Roof rack fitting points of XR5 LV Focus

[MickG]

I have done a quick search and can't find exactly what i'm after. I've got a couple of questions about fitting a new set of roof racks to my XR5 LV Focus using the factory points above each door;

1. Does anyone have pics of where they have removed the 'gunk' in the gutter where the point is supposedly hiding? - this will hopefully help me identify where exactly to start digging the stuff away.
2. Any tips on how best to remove it or what to be aware of?
3. Anyone fitted Pro Racks http://www.whispbar.com.au/findmycar - Apparently these are pretty good and unlike others, will accept other manufacturers accessories like bike racks etc.

Any help anyone can be would be great before I break our the screw driver and start digging the crud out of the gutter - who's great idea was it at Ford to cover up the holes with crud in the first place?!?!

I've posted this on fordxr5turbo.com as well

Aye, Mick

[MickG]

Here's a couple of pics which hopefully demonstrate what i'm talking about.

Thanks

Edit: Doesn't seem to want to let me upload pics so forget this post

[leakey]

They would be white bars on a white car in a snow storm Mick?

No picks mate.

[mrbaxr6t]

roof racks are totally fugly things and should be outlawed globally, why people still use them is beyond me need to carry stuff get a car that is better suited to the task

[leakey]

How do you carry sheets of 8'x4' on a BA sedan?

Hire a ute? Buy a whole new car/ute/truck for something that you may only use once or twice a year?

I think an investment of a hundred or so bucks is a better way of doing it mate.
Better still, you can take them off when finished....

Oh, and when FORD OZ make a car that can comfortably house my family of five and all their crap,
and still fit an 8'x4' sheet in the ute tray, I'll buy one! ;)

[mrbaxr6t]

Originally Posted by leakey

How do you carry sheets of 8'x4' on a BA sedan?

Hire a ute? Buy a whole new car/ute/truck for something that you may only use once or twice a year?

its called a TRAILER they come in all manner of shapes and sizes and usually if you dont have one a family member or friend does

Originally Posted by leakey

I think an investment of a hundred or so bucks is a better way of doing it mate.
Better still, you can take them off when finished....

money would be better spent on a trailer if you need to move heaps of crap

Originally Posted by leakey

Oh, and when FORD OZ make a car that can comfortably house my family of five and all their crap,
and still fit an 8'x4' sheet in the ute tray, I'll buy one! ;)

they do make several actually, just get a trailer....

[leakey]

Can you please find me a $70 trailer, oh and a free two bar and wiring, oh and make that trailer one that comes with free rego'.

Regards Ford product, if yr talking Falc' utes... er where do my kids sit?

Maybe I could import an F250 long wheel base for $70?

Focus + trailer = yuck!! wasnt that your original gripe!? Plus I have an ugly tow bar. But maybe I can get a free Hayman Reece pull out version.

[mrbaxr6t]

your local servo will let you have a 6X4 that don't need reg for $70 for half day... imho a trailer is 100x better option even with a focus, roof racks lead to the inevitable scratches on your roof, I dont care who you are and how careful you think you are you WILL scratch your roof when putting stuff on and off, honestly use a trailer..

[MickG]

Originally Posted by mrbaxr6t

your local servo will let you have a 6X4 that don't need reg for $70 for half day... imho a trailer is 100x better option even with a focus, roof racks lead to the inevitable scratches on your roof, I dont care who you are and how careful you think you are you WILL scratch your roof when putting stuff on and off, honestly use a trailer..

Strange discussion this one but I'll wade in nonetheless, if only to put a stop to the debate since I posted in the first place.

I need my roof racks to carry windsurf/surf gear and my road bike. I will be leaving the racks on the car due to the frequency of doing anyone of the sports listed. Trailer is simply not a great option for so many reasons and I'd say you may well see more damage to car's rear from fitting a trailer each time and to the drive train from towing as well - plus I have a dodgy back so bending down to the trailer hitch each time will get old pretty quick.

With regards to the look of roof racks, as said, a trailer on an XR5...............well.........yeah, no thanks.

Anyhoo, each to their own I suppose but for me, taking into account cost, practicality, ease of use etc etc, I will fit a roof rack for now.

[leakey]

Thanks for putting a stop to this childish debate.

... that I obviously won.. Hahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa!!

Seriously though, I scoured the net for a pic for you and found nothing. Only generic drawn pics, which I think are the same as your instructions.

How did you go btw?

[mrbaxr6t]

Originally Posted by leakey

Thanks for putting a stop to this childish debate.

... that I obviously won.. Hahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa!!

Seriously though, I scoured the net for a pic for you and found nothing. Only generic drawn pics, which I think are the same as your instructions.

How did you go btw?

there was no winner, that was a draw I personally would still use a trailer, I have also noticed people that fit roof racks seem too lazy to remove them and whinge then the added drag reduces fuel economy, you can't be too lazy to remove a trailer

[MickG]

Originally Posted by mrbaxr6t

there was no winner, that was a draw I personally would still use a trailer, I have also noticed people that fit roof racks seem too lazy to remove them and whinge then the added drag reduces fuel economy, you can't be too lazy to remove a trailer

....

[leakey]

I like you MrBAXR6t. We coulda yelled at the tele this weekend gone, and you could a chucked a grenade at those damned holdens.

I have a thing against trailers though. Many moons ago, I had a tow bar on a Torana hatchback. This led to that and next thing I know, I have a bloody big hole in my drop tank. I know, I know, its a holden... never shook it though.

I humbly agree sir that it is a draw.

(just wanna see Mick slap his head again a few times.... )

[leakey]

Originally Posted by mrbaxr6t

I have also noticed people that fit roof racks seem too lazy to remove them and whinge then the added drag reduces fuel economy, you can't be too lazy to remove a trailer

You mean those aerodynamic aids. At warp speed, they hold the car to the ground!

[ESPA]

Hi MickG,

I also have a XR5 LV and have been thinking of looking into the same thing for our bikes. I know that Ford Australia sells the racks that fit the factory mounts (check Ford website). Their prices for this stuff is usually really stupid though. Other than Ford try Thule, Rola or Rhino. You'll just have to make sure that they fit the factory mounts and dont clasp around under the doors. As for the crud and gunk in the mounting point, mine didn't have any so I am not sure what its pupose is.

Also just out of interest, Ford Australia states that you can't have a toe bar on the XR5 due to the differant boot floor (strength ect) as oppossed to the standard LV. I think this may also be due to the fact that there is the massive dual muffler under there taking up all of the space that the standard focus doesn't have. Although having said this I know that somebody on the XR5 Forum website has fitted it anyway aftermarket (check XR5 forum).

Hope it helps

[mrbaxr6t]

Originally Posted by leakey

I like you MrBAXR6t. We coulda yelled at the tele this weekend gone, and you could a chucked a grenade at those damned holdens.

funny you should mention this, as I am in the market for a new television set

Originally Posted by leakey

I humbly agree sir that it is a draw.

(just wanna see Mick slap his head again a few times.... )

coming to a thread near you me vs leakey in an argument to decide the winnar

[leakey]

Cheers mate.