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View Full Version : Installing factory rails. How hard can it be.


SeanC
26th January 2018, 06:02 PM
So my short roof rails arrived the other day. So on to YouTube for a look. So on the first video the gutter covers just clicked into place with no holes above the captive nuts.

That's not me I have holes above the captive with plugs. So cue second video. D3 with gutter covers with plugs into the captive nuts, The plugs pop out.

OK that's me I thought. So lever the first plug out with a screwdriver. No luck. Got a pair of pliers onto it a good pull and snap. The top of the plug broke off leaving the rest in the nut.

Next nut tried the same but stopped before it broke. I'll try screwing it out and what do you know? My plugs are threaded. So now I have to get the plug out of the first nut.

Oh Land Rover why can't you just leave things alone.

So if you have a 2008 D3 you plugs are probably threaded,
Tombie
26th January 2018, 06:05 PM
Get a small flat blade screw driver that will fit the hole.

Heat it was a lighter/gas torch etc. not too hot, just enough to melt into the broken off plug.

Once it leaves a slot remove and cool screw driver in cold water.

Now just wind it out using the screw driver [emoji41]
SeanC
26th January 2018, 06:29 PM
Thanks,

Will give it a go.
DiscoJeffster
26th January 2018, 06:32 PM
Don’t forget you must tap the thread to the bottom as they will be full of sealant and you won’t be able to get the bolts done up tight
SeanC
26th January 2018, 07:07 PM
Yes. I was prepared for that but so far all have tightened down nicely.
Tombie
27th January 2018, 01:12 AM
Mine were the same. No sealant in the ones on mine.
There was on Basil135s though.
SeanC
27th January 2018, 07:40 PM
Thanks Tombie. Worked a treat.
PeterOZ
28th January 2018, 06:03 PM
I used a dremel to cut a slot in my caps, then wide screwdriver to turn them out like a normal screw.
Tombie
29th January 2018, 11:16 AM
Just pic up an edge, grab with Long nose pliers and turn.
SeanC
29th January 2018, 07:02 PM
Just pic up an edge, grab with Long nose pliers and turn.

Yep. That's what I did after breaking off the first one.

Any idea when it changed from push in plugs to screw in.

Seems there might have been problems keeping the gutter trims in place.

Starting with no plugs then push in plugs and finally screw ins.