bust out the 2K clear and follow directions for lasting shine. As you'll see, without clear the black needs buffing for gloss.

I used 3M double face attachment tape, 1/2" wide. Get grey, just the small roll. Last but not least, your success depends heavily on surface preparation both with paint and tape. Take care to clean the roof gutter thoroughly, removing all residue with zero damage to the paint underneath. Not a bad idea to protect the adjacent areas with tape. Do not leave any old adhesive of any kind on the rails themselves, and clean everything like surgery prep. Solvent based wax and grease remover is preferred but rubbing alcohol will do in a pinch. Also be aware that they don't fit super tight and are slightly wiggleable even if installed perfectly. In order to tear one off, I had to flip my 40th. Walked the ditch and got it back though, so now they are on my black car.

So in conclusion- Spray the paint nice and don't rush it. A tack rag or dampened wipe of some sort can help it turn out trash free if used before and after the color coats. You can totally do this whole deal on a porch or wherever. Attachment tape is best if applied at room temperature. Do not stretch it, do not put layers. Peel the backing off the tape just a little at one end, stick that end in the right spot, then hold the rail up a little and peel the rest. Be ready to tuck the other end under the glass seal when you get there, and just stick it. Mash it down best you can with hands. Thats enough but the next time the roof is warm and sunny, re-mash them one good time. Then forget about them, you're good even if they still wiggle and you can see the edge of the tape some.

This Q comes up enough that I should probably save what I just wrote! Good luck.

Yeah I would like to use 2k clear but supposedly it's really bad to breathe or get any on you. I don't have a place where I can spray outside or the proper equipment at all, so I'm stuck either paying someone, or using just 1k. Are yours holding up with the 1k clear?

I found a paint shop that will BC/CC them black with 2k paint for $30! Basically they said drop them off and when they do a black car next they will spray em with what's leftover. It may be several days before they do a black car though.

Originally Posted by gingerdude

Yeah I would like to use 2k clear but supposedly it's really bad to breathe or get any on you. I don't have a place where I can spray outside or the proper equipment at all, so I'm stuck either paying someone, or using just 1k. Are yours holding up with the 1k clear?

Yes, they look the same as when painted, so far. Jump on the $30 thing. 1K paint is also bad for you to breathe.

Yeah the only difference is that I can get away with my respirator and gloves for 1k, whereas with 2k you're supposed to have a full suit and forced air mask.

Alright the rails are at the paint shop! Should have them by this weekend. I'm super stoked because I thought they were cool looking, but I didn't think I'd ever come across them.

I also stopped by another junk yard that had a Daytona Special Edition. It had only been there two days and all the parts were stripped. Trunk/Spoiler, Rails, and Hood. Plus some of the interior parts as well. It also had "SOLD" written on the window. Lol.

This is the test fit and they don't seem warped. I'm just using 3M Window Urethane. Anyone have some advice? Tick or thin bead? It seems like these won't seal rain out of this channel nearly as well, So I'm guessing I should probably make it so water can drain with a thinner line of sealant?

https://imgur.com/x9eWjCM
https://imgur.com/wXUlWhF

I'm going to tie a rope through the front and back windows and tighten it to keep them down as they cure.

Also, the card and hairdryer trick worked perfectly to gently remove the old moldings without damage.

https://imgur.com/ZHCoe9K

I'm going to get a cylindrical shipping box to store them in if I need to sell the car for some reason.

Got them on. Window urethane works very well if anyone is curious.