Roof racks

Wig

Used to be the case that cars had gutters on the roof and fitting a roof rack was easy as pie with any roof rack..

Now they all have smooth roofs (and you get dripped on when you open the door) and roof rack fitting that only fit dealer supplied racks or am I wrong?

Can I buy a roof rack that will fit a Vauxhall Corsa 2003 that is not made by Vauxhall?

Can I buy a roof rack for a 2003 Punto that is not made by Fiat?

Can I buy a single roof rack that will fit both these cars?

bryanb

I've seen a soft, inflatable roofrack recently (seriously)

Wig

Like a rubber boat on the roof? Doesn't sound very practical.

bryanb

Actually more like roof bars, the fixing straps trapped in the doors.

skivenov

You can stil buy aftermarket roof racks. Basically, companies have copied the fixing methods. I don't know anything about the Fiat, but the Vauxhall one's just clamp to the seam under the little plastic covers. Most Vauxhalls of that age work this way, so as long as they're width adjustable, you just need a vauxhall anything roofrack, rather than a corsa-specific one.

I'd suggest going in Halfords to see what's avalable (never know, you might find the fiat clips on the same way as the vauxhall), then having a good shop round second hand.

SailorSam

I had roof bars on my 'escort' which had no gutter, i know to make them fit the 'fiesta' that i've got now i'll need to get new ends which are available but i've not bothered to get yet.
Check this out to see what comes up for yours
http://www.car-roofracks.co.uk/php/select-roof-racks-bars.php

Mankysteve

You wont be able to buy a roof rack that fits both cars. What you may find is that you can use the same bars but with different feet.

According to halfords site the only option would be thule sliding bars with different feet and fitting kit.

£204.99(892) for the bars then about another £110 for the fit tin kits. Might be cheaper just to buy two different sets. Good offers can be found on ebay and the such.

I got a set of bars for my Corsa c for £30 off ebay. A bog spec thule set but still solid.

Mankysteve

bryanb wrote: »

I've seen a soft, inflatable roofrack recently (seriously)

An old housemate of mine used them for his surfboard there not bad for stuff like that.

client1_2

Mankysteve wrote: »

According to halfords site ....

Somehow I just don't beleive halfords.

neilmcl

Wig wrote: »

Used to be the case that cars had gutters on the roof and fitting a roof rack was easy as pie with any roof rack..

Now they all have smooth roofs (and you get dripped on when you open the door) and roof rack fitting that only fit dealer supplied racks or am I wrong?

Can I buy a roof rack that will fit a Vauxhall Corsa 2003 that is not made by Vauxhall?

Can I buy a roof rack for a 2003 Punto that is not made by Fiat?

Can I buy a single roof rack that will fit both these cars?

You'll possibly find something here: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/

molerat

You will not get one set to fit both, Punto hooks into the doors and Corsa clips into the roof slots. Don't rule out main dealer, you may be surprised especially at Vauxhall.