Attaching a roof rack to a fiberglass roof

[devans789]

Looking at upgrading the current roof rack/luggage rack on my 1985 Dodge Vanguard....suggestions to make it bomber

[BobB]

Originally Posted by devans789

Looking at upgrading the current roof rack/luggage rack on my 1985 Dodge Vanguard....suggestions to make it bomber

Know nothing about roof racks on fiberglass but when installing new deck hardware (pad-eyes, winches, etc) on fiberglass sailboats (with fiberglass decks and cabin tops), best practice seems to be to install backing plates (usually aluminum) on the underside. Backing plates distribute the stress on the fiberglass. Hardware is also set in adhesive - sealant like 3M 4000UV. Little tip I came across was, after laying down beads of sealant, to tighten down on the hardware bolts - but not completely 100%. After sealant cures, then you tighten down 100%.

FYI - sometimes you don't see the backing plate, just lots of nuts on the underside. Someone told me that on production boats, manufacturers mold the backing plate in the cabin top or deck. You don't see them, but they are there.