ekim121

I'm looking into buying a first generation 4runner, but noticed that the yakima website says there isn't a fit for it to carry bikes on the roof. Is this true? Do any of you have a system on the top, and if so what components did you use? I have Q-towers and Control Towers already along with 48" bars...so perhaps I could use some of that...although I'd think some sort of permanent mount would be required for the shell. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

mtnfreak

I just posted this picture in another thread:

Yakima feet and bars. I believe the artificial rain gutter is from Yakima, too. You can see it sandwiched between the two pieces of riser material. Hidden below the feet are bolts that go straight through the fiberglass top. On the inside (sorry, no pictures, but can get some if needed) are ny-lock nuts with extra large washers.
I've been using this system for about 10 years now and haven't had a problem. I've had 300 lbs on the rack for cross-town trips and have put skis, boards and bikes up there for 1000 mile road trips. I grab onto one of the bars to help pull me up whenver I need access to the top of the truck or the rack itself.
Lots of people do it, but DO NOT trust the fiberglass rain gutters over the rear sliding windows. I've seen many of them broken.