300 Estate Roof Rails

FB Racing · 11-25-2012, 08:21 AM

Hi, I'm on the verge of buying a 300C Estate but am concerned that it has no roof rails. I frequently need to carry bikes and use roof mounted Thule carriers on my 540 Touring. Anybody any experience with retro fitting factory roof rails (if they're even available) or alternatives such as the "clamp on" ones that grip around the door shuts (my non-preferred option). Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
Ian

Pappajohn · 11-25-2012, 08:43 AM

never had reason to look but the 300 may have T tracks under the rubber trim.

the roof bar mounts will slide under the track and trim the rubber to suit the length.

T-Track on your vehicle

Some Roof Rails (the ones that run the length of your vehicle) have a may have a T-Track or similar on them, this is often in the form of a groove or a lip which enables special design Roof Bars to attach to them. Other Vehicles may have the T-Track directly on the roof of the vehicle, these to run the length of the roof

**Simon@thecustom300cshop** · 11-25-2012, 09:23 AM

If yours does not have these rails fitted you could use a 300C saloon clamp on rack instead. I think the rails on mine would be a pain to fit.

I use a Thule cycle rack that hooks on to my tow ball and has its own lights and reg plate.

RichardTK · 11-25-2012, 11:39 AM

I looked into this - fitting the rails is an involved process, and you either have to use rivnuts (which I'd worry would stress the roof in the wrong way and lead to cracks) or weld the fittings on as per Chrysler (which would presumably involve painting the roof once done). The Thule ones clamp into the door apertures.

Must admit that for all the discouraging noises I saw about the factory rails, if I had the money and found someone competent to do it to the right factory standard, I'd have them!

FB Racing · 11-25-2012, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Simon, I also have the tow bar mounted carrier but we often go 5-up to the Forest of Dean so I have 3 on the back and two on the roof which my 540 handles with ease.
I'll give the local Chrysler dealer a call tomorrow and see how much factory rails are. TBH, I'd much rather have an estate with the factory bars fitted but I've been offered this car (an 06 diesel 300 estate) for £3.5K which seems a bit of a bargain to me, especially as I've always loved these cars. I guess I could put up with the clamp on ones but they're far from ideal.

RichardTK · 11-25-2012, 02:22 PM

Bloody hell, £3.5K for a CRD estate? How many miles is that carrying?

Presumably a friend offering it for trade-in value or something?

FB Racing · 11-25-2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardTK

Bloody hell, £3.5K for a CRD estate?

93,000 with full dealer service history and Startech wheels - it's from a friend of my dad. You can see why I want this one rather than look elsewhere for one with roof rails. Looking around it seems to be a good £2k behind where it should be! Even if I spend £500-£600 on the rails I'm still quids in.

RichardTK · 11-25-2012, 02:36 PM

Well, I don't know if I'm allowed to link to other forums, but assuming it's okay for a moment...

Installing factory roof rack rails.

I suspect the chances of finding some for that sort of money over here is quite slim.

Sounds like a great deal - got a Startech grille on there too? I'm swapping mine out for stock.

FB Racing · 11-25-2012, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the link Richard - if I can get some rails that job looks relatively simple - just measure twice (mebbe four or five time!) and drill once!!
Yes, it does have a Startech grille (assuming that's the "Bentley" one). I have until tomorrow to tell the chap if I want it or not!

paramotoring · 11-25-2012, 02:46 PM

Couple of years ago I fitted a OEM pair of roof rails to a Grand Voyager.
Bought an after market fitting kit from the Main Dealer which consisted of Rubber Gaskets, Bag of Rivet Nuts and Templates.

Fitted well and relatively easy so long as your careful !

1/Masking tape the area to avoid scratches
2/Make a bush to act as a stop on the drill - otherwise you'll be through the roof lining !
3/Beg/borrow a proper Rivet Nut tool, don't try and use a bolt and washer !
4/Coat the Rivet with silicon before insertion to seal them.
5/Smear abit of silicon under the rubber gasket around the rivets before fitting to make sure there's no chance of leaks !

I keep checking Fleabay and the breakers for a pair for the 300C Tourer but seem to be rare as rocking horse doo, I haven't dare ask a price for them from the dealer !