Hey Yotatech. I currently own a 91 Surf, with no factory roof system/channels. Im currently planning to rip off some rails from another vehicle and mount them ontop of the surf. I have a few questions for anyone else who has done this.

- Will rivets be strong enough? Or do i have to remove the headliner and bolt it down?
- I have a sunroof along with some interior lights. Will there be anything in the roof that might be in the way?

Thanks for any help that can be given!

 

Raised rails (like on mine in picture) or rail flat on the roof?
Many people have used "Riv-Nuts". However, I think bolting through the roof is more secure. I had easier time with my first-gen because it is very modular and easy to access behind (above) the headliner.
BTW, I suggest you think hard about how you plan to use the roof-rack. If planning to mount a very long item on top, I suggest doing the full-length of the roof. That'd be easier to do with a flat-rail.


Raised-Rail from Chevy Trailblazer transplanted to 1986 MoreFunner

 

Thanks for the input. I'm planning to put rails on that span the entire length of the roof and then mod a roof basket i have to have an opening for the sunroof. So i would be using a flatrail.

 

Cool. Easier to make full-length because you can simply 2 sets of same flat-rail.