I added the OEM roof rails to my 1958 this afternoon. Install took about an hour. I got the rails used from a forum members, and since the foam/mastic on the contact points around the bolt holes is supposed to be single-use, I put black RTV silicone around them and on the bolt threads. Hoping it stays nice and waterproof. Did the same on an OEM Tacoma rack and never had a problem. Once the silicone cures, I'll be throwing on Thule Wingbars / Rapid Crossroad feet (the kind with the rubber coated steel straps for raised rails).
Adding/removing roof rails
- Thread starter Draper
- Start date
Looks great! I'm looking to add roof rails to a 1958 as well. Were you able to figure out the correct part number?
Added rails to my 58 today. The utility is obvious as i may occasionally throw a cargo box/bag up there, though i’m not sure i’m a fan of the look. I mean the truck looks amazing either way, i but think i may prefer the wagon aesthetic. That said, the rails go off and on reasonably fast, so maybe i just put them on when i’m going to use a box. Hmmmm…
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I'm looking for OEM roof rails for my 1958 as well. Did you buy these from an existing owner or order them new? If you ordered them, would you mind sharing a link or part number?
Existing owner take offs. They pop up here fairly often, just gotta keep your eyes peeled and be quick on the DM
I am curious if it is possible to move the front mounting feet further forward on the roof. I believe there is another set of mounting holes in the drain channel. If so, then you could possibly find another rail from another model (Maybe 5th gen 4runner) that is longer and has a similar profile to make a full length OEM looking roof rack. Another set of middle mounts could also be used where the front mounting feet are. That is all I need, it is helpful to have kayaks further forward on the roof to avoid having the rear door hit them. I have seen people break their spoilers and rear lights when they collide. For 1958 models it makes sense to have a full length rack. It may seem like a lot of trouble but spending over a $1000 on a modular aluminum roof rack like Prinsu, etc.. does not appeal to me. I don't like the look of them and they make it very difficult to clean the roof of gravel and sand that inevitably falls off the bottom of kayaks.
My used rails just arrived. I hope I don’t get buyer’s remorse! But even before I bought the car I’ve felt like the 1958 looked unfinished without steps/boards and rails.
Yours look great either way in these pics.
Anyone add GX rails? I’m thinking of getting the low profile black ones for the 58, I’d only use them occasionally for road trips for a rooftop box and maintain the clean wagon esthetic and shouldn’t cause any noise or MPG hit.
Does anyone know the torque spec for the bolts on the roof rack? I am swapping one on to my 1958 and don't want to over torque the bolts.
Sounds like we've got similar problems... I used to have a full sized roof rack on my old 4runner that I used to carry my kayaks
Like you mentioned, the cleaning is annoying and cumbersome, and usually after a long fishing trip and taking the kayak on/off, the last thing you want to do is scrub the roof down... plus, this LC is taller than the old 5th gen, so gotta reach even higher to get the yak on
Check out Harbor Freight, they make a foldable trailer that's only about $400. Sooo much cheaper than those "kayak trailers" they sell for thousands. All you need to do on that Harbor Freight trailer is to replace the oem tires and your good to go. They even offer a 25% off coupon a couple times a year, makes that trailer a real bargain
