Retro fitment of roof rails

[Big Red]

I've aquired a pair of Disco standard roof rails which I would like to fit to my series 1 Disco which left the factory without rails fitted. Has anyone done this before, or does anyone know whether they can be retro-fitted to my Disco without too much difficulty?

I noticed on the scrap vehicle from which I removed them, that just below the holes in the roof there were recessed steel reinforcing plates which receive and support the base of the rail, and through which the threaded stud passes.

Before I start disturbing the interior plastic trim and (un-sagging) roof lining, can anyone tell me whether my Disco will already have the reinforcing plates built in to receive roof rails?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Big Red.

[Matt_H]

If it's bonded to the roof then they should be there already.  I can't see them dong do production runs on the body shell..

You do know it's a big job removing the head lining don't you?  There's an awful lot of trim to come off.  I chickened out removing mine to do the roof aerial and did it directly above the rear interior light!


I would offer to give you some big plates to reinforce it but you are a little far away!  Unless that is Dubai Basingstoke!

Matthew

[Big Red]

Thanks for that Matthew,

I know that removing & replacing the head lining is a big enough job on it's own, and am doubtful whether I've got the courage to cut holes in the roof - all of which could go horribly wrong!!

I don't actually need roof bars anyway, just think they improve the looks, so perhaps I'll forget my idea and stick to enjoying my Disco doing some dune and wadi bashing in the desert.

Regards,
Big Red.

[Matt_H]

measure twice, cut once.. as someone wise once said..

Never do anything when you are tired.  Great advise but I often finish a job when I'm tired and mess the last bit up :-(

If you do decide to fit the rails, use the rail as a template, draw around the foot of the rail onto the roof. Use a piece of cardboard the shape of the foot and make a hole in it where the bolt hole goes, then use the card to drill through the roof from the outside.  If it all goes horribly wrong use a large bolt and washer to fill the hole.

Matthew