Eagle Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 This summer I hope to get my original '88 XJ back on the road. When I bought it, in the Pioneer trim level the roof rack was extra. I didn't think I'd ever have a need for it, so I didn't buy it. Now I wish I had done so. I have a choice of four XJ parts vehicles, all of which have roof racks, that I can take a rack from. What's holding me back is water. Specifically, how to keep water out of the interior after I drill a bunch of holes in the roof. I believe the longitudinal rails screw into nutserts that are drilled into the roof, is that correct? What did the factory use to waterproof all those attachment points? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 I can take a look at my XJ. I know some nutserts can come with an o-ring on them to help with the waterproofing. My best guess would be that they had gaskets with the kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gjeep Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 I added a roof rack to an xj using nutserts surrounded by seam sealer (wiping excess off). For the torx that held the rack to the roof I used gasket maker on the threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglescout526 Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 I don’t see any gaskets in the catalog. So maybe the way G did it is the way they did it in the factory or at the dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 Another option is the ones that attach to the drip rails. I have a set of them. I have not used them yet. The stock ones on my '98 XJ have collapsed from about 5 sheets of drywall. The next time I did put foam underneath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted March 17, 2023 Author Share Posted March 17, 2023 3 hours ago, 75sv1 said: Another option is the ones that attach to the drip rails. I have a set of them. I have not used them yet. The stock ones on my '98 XJ have collapsed from about 5 sheets of drywall. The next time I did put foam underneath. I have an aftermarket rack. I'd like to retrofit a factory rack. Where can I buy seam sealer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gjeep Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Amazon sells it. Comes in gray, black or white typically. Not sure what color your xj is. An auto body supply store would have it also if you have one near by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 Most all the regular parts stores that carry a little bit of auto body stuff will have seam sealer in caulk tubes. I got a tube from Advance Auto Parts when I cleaned up the floor of my truck before putting new carpet in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 When I swapped out the damaged roof rack on my ZJ there was some form of thread sealer on the screws. Similar to what goes on head bolts that go into a water jacket. But I didn’t have that tube when I put them back in so I just dobbed some clear silicone on/around the holes before offering up the side rails. It’s been four years and I haven’t had any leaks yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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