Off Topic cross bars

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Off Topic cross bars

steve gray

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Hi Need help with which roof cross bars to buy for a 2013 Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy and is it possible to fit Universal bars
 
There are several previous posts on here which will give you the answers.. Did you look back at them?

You'll spot in those earlier threads that if you buy kits from the likes of Thule (the 'best' brand for roof bars), that the genuine Fiat part is actually cheaper, but in fact made by Thule.

The websites of most roofer/towbar companies will answer what parts you need to fit your car - it really depends on budget. The Fiat bars are about £140. Cheap universal bars can be as little as £30 - but I'd not want to put my trust on something that cheap carrying a load at speed.

You might look here: https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii...anda-lounge-65-plate.html?478021=#post4512950

Halfords website lets you choose the model and then shows their available options: https://www.halfords.com/motoring/roof-bars-roof-boxes/roof-bars/?isVrnSearch=true

Or a roof rack specialist: eg https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel3.php?emulate=roofbar&query=7970

On my car (a 4x4 which has the 'flush fit' Fiat longitudinal bars), I have the genuine Fiat roof cross bars. They are very strong, very quiet at speed, fit perfectly, look good, and were bought from a Fiat dealer but via eBay for about £120 (much less than their list price). They are made by Thule. Fiat also sell the near-identical cross baar for Pandas which don't already have the roof rails.
 
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Couple of snaps taken at some point that show the genuine Fiat bars on the roof. A section of the rubber strip is missing from the top edge because that's where the Thule bike rack slides in (another advantage of the Fiat bars being Thule is they use the standard T-bolt system for all the 'carrying accessories'). The end caps lock everything in place. Because the ends don't protrude beyond the supports (in addition to the wing-like profile) they stay quiet.
 

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Can confirm that the Thule Aero bars like these are very quiet indeed. Put them on for the first time (have been in the roof of the garage for a couple of years since buying off someone on here) to collect the Christmas tree and haven't taken them off as they don't make a noise. Am now considering a Bike Rack option for them too.
 
I have the cheapo Thule square bars on my Cross. They are extremely robust, but they whistle like a scaffolder.

I use the Fiat bars on our both our 312's and they whistle quite well too. Its a low pitch and not too intrusive, but there is no way they stay on when not in use. They are easy to use so its easy to live with.
 
Are theas holes anything to do with the cross bars on my 2013 panda easy
 
Are theas holes anything to do with the cross bars on my 2013 panda easy

Those holes covered by the plastic covers are where the screws are that fix your existing roof rails to the car. They are not used to fit the cross rails, but, when the cross rails are fitted they cover those screws so no one can nick the whole lot with a screwdriver (actually Torx driver...). The pairs of indentations in the sides of the rails are where the genuine Fiat (and also Thule with 'foot pack') rails locate to (1) ensure they are in the correct place to spread the load on the bodyshell and (2) to stop the cross rails sliding along. If you look at the second photo in my post above, you might make out at the far side of the car where those cross bar 'pegs' are that locate in those holes.

If you choose any 'quality brand' of bar, they should have the pegs to locate in those holes - https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel3.php?emulate=roofbar&query=7970
 
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Those holes covered by the plastic covers are where the screws are that fix your existing roof rails to the car. They are not used to fit the cross rails, but, when the cross rails are fitted they cover those screws so no one can nick the whole lot with a screwdriver (actually Torx driver...). The pairs of indentations in the sides of the rails are where the genuine Fiat (and also Thule with 'foot pack') rails locate to (1) ensure they are in the correct place to spread the load on the bodyshell and (2) to stop the cross rails sliding along. If you look at the second photo in my post above, you might make out at the far side of the car where those cross bar 'pegs' are that locate in those holes.

If you choose any 'quality brand' of bar, they should have the pegs to locate in those holes - https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel3.php?emulate=roofbar&query=7970
Thanks for this information it's been a great help ive now order my new cross bars
 
Good to know that you were able to find a cross bar. I recently found a good aftermarket place for roof rack and other accessories. I got my roof rack from 4wheelOnline last February. It was cost-effective and easy to install so I'm satisfied with what I got.
 
Anyone got a Thule Ranger roof bag in use on a Panda? I would prefer it to a box. I have a reply from Thule but its a bit technical. I just was looking for a yes / no as to whether it fits. It can fit to all the standard Thule barS as far as I can see.
 
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