Hi, as the title suggests I currently have no rails on my 1999 Octy Estate 1.8 20valve. I want to attach a roof box so do I have to have some rails fitted?

If so, can i fit some myself? I know how to hold a spanner, I guess I can pick some up from a scrap yard, but how difficult is it to fit them, do I need to remove any of the roof lining?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I have fitted fore/aft rails to 2001 model year onwards, not to one that early. There were 2 part numbers for the kits from Skoda depending on chassis number.

Once the plastic trims were removed the holes were there, plugged by grommets. With the roof lining you can get by with releasing it at the edges, grab handles, sun visors, upper seat belt mountings and the plastic pillar trims removed. You can buy sectional replacement plastic roof trims or cut your existing ones to fit.

Do you have to get rails? You would need cross bars for these as well, so the costs will start to add up.

It might be worth investigating whether anyone makes roof bars that fit similar to those on a hatch - this would probably be a cheaper option.

Have a look at Thule UK - Discover our world - Thule Web or The Roof Box Company: sales and hire of Thule roof boxes and other brands of roof boxes, roof bars and bike carriers

If you do need the rails, they are on the Skoda Accessories site - Škoda Accessories

Hey all, I know this is an old post, but just wondered if anyone out there has had success in fitting roof rails to a 99 Octy Estate?

I've got the bits (rails, bolts, backing plates for them to screw into, trim strips, mastic, oh and an Octy GLX TDi estate) from a guy breaking a 52 plate Octy.

As far as I can see there's no holes under the existing plastic roof trims. So I was going to measure up and drill the holes through (carefully) myself, then make sure they're all well painted so they don't rust. I'm a bit scared to be honest, but fairly confident.

Are there any things to watch out for? And are there any reinforcing strips that have to go side-to-side across the car? I'll be doing it in a few weeks when I've got some hours to spare and will post the results if anyone's interested.

The roof bars option isn't right for me as the loads I tend to carry are pretty long (like windsurfing toys) before anyone asks!

I've got the bits (rails, bolts, backing plates for them to screw into, trim strips, mastic, oh and an Octy GLX TDi estate) from a guy breaking a 52 plate Octy.

Hi,

Did you ever make further progress on this project? I'm now in a similar position.

Regards, Mike