Does anyone know where I might find interior photos of the underside of the roof without a headliner? I have an SS with the sunroof, I need to put roof rails on to carry kayaks. The factory rails don't seem to be very strong so I'm considering a custom install. I'm wondering if there's some sort of stronger structure somewhere in the roof as the roof itselfs seems pretty thin. Thanks for any insight.

 

pjb, If you can pull up my pix, i believe I have the headliner out in a couple as I installed a Rag Top a while back. I also use a modified set of PT Crusier factory racks to haul surfboards... they are heavy duty and alum. with the slot in the middle for bike, canoe etc attachments.... An alternative to drilling your roof....Structure of the roof is not very strong. I re-enforced mine with cross braces once exposed...Hope this helps....Ralph.

 

Ralph, I did pull up your pictures, thanks. Was the headliner difficult to take off with the sunroof? I've seen posts on taking down the headline without the sunroof but none for one's with. Thanks! Pam

 

Not sure if the attached will help.

 

pam, thats what I like about this site. Everyone helping....Unique W, great diagram. If you decide to use the PT racks, They will need to be milled out on the bottom slots at least 1 1/2" to the inside. I have an extra set I converted for HHRs that I was going to sell to someone on the site, Then work took me away for awhile...never completed the deal. either way, post pix of your project....helps others....Thx Ralph with So Cal HHRs

 

I see that Yakima has a permanent track that can go on the roof, and both Yakima & Thule have artificial rain gutters that can go on the sides. I was wondering if since the HHR roof is so thin, if artificial gutters on the sides in back would work better than adding additional support under the roof. The front of the roof seems pretty solid, so some sort of permanent tower pad might work up there. I carry long but light kayaks so I'd like to get as much spread between the crossbars as possible.