(G) Croma roof rails

Hi, is it possible to "easily" remove factory fitted roofrails from a scrap Croma and fit them onto one which doesn't have them fitted - ie mine! Or is it a case of they are manufactured in place and the roof lining would have to come out for instance?

thanks

I think they're an external fit... but not found a scrapped Croma to investigate. New from fiat with all the alternative trim you're around £500.

As I understand it the roof rails were a dealer fit option. This means any cars ordered with them were fitted post manufacture. this means that you should be able to fit the ones off the scrap car.

Make sure you save every nut, bolt and washer during the removal.

I fitted them to my Croma. No problem at all. The only part I had to modify was the 2 long covers (aluminium) witch takes a little skill. The only reason for this was not to by the parts as the have to be painted.

Thanks for the replies - academic now as the scrappy had sold the roof bars! Not that I need them, they just look good!

The buyer was probably someone on here, prompted by your post. Who was it then?

I've got them on mine. They're useful for hanging onto when washing the roof. Otherwise they serve no purpose for me. They are auto-jewellery I suppose.

Hi everyone,

I know this is very old post, but I have problem. I want to paint my roof rails but I don't see how to remove. Please if someone has experience to help me, any suggestion, pictures. Thanks

Best regards,
Darko

Pull the front and back caps off by hand (upwards I think). They're just plastic. Pull the plastic cover off the outer face of the centre support (I found a plastic bike tyre lever got it off without marking it, or be gentle with a wide screwdriver.

After that, just undo all the allen key bolts. Remember which ones go where - I think there are bigger ones for the ends, smaller in the middle.

If you have the sunroof, it's a good opportunity to clean out and lube the rails. The plastic trim just pulls off after getting the rails off. You need to take out the little metal clips that will be left attached to the car and clip them back onto the trim before re-attaching. There are two sizes - black and silver. One is for the larger plastic tabs, the other the smaller ones, I forget which way round.

The trim and rubber seal for the sunroof is a bit of an art to refit - you need to ensure the rubber is just in the right place so it doesn't leave a gap or bunch up at either the front or back.

Hi Doofer,

Thanks for explanation. You done that already? You said that can remove end caps by hand?

Darko

Yes, just wiggle gently towards the front and back of the car and pull upwards. Then just push back on (down) when you've done.

Dear Doofer,

I tried but can't remove. Please can you give me any ilustration how to remove rails. Thanks a lot.

Darko

To get the caps off just grab it with your hand and wiggle and pull:

Perhaps yours is stiffer than mine, as mine was pulled apart by the garage a couple of years ago. If you can't get anywhere let me know and I'll pull mine off and take some pictures/look for any clips etc.

Hi Doofer,

Thanks a lot for all, I tried again but hard. If you can make more picture or clip, it will be very nice. I know it is big job for you and will spend you a lots of time.

Best regards,
Darko

every time this thread gets back to the top, i get sad because i have no roof rails

You're not missing much. Mine are starting to look a bit weathered these days - the ends as shown in the photo are just painted plastic, and they're turning a bit grey.

The only thing I find them useful for is when I can't be bothered to open the door, I just open the windows with the fob, vault in the air, grab the rail and elegantly swing through the window, landing perfectly in the drivers seat. Honest.

You're probably getting better mpg by not having them too.

I'll be popping out later to change the headlight bulbs. I'll have a look at them and see if there are any clips or anything.