Fitting Roof Rails to a D3

[DoctorJ]

I noticed this week that Epic was wondering how to Fit the 3/4 roof rails on a D3 and as I was putting them on this week I thought I would document it and create a thread so others could find out how easy it is. First of all let me just add that I am useless when it comes down to using a spanner, thank god my brother is a mechanic. So if I can do it anyone can!!!

First of all remove the plastic strip to reveal the channel. I found just using a screwdriver at the windscreen end did the job and once its slightly off it will just pull up and off.
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This will reveal the channel which will have screwholes that have rubber plugs inserted, these need to be removed and can be quite the :censored: to remove, I found using a pair of pliers and pushing in from either side allowed me to grip them enough to pull out, others may have different methods. These can be just thrown out.
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Next step is to cut the plastic strip that we removed at the start down, I found it easy just using a hacksaw. Measure from the rear of the plastic strip 1525mm and cut away. You will be using the front portion as the rear can be disposed of as it is not needed once the rails are on.
50006

[DoctorJ]

You will then need to attach the front portion of the cut plastic back to the vehicle, ensure you press firmly to make sure its secure.
50007
The next step is to add the rail on, each rail is marked L or R on the bottom of the rail so make sure you have the correct one. Line up the screws that are attached to the rails with the holes uncovered from the plugs removed earlier, you need to ensure that the rubber strip on the bottom of the rail is in the channel, I found the easiest way to do this was to get the far side in first and lower the rail in.
50008
Once on properly you can tighten the screws with the appropriately sized allen key
50009
Ensure that it is on properly and correctly alligned and cover the screws with the caps provided
50010

DO NOT ADD ANY WEIGHT TO THE RAILS FOR ANOTHER 8 HOURS AS PER OEM INSTRUCTIONS.

I'm pretty sure that it is it, hopefully this helps others who may be attempting this very easy mod.

Cheers
Julian

[Epic]

Thanks for this Julian. I got the instructions off 'topix' and it looked straight forward. Where did you get the rails from?

[DoctorJ]

I got them off Melbourne City Land Rover, it took about a week to come over from Engand, can't remember the cost I think around the $250 mark.

Cheers
Julian

[Epic]

$250?! The dealer in Adelaide quoted me something like $900! I'll have to call Melbourne City Land Rover tomorrow.

[DoctorJ]

I'll check 2moro and let you know exactly that's a disgrace!

Cheers
Julian

[DoctorJ]

Gday Epic just had a check and they were $420 part # cab500120pvj my only thought was they are also adding the crossbars in which probably would take it up to $900

Good luck

Cheers
Julian

[AnD3rew]

Do you need these tracks installed before you can fit a rhino rack? Or do they have their own fittings?

[DoctorJ]

G'day And3rew yeah you need to put the rails on before you put the rhino racks on otherwise there is nothing to attach to.

Cheers
Julian

[stray dingo]

or if you don't want to install the rails for the roof rack, you can go with Prorack Whispbar which have feet that screw into the existing roof mounting holes. Still have the same look and weight capacity (or more if going with the HD rails like I did) as Rhino

[Epic]

I'm ordering the rails from the UK. Cheaper than anyone in OZ.

I'm not sure if I should go the LR cross rails (sport style rack) or either Thule or Rhino.

Can anyone tell me who makes the LR set? I'm curious to know what bike rack will fit up there until I figure out my tow hitch rack set up.

I'm also considering the benefits of a bar that overhangs the rails a little for ease of loading bits and pieces etc. (Rhino/Thule)

I'm picking up the car on Monday next week so pretty excited.

[DoctorJ]

I'm ordering the rails from the UK. Cheaper than anyone in OZ.

I'm not sure if I should go the LR cross rails (sport style rack) or either Thule or Rhino.

Can anyone tell me who makes the LR set? I'm curious to know what bike rack will fit up there until I figure out my tow hitch rack set up.

I'm also considering the benefits of a bar that overhangs the rails a little for ease of loading bits and pieces etc. (Rhino/Thule)

I'm picking up the car on Monday next week so pretty excited.

G'day Epic I was initially going to go for the sports style racks but after putting the rails on realized that it doesn't offer much room, it also minimizes the accessories you can add eg awning or shovel holder so I ended up going with the rhino rack option that overhangs (aero bar) gives a lot more options although it doesn't look as good.

Good luck with your new car you'll love it!

Cheers
Julian

[rufusking]

I ordered my D4 with the long tracks. This gives 1.8m between front and rear bars so reducing any overhang on long things. I didn't go for the LR cross bars but went for Rhino Aero bars in black (1375mm). An upside is if you use the additional spacer blocks it lifts the cross bars so you can open the tailgate without hitting whatever long is on the roof (kayak, 4x2, MDF sheets etc.) The multi holder from Rhino is super handy easy to fit on and off and carry long fishing rods, conduit etc. Check them out. The shovel holder clamps can be fitted to the underside of the overhang leaving the top free. I find putting the shovel head at the front works best, more clearance.

[jspyle]

I fitted the Whispbar ProRack S17 to the Discovery 3 recently.
I am still deciding the final position but they work where they are.
Very quiet, took all the previous Rhino Rack accessories that i had.
I know you like a picture. Here goes.
You can also see the onglass antenna in this one. I slipped when i was placing it and thus it doesn't quite line up.

[landoman]

You will then need to attach the front portion of the cut plastic back to the vehicle, ensure you press firmly to make sure its secure.
50007
The next step is to add the rail on, each rail is marked L or R on the bottom of the rail so make sure you have the correct one. Line up the screws that are attached to the rails with the holes uncovered from the plugs removed earlier, you need to ensure that the rubber strip on the bottom of the rail is in the channel, I found the easiest way to do this was to get the far side in first and lower the rail in.
50008
Once on properly you can tighten the screws with the appropriately sized allen key
50009
Ensure that it is on properly and correctly alligned and cover the screws with the caps provided
50010

DO NOT ADD ANY WEIGHT TO THE RAILS FOR ANOTHER 8 HOURS AS PER OEM INSTRUCTIONS.

I'm pretty sure that it is it, hopefully this helps others who may be attempting this very easy mod.

Cheers
Julian


these are good instructions. Are they for the SHORT LR rails

I am about to fit the LONG LR rails to my D4 .......and the instructions that came with them are a little confusing .....or I'm not that mechanical

Question ...when fitting LONG LR rails do you still need to cut the plastic channel cover and replace the front section before fitting the LONG rails over that front section ......I understand for the SHORT rails this is done .....but the instructions for the LONG rails also appears to be directing me to do this

Any one who has fitted LONG rails comments appreciated

[sniegy]

Yes, cut same as fitting short rails.

[landoman]

many thanks

[Steve223]

Do you need these tracks installed before you can fit a rhino rack? Or do they have their own fittings?

I have Rhino rack rails installed and did not purchase Land Rover rails, car is in service so unfortunately cannot upload image.

I had it all done by roof rack city

[landoman]

I have Rhino rack rails installed and did not purchase Land Rover rails, car is in service so unfortunately cannot upload image.

I had it all done by roof rack city



I have already aquired the LR long tracks as i like the overall lenth and flexability to be able to slide the Rhino bars back and forth for different loads

when you go on the roof rack city web site and dial up D4 they only appear to provide for racks with LR rails (short or long ) in situ ....similar in the Rhino Catalogue ...so would be good to get a pic of your Rhino Rails ......when available just for intrest ....bet they were cheaper than the LR rails

[Steve223]

Yes from memory I paid around $400 for the rails and cage I still had crossbars from my previous car. I will get my car back on Tuesday and can then take some pictures

[PhilipA]

Just remember if you get Rhino rails , that it then becomes difficult to fit other than Rhino roofracks as the Rhino rails angle outward about 25 degrees.

I have had several people want to fit Bajaracks and cannot without chucking away the Rhino rails.

Long rails also stop you fitting Bajaracks as the rack uses the same front bolt as the long rails.

The dealer retail on short rails is $580 Gulp!
Regards Philip A

[tang0au]

just had the roof tracks and 1500mm s17 pro-rack bars fitted to the D3 by roof rack world in Artarmon - Sydney $620 drive in drive out - took them about 1.5 hours to do the lot ...

[Tote]

Dolium also make roof rails for their racks FR Tracks Disco 3 (Pr) - Dolium Pty Ltd (http://www.dolium.com.au/index/RMTD3_item.html)



FR Tracks Disco 3 (Pr)
Code: RMTD3
Unit: PR
Shipping Specifications:
Weight: 3.00 kg
Height: 50.0 mm
Width: 50.0 mm
Depth: 1570.0 mm
Price: $135.00 (Inc GST) (Plus Freight)
Description: Frontrunner Slimline Tracks suit LR Disco 3 (Pr) Use with 1.6m & 2.2 baskets
These would be adaptable to most roof rack systems

Regards,
Tote

[landoman]

You will then need to attach the front portion of the cut plastic back to the vehicle, ensure you press firmly to make sure its secure.
50007
The next step is to add the rail on, each rail is marked L or R on the bottom of the rail so make sure you have the correct one. Line up the screws that are attached to the rails with the holes uncovered from the plugs removed earlier, you need to ensure that the rubber strip on the bottom of the rail is in the channel, I found the easiest way to do this was to get the far side in first and lower the rail in.
50008
Once on properly you can tighten the screws with the appropriately sized allen key
50009
Ensure that it is on properly and correctly alligned and cover the screws with the caps provided
50010

DO NOT ADD ANY WEIGHT TO THE RAILS FOR ANOTHER 8 HOURS AS PER OEM INSTRUCTIONS.

I'm pretty sure that it is it, hopefully this helps others who may be attempting this very easy mod.

Cheers
Julian

just completed fit of long LR rails to my D4 .............as per above very useful instructions and as per the LR supplied fitting Instructions it says " no weight to rails for 8 hours " why is this ??? do the screws lock in in some way over the 8 hours .....i notice they had some blue stuff on them .....is this some sort of setting compound ......and does that mean the rails are permanent and can never be removed ....not that I will want to .....but interested to know ...................

[jonesy63]

The "blue stuff" is thread locker which cures over that time. You'll also see this on seat frame mounting bolts, seat belt mounting bolts and the like... you can remove them, but will take a bit of force to break the lock.

[landoman]

The "blue stuff" is thread locker which cures over that time. You'll also see this on seat frame mounting bolts, seat belt mounting bolts and the like... you can remove them, but will take a bit of force to break the lock.

thanks a bunch ....good to know

[discojools]

I have just ordered Rhino roof rails, Rhino Heavy duty aero cross bars and a Pioneer roof rack for my D4. The crossbars or the Pioneer rack will be used to carry the Hannibal 1.4 rooftent I have on order. Hopefully I've got all the right stuff coming. Bit worried that the Rhino roof rails being short may not give me much mob=vement for and aft for the crossbars.
I will use the crossbars for carrying surfboards also.
Being a shortarse I am looking at rear ladder (Landrover or Frontrunner) plus a portable one. I know there is a steel one available from ARB, might be a Rhino.
Anybody know of any other ladders?
Rack being fitted at Roofrack Warehouse Moorabbin next week hopefully.

Jools.

[PhilipA]

Good news for D3 D4 owners wanting Bajaracks is that I have finally convinced Bajarack to design a rack that doesn't need OEM roof rails, but fit directly into the rail mounting points .
They will be available in the next few months.
They still will not fit with Rhino rails, long OEM rails, or the multitude of other rails such as Dolium, but the cost of OEM rails is avoided for those without them.
Regards Philip A.

[Canaussie]

Good news for D3 D4 owners wanting Bajaracks is that I have finally convinced Bajarack to design a rack that doesn't need OEM roof rails, but fit directly into the rail mounting points .
They will be available in the next few months.
They still will not fit with Rhino rails, long OEM rails, or the multitude of other rails such as Dolium, but the cost of OEM rails is avoided for those without them.
Regards Philip A.

Hey Phillip, Billy here, got the rack, looks great! Will the new rack be redesigned totally or just the feet!

Cheers billy

[PhilipA]

Hey Phillip, Billy here, got the rack, looks great! Will the new rack be redesigned totally or just the feet!

Billy, that's great.
I do not know yet whether Bajarack USA has to change the position of the rack mounting plates for the brackets , But I am pretty sure that the style and size of the D3 D4 racks will not change , it will only be the brackets and if necessary the position that the brackets mount to the rack itself.
The ideal for us would be that Bajarack just do alternate brackets but that may not be possible. We will see I guess.
Regards Philip A

[Steve223]

Saw this to late :-(, went against the Bajarack as I would have needed the OEM rails and did not want to pay the extra $600 now just got a Rhino Pioneer Tray installed will see how I go with it

[Canaussie]

Baja rack fitted with front runner roof tracks! Had to grind the feet of the baja rack about 3mm either side so they would slide down the rails. 6112161122
Fits and looks awesome

[Steve223]

Very happy with the outcome so far, Terry from RoofRack City Haberfield did a great job and very good price. He mentioned he would look after anyone I sent over and give them a discount as well. If you thinking about a rack may be worth a try

[coolum]

I believe (after buying a set of rails off ebay) that only the OEM rails are advisable to be installed if you have an alpine roof.

The 'aftermarket' rails are gunbarrel straight and if installed they will most likely compress and damage the glass roof as the roof is curved.

even if they don't explode while you are 'cramping' down the rails, you can bet your life it will go kblammo with just the slightest body flex offroad.

This was something I believe to be the possibility had I installed the aftermarket rails .. I was not prepared to be a test bunny so they went back to seller and I now note they state this on the site.

not sure of the dollium rails but they look the same to me ..

I may be wrong on all counts, but better to be safe than covered in glass fragments I always say. I always also say, people in glass houses should use OEM Rails .. (now)

a thought for those who may consider this as an option

[jon3950]

I found a set of non-genuine rails at lrparts in the uk. Look identical to oem (had a set on my D3 to compare them with) complete with curvature.

Can't remember exact pricing but was a lot cheaper than oem. Can find the details tonight if anyone is interested.

Cheers,
Jon

[jammers]

Question for those fitting roof racks directly into roof mounting points (ie no tracks, oem or otherwise) what options are there for removing the roof racks when they are not needed? Do you need any covers for the mounting points?

I would like to have the roof space when needed but would mostly have the roof 'clean' otherwise.

[Celtoid]

Question for those fitting roof racks directly into roof mounting points (ie no tracks, oem or otherwise) what options are there for removing the roof racks when they are not needed? Do you need any covers for the mounting points?

I would like to have the roof space when needed but would mostly have the roof 'clean' otherwise.


I have eyelets in my garage ceiling and I ratchet the rack out of the way when not in use.

I just fill the screw holes in the disco roof full of WD40 and pop the OEM plugs back in.

Cheers,

Kev.

[BSM]

Hi,

I'm looking to put a roof rack on my D3. It came with short roof rails already. I'd like to know if anyone can tell of these are OEM rails - or if they're Rhino or something else. There's no part numbers or marks on the rails that I can see.

The rails are as shown in the photos. They sit up about 21mm proud of the roofline, and are 35mm wide with the width of the channel slot being 18mm.


66687

66688

66689

[roamer]

I had rhino on mine, they were different to that.
But I think the fittings that go into the tracks are all the same size
:confused: maybe


Cheers Ken

[jon3950]

They are genuine, or a genuine pattern.

Cheers,
Jon

[sniegy]

Agree with Jon.
Looks to be original variants.

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[ADMIRAL]

I took the long OEM rails off to fit the latest Frontrunner rack direct into the roof channel. My old OEM rails have a tapered or angled outer edge, and the OEM Expedition rack fits over the taper. I cannot tell from the pics, but if the outer edge is vertical, they may not be OEM.

[DoubleDisco]

Just wondering if anyone knows the part number for the plastic fastners that hold the roof channel cover strip down?

I've managed to break the head off one trying to lever it up.:mad:

Thanks

[sheerluck]

Just wondering if anyone knows the part number for the plastic fastners that hold the roof channel cover strip down?

I've managed to break the head off one trying to lever it up.:mad:

Thanks

RZM500041

You can search here Landrover Parts Catalog (http://lrparts.net.ru/) or support the forum and buy a Microcat disk from the forum shop

[Datt]

Hi,

I'm looking to put a roof rack on my D3. It came with short roof rails already. I'd like to know if anyone can tell of these are OEM rails - or if they're Rhino or something else. There's no part numbers or marks on the rails that I can see.

The rails are as shown in the photos. They sit up about 21mm proud of the roofline, and are 35mm wide with the width of the channel slot being 18mm.


66687

66688

66689

I've just recently had the same dilemma. Ended up selling the oem rails and bought the rhino tracks that go on both upper and lower roof positions so that I could fit three bars to mount my 2m tray. The legs are different for the rhino track as apposed to the oem track.

Keep in mind that a 2m tray looks slightly odd due to sitting too far forward and can't be moved back any further. Apparently a 2.1m tray looks better.

Matt

[DoubleDisco]

Thanks for the quick response.

I already supported the forum once this week. Bought the D3 workshop manuals yesterday. :p

I am struggling to find that part via the category selection rather than the search function though. How did you find it so quick?

[sheerluck]

Thanks for the quick response.

I already supported the forum once this week. Bought the D3 workshop manuals yesterday. :p

I am struggling to find that part via the category selection rather than the search function though. How did you find it so quick?

With my D3 rebuild, I've spent what you might describe as a fair bit of time looking through those parts listings. :D

If you go D3->Body and Paint-> Body and Paint, body less front end and closures->Roof, sheet metal (less sunroof), you'll see it as item HS1 on the diagram.