A3 / S3 SPORTBACK ROOF RAILS?

[Deleted member 76692]

I've put up a few threads about A3 S3 sportback roof rails, not one response. I thought a lot more people had interest in them? lol

I have an S3 sportback, was wanting to buy some roof rails for it, but I want to buy the ones that don't require the drilling of the roof or removal of the headliner, I only want them for looks so could buy the screw one, chop the screws off and then stick them on with tigerseal or something similar.

What are your thoughts

 

[NHN]

Forget it, the rail bases are to thin to hold on safely.

Think about this, if you bond them on & they come of & go through a windscreen of a driver behind, killing them, where do you think you stand then, jail for sure.

Fit them properly or not at all or you could regret it for a very long time.

 

[Deleted member 76692]

A lot of people use tiger seal or industrial glue for spoilers etc. I had polo many of years ago now, I used tiger seal for the spoiler and it was strong.

I think it's highly unlikely, if done correctly, and then taped down for at least 24 hours, that it would come off.

"go through a windscreen of a driver behind, killing them, where do you think you stand then, jail for sure"

With regards to this comment, it's the most important thing to consider, however I have never heard of anything like this before, it's closer to impossible than likely to happen buddy. Thanks for the response

 

[NHN]

One major thing you're not understanding, the surface area of a spoiler is far larger to bond with, than the base of these rails., use logic a bit fella, its highly dangerous imho, just fit them properly.

You've never heard of it, as I've never heard of anyone bonding roof rails to a car before & I will never fit them like this or ever advise the same.

 

[Deleted member 76692]

I understand exactly what you're saying, I'm not sure if you've seen A3 roof rails before but they are not very high.

If I was talking about bonding Land Rover roof rails or A6 roof rails then yes there will maybe be an issue, but A3 roof rails are pretty small in height.

Theres many people that have spoken about bonding them to the roof, I haven't heard of anyone trying it with an A3 as of yet, but other cars, Yes people have done it.

I will definitely take in to consideration what you've said, I will weigh up the pro's and cons when I actually get hold of some, if it seems too dangerous to bond them on, I wont.

 

[Wicked666]

If you bond them and sell the car, the new buyer may attach a roof box to them not knowing they may not be strong enough

 

[Deleted member 76692]

That's a very good point. I would obviously tell them in that case. But yes I see where you're coming from, it would probably be better to just do it properly, for selling purposes mostly.

Thanks

 

[NHN]

I understand exactly what you're saying, I'm not sure if you've seen A3 roof rails before but they are not very high.

With respect, I've seen them numerous times & fitted them, so my comments & advice to you is based on actual experience of handling them.

You also aren't taking into consideration, yes they're not very high, but they're also not very wide, at all.

 

[Smiffi]

How much roughly would it cost to get a set of oem rails fitted to a sportback? I asked when I thought about trading my 3 door for a sportback and was told it couldn't be done by the dealer. I'm just curious because the rails are the biggest draw for a sportback for me for carrying surfboards and bikes.

 

[NHN]

Rails come in 2 flavours, alum or black, alum is approx £540 & black are about £400, plus fitting, talking half a day or so to fit with liner dropped, holes drills, rust protection, etc.

 

[Deleted member 76692]

I am dealing with a seller over in Denmark at the moment who promises he can get the ones with and without fixings. If there's any progress on his claim, I will keep you updated. But I assure you they will be a lot cheaper than £540.

It may be a few days or weeks until I know, so keep a lookout for my post.

NHN seems like the man to fit them, so if all goes well, the sportback will look even more appealing to you.

Thanks

 

[Smiffi]

Cheers for the advice guys. It certainly opens up a lot more cars knowing I can get them fitted afterwards.

 

[Deleted member 76692]

No problem fella.

The A3 Sportback is an absolute fantastic car. I have an S3 Sportback and I also have a A3 Sportback TDI QUATTRO 170 S line which I will be selling soon with regret, but you won't look anywhere else once you've got one of these. You can make the Sportbacks look really nice, or buy them with a good spec. My advice would be to get a quattro though, they are awesome.

Good Luck