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 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.
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[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.
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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.
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Once on properly you can tighten the screws with the appropriately sized allen key
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Ensure that it is on properly and correctly alligned and cover the screws with the caps provided
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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