Guys,
I am considering getting a roof rack for my '93 Hatch.

It's not for looks (I find it silly to get an expensive roof rack for looks, but to each his own) but it's to carry stuff that doesn't fit in my car. I don't have a truck so I often use my trusty hatch (and a bunch of moving blankets to protect the interior) to carry lumber and other stuff for my home improvement projects and I thought it would be awesome if I could just tie these materials on the roof instead.

I know nothing about these roof racks. I went to the Yakima website but it's confusing as ****. I will eventually get the bicycle attachments to carry bikes, but for now all I want is a basic rack that puts two bars across my roof so I can put 2x4s on it etc.

What do you guys recommend I get exactly? All this talk about clips, Q-towers, snaparounds etc is confusing me. Also... if I look for used units, what is cross compatible with my EG (Integra racks, EK racks etc)?

Thanks for the clarifications!

 

You might be better off getting a class 2 tow package installed and pick up a cheap utility trailer for around $250.

The Yakima racks have the two bars, and then everythein else ties to the two bars. You could get a Yakima rack and then not put the windguard on bike rails on the bars.

 

I thought about that, but if I need to have another item in my driveway/side of my house I figured I might as well get a small pick up truck.

Thanks for the info.

-Walter

 

i was wondering about this too

 

Hey Anthony, is that all you can say?

I looked at all your posts, and all you do is say "I have the same problem" or something similar after all the solutions or suggestions have been posted?

Every thing else is bumping somebody elses for sale thread, but some of them ask for bump for viewing.

 

Give him a break bud.
At least some people's posts are getting more help because of his bumps.

-Walter

 

OK, here is the basic lowdown. I speak as someone who has had a roof rack on my '94 Civic Hatchback basically since I bought it in 2002 (came with the car).

I have a TERZO rack which is rarer than hen's teeth nowadays, and totally out of the North American market as of some time in the 90s. Incidentally, they are HUGE in Japan and are the OEM mfr's of Honda-branded racks out there (called "TYPUS").

Anyway, enough of the history lesson. You're left with two major choices in N. America for racks: Yakima and Thule. In the days when our hatches were out originally (was Yakima even around then?) the popular/only style was a rectangular-shaped bar. This is a classic look. Nowadays, they mfr aerodynamically-shaped bars that look a lot fancier but aside from styling cues offer little known (to me) benefit over the rectangular shape, and cost a premium. So, might look nice on a new Porsche but if you're carrying around lumber on your 93 Honda then chances are you're best off with the rectangular bars.

So, now that we've decided on the design (rectangular), how do we select which model # fits our vehicle? The Thule website has a decent selector which will walk you through this, but here's what it comes down to - 4 main elements.

1. Length of the bars. Width of your vehicle will determine this. They come in standard lengths.
2. Does the vehicle have gutters? Our Civics don't, so don't even spend any time thinking about whether they do. And if you're wondering, NO, the long strip that runs down either side of the roof line is NOT a gutter. Well, it IS, but not the kind you can put roof rack bars into. We need flat "feet" that rest on the roof top.
3. Shape and design of the "feet". This is what the rectangular bars sit in across your roof, and since there are a lot of different roof designs, then you need one specifically for your roof, and they sit on little rubber pads. With the Thule feet I've seen, the pads are designed with a little dip in them to fit into that "gutter" I mentioned in #2.
4. Normally for a 4dr vehicle that would be it. But 2/3dr types need a short "extender" bar that goes from the front rack bar to the back rack bar, but attaches to the vehicle mid-way along the short bar at the back end of the door. Only a photo will explain this properly:

 

Well in the thread at the top of the tech section, the mods are trying to clean up unneccesary post like that, even asking to report them (more for flaming uselss posts). But, oh well.

Anyways, in the picture you see the two bars going across and the two bars tying it down. That's what I was talking about. Everything else attaches to that "frame work". I'm sure you can pick up one of them for pretty cheap used. And it's easily removable. Then, if you want to later, you could probably pick up a bike mount, kayak mount, the storage container in the pic, or any other accessories on Ebay pretty cheap too if needed.

 

to tell you the truth i was wondering about roof racks, and trying to get my posts up to get off the trial user mode, if that is against the rules sorry. and the bumps for the cars for sale..... i thought they were pretty nice cars. sorry if i did anything wrong, just got back into hondas and become a regular member here at honda-tech!

 

I second deshlong I have used thule systems on every car I have had. They are great systems your best bet would be to pick one up used, new you will spend 3 to 4 hundred. with a HB you will def need the short roof line addaptor

 

Dude, kickass explanation, makes things clearer and I appreciate it.

I hear you buddy.

Thank you.

Ok cool. Used Thule it is.

Thanks for the input guys. I might post back here as I come up with questions.

 

Guys,
I found a Thule rack locally that was originally on an Integra.
Here is a picture of the actual item I am looking at.

The seller is asking $120 for everything, but this is what he said when I asked if it will fit my EG Hatch:

What are your thoughts guys? Would it still be worth for me to buy it and just change feet perhaps? I feel this is a great price... how much of this kit can I use on my car after I buy the specific mounting components?

Thanks in advance for the clarification!

 

in for this too.. but lets all be honest here:

if it wasn't partially for looks, you wouldn't mind running out and getting an offbrand walmart rack.

 

FIXED.

OP: I wouldn't bother with that Integra rack. It's a nice piece at a nice price, but I don't even think it has the short bars, and the feet look all wrong. So, you'd still need the Kit109, 400xt feet and 477 short bars. Leave it for someone with an Integra. There isn't really much you can salvage except the LB50 bars, which you can buy on Amazon for cheap cheap any day of the week.

 

Hehe... I acknowlege your feeling bro, but I can't stand the idea of being associated with kids that slap racks on just for looks. I just raised my car back to (almost) stock height too... the least attention I get, the better. But I *am* in need of a rack to transport things around.

ROFL

Thanks for confirming Buddy. So the quest continues.

 

Ok... so I was doing some more research online and have another question guys.

On the Thule website... when I use their "Fit Guide" and put my car's info ('93 Civic Hatch), it shows me these two options:



But I can't find a description of the difference between the two.

Based on pure speculation from my part, it seems like the 400XTR is better because of these factors:

• $90 cheaper
• Looks more aerodynamic (like if it's an updated design)
• Does not require a short roof adapter

What's the verdict here? Thanks guys.

 

In my first post I discussed the different "type" of bars: rectangular vs. rounded. I am honestly surprised that rounded costs less but I guess this is due to the fact that it has no short bars 477 option. This is actually a cause for some concern. Ask yourself 'how to the feet attach at the rear bars of the rack? do they fit between the rear quarter panel window moulding and the frame? or do you have to put them both basically at the front of the vehicle?'

I would test fit the round bars before I bought them new... I am sceptical of proper fitment without the short bars.

 

You did. But for some reason I thought the "rounded" bars you mentioned where a whole other design that was available for newer cars only... also the fact that the rounder is cheaper on Thule's site had me confused and (at the time) confirmed my suspicion that you were referring to a whole different style of rack.

Sorry for having confused your initial explanation, I should have read it more carefully.

-Walter

 

That said - the OEM 92-95 Honda Ski Rack (only available in Japan and Canada) attached at the rear with clamps between the window moulding and the frame. I own the OEM ski rack but I have not test-fit it (yet).

So, I guess what I'm saying is that it's possible the rounded Thule rack will fit properly without the short bar ... just better check first.

Here's a pic:

 

Dang man... did Honda offer regular OEM rack/bars without the ski-latches for 92-95 Civics in Japan? I would much rather pick something like that!

-Walter

 

Look on craigslist. I bought a set for a cadillac and bent the clamps to fit my door frame. $70 and its a Thule 400xtr. Came with like 60+ inch bars, I just cut them to size.

 

They did, but only for the 1995 model year, AFAIK. Nearly impossible to find and provide no added benefit vs. a Thule or Yakima rack.

 

Is there a link to a website? Pics, specs, more detail? Sounds like a sandbag with some rope.

 

^ Sounds an awful lot like you ARE here to advertise. Your efforts would be a lot more convincing if they didn't sound so blatantly like a sales pitch. Eg., "Hey, have you checked out "Soft Racks"? Might do the trick and only $35 so price is right." Then LINK to REVIEW of said racks.

 

So no website? Can you not link to better pics?