Styling Roof Rails.

[Kernow 70]

Don't know if this would be of interest to anyone with a Panda 169, but I was searching for a pair of roof rails for my 2011 Active which appear to be almost as rare as "rocking horse poop" Anyhow I came across these and although quite expensive I ordered a pair from a company called Etsy U.K. although the rails actually came from Turkey.
I ordered on a Monday last and received them on Thursday so pretty quick delivery. I've since fitted them and although they are not identical to o.e.m. rails are made of aluminum and are of good quality, bit of a faff fitting them on your own but nevertheless got them on eventually, should probably take a pic and put up here which I'll attempt tomorrow weather permitting

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1657204112/fiat-panda-aluminium-roof-rails-black?

 

[GaryinAmsterdam]

Always nice to see new parts for our Pandas. On another note, I've always wondered why some remove them or they are not installed. Does it cause (more) drag? I suppose they definitely cause more noise on the highway.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Always nice to see new parts for our Pandas. On another note, I've always wondered why some remove them or they are not installed. Does it cause (more) drag? I suppose they definitely cause more noise on the highway.

Not all models were fitted with roof bars. I think the Panda looks better with them so fitted some on ours. They definitely are noisier as you say.

 

[koalar]

Most of the white later euro 5 have them fitted, might depend model version, OP didn't but it's an active

Pretty much every 05 and 06 didn't

Use to be load of 169 panders around here, very few left now

 

[rmjbn1]

I was under the impression ECO models didn't have them to reduce emissions (and costs)?

I like the look of them but I've removed mine to reduce unnecessary drag. I didn't notice them being particularly noisy. Only four bolts if I need to put them back.

I ordered a pair from a company called Etsy U.K.

Might be worth clarifying Etsy is a global marketplace site for independent vendors. That link states the bars are made and sold by a company called PawAuto based in Istanbul. Good find, though!

 

[Kernow 70]

Yeah I'm pleased with them and i.m.o. they look good. They are slightly noisier but not enough to bother me, and despite my best laid plans I didn't get to take a pic today but will do soon and put it up....

 

[Kernow 70]

Went out this morning and took a pic of the new roof rails, while I had it in mind....

 

[rmjbn1]

Aww bless looks like you can pick it up and carry it

 

[DaveMcT]

Mrs Dave's 1200 has the OEM roof bars. Mine does not. There is no detectable difference in wind noise.

 

[Quantum Fireball]

I bought some rails from a Panda that was being broken for about €70, as my 2011 Active Eco didn't have them and I think it looks better with them (may also use them at some point). Haven't had a chance to fit them yet because I want to wax the roof first and the weather has been awful...

 

[Quantum Fireball]

Fitted the OEM rails from a 2006 Panda on the 2010 earlier this week, also the grille from the same car (original was cracked). The paint was fairly faded on the rails, but some Meguiars Ultimate Black helped a lot.

There's a bit more wind noise at higher speeds, but it's nowhere near as intrusive as cross bars.

One of the plastic blanking screws covering the mounting holes snapped when I was trying to take it out, pain in the bum, but I got enough bits of plastic out to get the bolt in eventually. I wasn't expecting plastic screws to seize due to rust, but there you go

 

[Yolanda]

Always nice to see new parts for our Pandas. On another note, I've always wondered why some remove them or they are not installed. Does it cause (more) drag? I suppose they definitely cause more noise on the highway.

Regarding noise I don't know. Drag I would think next to nothing. Longitudinal bars will result in noise and drag especially on motorways etc, however the longitudinal ones come in very handy as in my case I've taken two complete fitted bedrooms including carpets and a full bathroom suite to the tip saving me hundreds of pounds in skip charges. I paid £15.00 second hand for the genuine Fiat/Thule ones off eBay .