Retrofit roof rails pfl 230?

[Karl7]

Just spotted that the black pfl 230 I'm looking to buy doesn't have roof rails..I thought all the estates had them! I've already got all the correct Thule bars/footpacks etc for my current SE Tech estate. Bugger.

 

Was also worried it might indicate previous roof damage repair, but on careful checking of the build sheet it does state PR code 3S0 'Without roof rails'. 

 

So...wondering if anyone has experience of obtaining the rails and fitting/getting fitted? Looks like pairs available from breakers for less than £100...but did the pfl 230 have gloss black (rather than standard matte grey ones) - and are these the same as fitted to all cars with the 'black pack' option? How hard are these gloss ones to find in good nick second hand, or can they be ordered from dealer- or elsewhere cheaper?

 

I understand there are no holes or indents on the extenal roof surface - the guide marks for drilling are presumably visible if roof lining removed?

 

Coincidentally the dealer has sent the car to bodyshop, and the roof lining is due to be removed to fix some minor roof dents in next couple of days. Wondering if there's any chance I could source the rails quickly somehow and get delivered to be fitted at same time?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Karl7]

Spoken to local dealer, who says roof rails cannot be retrofitted as the roof panel is different and there are additional strengthening components etc. 

 

Does anyone know if this is true, and has anyone managed to find all the bits and find someone reliable to fit them? 

 

Also, if anyone's got an estate without roof rails - how much of a compromise is it? Presumably little or no flexibity for positioning of bars to accommodate roof boxes, bikes etc?

 

 

[J.R.]

31 minutes ago, Karl7 said:

 

Does anyone know if this is true

 

A fairly safe bet to say that if his lips were moving the words coming out were not true, occasionally by coincidence the BS generator does come out with something truthful.

 

The rivnuts will be present in the structure underneath the roof skin, factory shells with the roof rail option specified are built using a pre-pierced roof panel for the rails to be fitted further down the line, those without have the plain roof but the fixings remain underneath it.

 

The dealers can retrofit roof rails and there is a drilling template made for the job, however their only interest is selling finance and to a lesser degree warranties, the vehicles are just a vehicle (pun intended) to do that and having to (be seen to) offer (begrudging) after sales service is the cost of doing business.

[J.R.]

I had not read the previous posting where you say the rof lining will be removed, that is the ideal time to transfer the holes from the inside with a pilot drill at tap drill size then opening up from the outside with a countersink bit.

 

But dont expect them to be either competent to or interested in doing it.

[ords]

Get the bodyshops opinion.

[Karl7]

Thanks, really useful to know. And yes speaking direct to bodyshop good idea. Although it seems like a good opportunity to fit rails, it would complicate and delay things further. If they even agree to do it - and also I'd have to contribute to costs, tying me in to a car I haven't seen yet, and may ultimately want to reject for other reasons (hopefully not).

 

Presumably If I accept car as it is, it sounds doable/ financially viable without having to rush it now? The whole roof lining wouldn't need removing again to fit the rails - just the edges, enough to access to drill etc?

 

Really appreciate the responses so far, if anyone's done it and got some advice that would be great. 

 

Cheers

[SC03OTT]

Are cars with the spec/colour you want really rare to warrant this work?  I’d be looking for another car, personally. 
 

Not a criticism of you but, every forum I’ve been on over the years seems to be full of people about to buy compromised - in some way - cars and asking about work to make them what they actually want. To me, just look for one that actually meets your expectations. Unless of course it’s something mega rare. Which this isn’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[fabdavrav]

There is extra metal work in the roof for cars with factory roof rails..

 

Items no. 6&7 in this diagram......(for the estate version)

 

Car Parts Catalog - LLLParts

 

 

[-nebojsa-]

Good evening.

Roof rails for SW/Combi can be retrofitted.

You need 4 metal supports for rails (5E9817905, 5E9817906, 5E9817421, 5E9817422) and a way to bond them to roof side support, since they are spot welded to roof strengthening profile from the factory.

Also of course you need roof rails, and a lot of interior bits dismantling ...

I've done it, but i used metal bonding glue and sealant for supports. The tricky part is drilling through the roof of the car; at least the first hole.

I've done it by myself, and don't know of any other attempt personally, i've found a few topics on drive2.com with other one or two examples of retrofit. But it can be done.

 

[J.R.]

I stand corrected, thankyou to you both for the information.

 

Clearly things have changed on later vehicles, my bad

[Karl7]

Thanks everyone for the detailed advice. Clearly it's not a straightforward job. 

 

It's a question of how important roof rails are for load carrying. Maybe not actually a big deal?  I do however carry bikes fairly frequently, and often fully loaded for holidays (as attached)!

 

Maybe not having holes in the roof is also a good thing as the car ages?

 

I get that I could just wait for another car to pop up. I've only just noticed this problem so simply weighing up the possibility of retrofitting. The reality is I've been looking for months, and my company lease car needs returning ASAP. The problem is how tight Skoda/VW were with the standard equipment on the VRS. I wish I didn't have to wave goodbye to all the SE Tech equipment I've got used to. That's why the limited editions (pfl 230/ early fl 245) are so attractive. I want a manual, petrol MIB2 with at least heated seats and front sensors in dark grey, blue or black. Also ideally pre-2019 so it has both port and direct injection and no GPF. So actually there have been very few cars around recently that tick those boxes. Certainly not many low mileage FSH ones with water pump & thermostat just done, fresh haldex and gearbox oil, new front discs, pads and tyres all round.

 

My current thinking is I can probably cope with getting some new roofbar feet. So likely I'll go ahead and buy it. 

 

Thanks again for the quick and comprehensive advice. 

 

[fabdavrav]

9 hours ago, Karl7 said:

Thanks everyone for the detailed advice. Clearly it's not a straightforward job. 

 

It's a question of how important roof rails are for load carrying. Maybe not actually a big deal?  I do however carry bikes fairly frequently, and often fully loaded for holidays (as attached)!

 

Maybe not having holes in the roof is also a good thing as the car ages?

 

I get that I could just wait for another car to pop up. I've only just noticed this problem so simply weighing up the possibility of retrofitting. The reality is I've been looking for months, and my company lease car needs returning ASAP. The problem is how tight Skoda/VW were with the standard equipment on the VRS. I wish I didn't have to wave goodbye to all the SE Tech equipment I've got used to. That's why the limited editions (pfl 230/ early fl 245) are so attractive. I want a manual, petrol MIB2 with at least heated seats and front sensors in dark grey, blue or black. Also ideally pre-2019 so it has both port and direct injection and no GPF. So actually there have been very few cars around recently that tick those boxes. Certainly not many low mileage FSH ones with water pump & thermostat just done, fresh haldex and gearbox oil, new front discs, pads and tyres all round.

 

My current thinking is I can probably cope with getting some new roofbar feet. So likely I'll go ahead and buy it. 

 

Thanks again for the quick and comprehensive advice. 

 

 

EEKKK!!...😬.....get a tow bar fitted & fit one of those bike carriers that fits on the tow bar.....save the rear glass & the rear hatch hinges!!

 

 

This will take four bikes....max of 15kg per bike...item is 10kg....means tow bar must cope with 70kg nose weight...if the tow bar takes less nose weight then the bikes must weigh less...

Thule HangOn | Thule | United Kingdom

 

 

Edited 7 January by fabdavrav

[Karl7]

Don't think I'm allowed to fit towbar as lease car. Also big expense for car I don't own. 

 

To be fair the Thule Clip On has been great, been around UK and France/Holland with it. Only ever put the kids bikes on it. No issues. I did try a similar cheaper Menabo Polaris clip on before, but that did look like it was putting weight onto the glass on the octavia, so sent it back.

 

Thanks for the advice, I will be looking at towbar options for the VRS, as Clip On incompatible to the longer rear spoiler.