Subaru Legacy roof rack on a Rabbit

[Fatmobile]

The roof on a Rabbit is weak, even though I removed the H-support, bent it back into shape and glued it to the roof.
I've wanted a roof rack for awhile to make the roof more solid and haul a few things if I had to without denting the roof and messing up the work I've done on it.

I saw a Subaru with a roof rack at the salvage yard and measurements said it would fit.



The Rabbit roof has more curve to it but the ends pulled down onto the roof nicely.

It sits nice and low, maybe too low.
I couldn't put the third runner down the middle of the roof because it wouldn't fit under the cross bar.
The one at the yard only had one cross bar, with a dent. It slides in the side supports but the fasteners for tighening it down are missing.
So I'll need to get a couple good cross bars.

[TylerDurden]

Sweet.

From a wagon?

[Fatmobile]

Right, it was a wagon.
It does sit very close to the roof near the center, we'll see what happen when I get another cross bar and put some weight on it.

The one bar I have doesn't make any wind noise but it does rattle because of the missing fasteners.
The cross bars are very aerodynamic, with a cross section like a wing.

Right now it's just screwed on but I'm getting some nutserts.

[CarlosA]

I like it, looks like it would spread the weight pretty well. I always run around with my rain-gutter rack as if i`m going to buy some lumber or something and never do.

[Fatmobile]

Looks like there is one like it on Seattle craigslist:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/pts/3827961301.html

says it's from a '93 wagon.

[Miffman]

Can I ask what are the wheels off of, Thanks

[Fatmobile]

They are from a Mk3 Jetta.
Called Orlandos.
Few people have any love for them. Nothing special on a MK2 or 3 but I think they look great on a Rabbit.
14" and wide enough that the rear rims come very close to rubbing on the rear beam.
The e-brake cables need to be zip-tied closer or they will rub.

[Miffman]

Thanks, need to find something other than the steel wheels for my 84 Jetta.....................