k2qo

UPDATE: I just spotted an 07 LT with what looks like a BLACK POLYMER factory roof rack and matching crossbars. I did not have my camera. I did pull on the rack and it was much sturdier than the bright factory racks I checked out at the dealership.

Does anyone have an idea on whether these are factory or aftermarket? Cost? I left my business card under their wiper with a note so maybe I'll hear back.

Best regards,
Mark K2QO
www.buffalo.edu/~msadams

kdugg_fl

Why not look into something more like this, than a roof rack?

http://www.autotrucktoys.com/chevy_h...0802C3458.aspx



PS: Sorry for the thread hi-jack!

solman98

That's what I use.

k2qo

Note the photos at

www.buffalo.edu/~msadams

and you'll see that the antennas need to be well ABOVE the roof :-)

Thanks,
Mark

SoCal00711

Did you ever solve the roof rack delema. If so, what did you go with, as I am faced with the same sit. Pic's?? thx

k2qo

Dear SoCal,

I have successfully put off buying a new ride and this is one of the major points as to why. Best I can determine, the factory rack is insufficient for my needs based on comments by owners who use their racks, and my unscientific manual testing methods. i.e. Grabbing the rack and tugging in various directions. This technique was not learned in engineering school but seems to work.

I have seen, but not tested, a black aftermarket rack that a local Chevy dealer sells and installs. It looks great though.

Since I've procrastinated this long, I'm going to wait till mid-Feb to try out the new 2009 Vibe with AWD and the 2.4L motor. I have a 2005 Vibe in AWD and it is too noisy for my tastes, while the HHR is as quite, or quieter than my two Buicks! The Vibe roof rails are SUBSTANTIAL for a factory unit.

So, here I wait. The January VHF Sweepstakes is in a month and I'll be using my AWD Rendezvous at least one more time. If I can be sure that the HHR roof rack will hold my stuff, maybe with that aftermarket rack, I still may buy one. I really love the HHR. It is clearly the best bang for the dollars in its size/form factor. Not to mention the super fuel econ.

All the best,
Mark

jx3

Wouldn't this be the same rack that is on all factory equipped HHRs?

k2qo

jx3,

No, it is not the same. It is made of diffent material and comes with crossbars. Since I saw it in a public parking lot, I did not feel it was good to do the "grab and shake" to a level that would satisfy my desires. I do not know who manufactures this unit. I posted about this in Message #11 above.

Mark

prod

The black rack you describe is the one that comes without the chrome package. Mine will have it, feels sturdy enough for me, I think its rated to 150lbs.

jx3

That's the one I was refering to. I forgot to add to the post about the "Bright Chrome Appearance" pkg.