Technical Roof Bars install

[LarryF]

Hi Guy,

I bought so roof bars for my panda 2009 fixed point.

It didn’t come with instructions though - just wondering if anyone has had any experience with putting them on or any advice.

Cheers

 

[koalar]

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/447991-how-fit-longitudinal-roof-bars.html


if they weren't standard fitment when the car was bought. You should inform your insurance company.

 

[LarryF]

Thanks for this.

Stupid question - which end goes into the roof? The small threaded end or the larger?

 

[koalar]

before we go any further

are we talking OEM bars or third party ones

are we talking front to back or across type

 

[koalar]

its going to be the short end


Wind them in gently by hand First. Be careful the bottom of the thread doesn't bottom out first damaging the car.

 

[LarryF]

They OEM prt number 50900983.

Thanks Koalar - makes sense.

Sorry I’m useless with cars.

 

[LarryF]

They’re across type by the way

 

[DaveMcT]

They’re across type by the way

You really need to find out what you have. The OEM bars run front to back, anything that runs across the roof is aftermarket so there should be instructions on line for fitting them.

When using a taper thread tap, you must take care to get it correctly threaded. The entire purpose is to cut metal so if you get it cross-threaded, IT WILL cut out the threads leaving you with nothing to screw a bolt into.

My technique is to get it started with fingers only, wiggle it gently until you feel it find the threads. Now screw it in by hand, only using the habdle when it starts to cut. Use plenty of WD40 or penetrating oil to help it cut. In your case it's cleaning the threads so should never be stiff to turn. You "can" use an ordinary spanner, but pulling on one side risks binding the threads. A proper die holder is well worthwhile for a job with no second chances.


When done protect the cleaned threads with copper paste.

 

[Wazzzer]

I thought Fiat made roof bars that went across too?

https://www.fiat-accessories.com/fiat-panda-roof-bars-3014

 

[koalar]

You really need to find out what you have. The OEM bars run front to back, anything that runs across the roof is aftermarket so there should be instructions on line for fitting them.

When using a taper thread tap, you must take care to get it correctly threaded. The entire purpose is to cut metal so if you get it cross-threaded, IT WILL cut out the threads leaving you with nothing to screw a bolt into.

My technique is to get it started with fingers only, wiggle it gently until you feel it find the threads. Now screw it in by hand, only using the habdle when it starts to cut. Use plenty of WD40 or penetrating oil to help it cut. In your case it's cleaning the threads so should never be stiff to turn. You "can" use an ordinary spanner, but pulling on one side risks binding the threads. A proper die holder is well worthwhile for a job with no second chances.


When done protect the cleaned threads with copper paste.

I am confused about what we are talking about here

I must be missing something obvious

The original poster posted a picture of a stud with a short and long thread asking which end goes in the roof

 

[koalar]

I thought Fiat made roof bars that went across too?

https://www.fiat-accessories.com/fiat-panda-roof-bars-3014

Thats what I came up with.


Not often left on the car as they tend to whistle.

 

[Wazzzer]

Yeah I bought a deflector for that specific reason on the golf.

Longitudinal look so much better on the Panda, I have the add on cross bars for them in the garage if me and the family ever manage to have a road trip again

 

[DaveMcT]

Thats what I came up with.

Not often left on the car as they tend to whistle.

I had no idea. They are far more useful than the longitudinal variety.

 

[DaveMcT]

I thought Fiat made roof bars that went across too?

https://www.fiat-accessories.com/fiat-panda-roof-bars-3014

I had no idea. They look far more useful than the factory fit longitudinal variety.

 

[bilzin]

Hello

The pukka gen Fiat cross bars look great but how on earth are they fastened to the car roof ?

 

[koalar]

Hello

The pukka gen Fiat cross bars look great but how on earth are they fastened to the car roof ?

if you search by part number and instructions you should be able to find a PDF download


from memory its just the same as the longitudinal and it came with a key


also from memory there was a weight limit 50Kg I think. Which should be Good for most things.


a car with one one on did pass me a few days ago at about 40 mph. Made me look up because of the whistle. Dont know if it original or after market one though. Probably why there aren't many around compared to the longitudinal

 

[fourbie]

If the cars come from the factory already fitted with roof bars to many cars and are OE or even a pattern make I am curious as to why the insurance company would need to be informed.

 

[Punto MC]

My mams Panda has these on, genuine Fiat ones. They were very easy to fit, sorry i can't remember exactly how but if i can do it, anyone can!

She leaves them on as she does very little mileage and isn't concerned about any extra whistling, drag, lower mpg etc which may be an issue if she drove a lot more.

Car seeing sporting its 15" steel winter wheels and tyres combo complete with a set of Citroen Xsara Picasso wheeltrims.

Not a good Fiat OEM look but got used to it now!

 

[koalar]

If the cars come from the factory already fitted with roof bars to many cars and are OE or even a pattern make I am curious as to why the insurance company would need to be informed.

some people will leave 4K of bikes up there ?


add a roof box that falls off on the motorway ?


I guess just because the risk goes up

 

[fourbie]

I guess just because the risk goes up

Yes but what I mean is I could understand the risk increasing if the car was declared as not having a roof rack in the first place but I bet to most insurance companies they consider it has one anyway.