Has anyone replaced their roof rails? I’ve bought some black sportline rails to swap out for my chrome ones.

I’ve got the manual so understand the steps to remove the headliner entirely. But wondered if anyone else has done the task and if you can just release it in key areas to get to the bolts of if you can do it one side then the other, or if you have to drop the whole thing at once

Also any tips on making sure they seal properly when bolting the new rails on?

Thanks

Be interested in how you get on with this

@Kosin sent me a dm on how he did his. Seems like an ok job. I’ve bought a proper tool from Ali express to release the sun visors as I don’t want to break the new one I’ve just installed!

Nice, where did you get the roof rails from?

Found some on eBay. £64 including delivery. Look like they’ve got a few scratches on but my chrome ones have the white marks on so won’t be any worse than now. They’ve been delivered but to work so will check them over when I’m back next week.

i did it my self, all pillar covers must be removed and all sunvisors, handles, lights etc must be removed, also surrounding plastics on rear view mirror (i forgot this one @Binx1310 sorry :D )

than you can move the headliner to one side and access bolts holding the rail in each corner, front ones are under airbag connector so you should use offset wrench

i kept the factory seal, you can use some extra silicone to be 150% sure

should be collecting the roof rails from work later next week. Will then see if I get a chance to have a go at installing them over the coming weekends.

I know it's too late now, but didn't you envision a covering with a glossy film? It would probably have save you time, sweat and maybe money, I fear...

5 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

I know it's too late now, but didn't you envision a covering with a glossy film? It would probably have save you time, sweat and maybe money, I fear...

I did. I was quoted £175 to have a professional wrap them. They’re quite a complex shape so didn’t fancy tackling it myself. And then if I was ever to use them with roof bars etc it’s likely the clamps would damage the film.

The ones I bought were £64 delivered. The sun visor removal tool cost me £5. And so long as I don’t break anything in the process of installing them then that should be all it costs me to install! 🤞

Edited 10 April10 Apr by Binx1310

I wish you all the best in the replacement process. I used to have a Superb Mk2 from 2012 to 2017, I had to remove one handle one time, and it was a mess. I unfortunately broke the clamping system and had to buy a new one. 🙄

Just now, Bap33 said:

I wish you all the best in the replacement process. I used to have a Superb Mk2 from 2012 to 2017, I had to remove one handle one time, and it was a mess. I unfortunately broke the clamping system and had to buy a new one. 🙄

Having changed the sun visor recently I understand how the clamps Work. Removing the old one I broke the clips to remove it intentionally and since then found a specific tool on Ali express to remove them. This also works for the handles apparently.

The specialist pliers are £80 OEM and £35 for a laser tools copy. I haven’t tried the one from Ali yet but hopefully will reduce the risk of damaging anything

I fitted roof rails to my Seat, painted in glossy black... it looks much better. I would personally replace the seal underneath.