Hey y'all, I have been lurking for some time, but now I have a real question: I just want to mount a simple roof rack I pulled off of a 95 Runner on to my 85 Runner. I noticed they used brass inserts to mount the rack to the METAL roof on the 95. What would be a secure way to mount the same rack to my FIBERGLASS roof on my 1st Gen.....Its not a "safari" style rack, I just want to tie down luggage, camping gear, ect,ect..
And I would rather not drill all the way through my roof if I can help it.
I have never tried to screw into fiberglass before, and I don't wanna ruin my baby. Any suggestions?

 

You could get a Thule rack system that will mount via the rain gutter on the sides. Much easier than drilling, that's for sure.

 

Naw, this is my 2nd cover for my 4-Runner, the 1st one had a broken gutter from a similar roof rack. I just want to mount the one I have directly to my cover without causing major damage.

 

the thule and yakima roof racks come with fake metal rain gutters that you bolt to the fiberglass roof. that way you don't break off the fiberglass gutters.

other than that, if you really want to drill into the top of the roof, just make sure you use reall big washers when you attach the rack so that you spread out the force.

 

You might want to look into the type of "lumber rack" that bolts under a camper shell. I'd like to think they could do the same under our fiberglass shells. I've seen a local 1st gen with the thule bolt-on raingutters and they look well constructed. If you're scared to drill in to it yourself you could always have a shop (rei might, sports rack outfitters do) do it.... then you have someone to pay for a replacement if it gets ruined!

 

I heard of a few people saying they had problems with the rain gutters so when I mount my rack I am going to drill through the top. I used this method on my Leer cap with no problems, to help spread the load and forces on any one hole use a piece of angle iron to connect each of the bolts(I am using three per side) on the inside of the cap...this will greatly reduce the stress on the holes. Also use plenty of high quality silicone and only drill the holes just big enough for the bolt to get through.

 

Well I guess I'm Drilling through my roof after all, Thanx for all the input guys !!