Thule roof bars - what do you use to protect paint?

[wilbo83]

Have just bought some Thule aero bars and wondering what precautions I should take before installing them to protect the paintwork. I was thinking about putting some felt on the metal bits (link below) but had also read that a cut inner tube can be used. Just wondered what others use?

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/roof-bars-roof-bo...

[neenaw]

I used 3M Helicopter tape like I use on the bike frame.

[wilbo83]

neenaw said:

I used 3M Helicopter tape like I use on the bike frame.

Do you put the tape directly on the car or on the thule fixings?

Anyone else using something different?

[neenaw]

I cut squares of the tape any put it straight on to the car.
The proper 3M stuff is quite thick so it works really well.

When I sold the car the tape peeled off easily and didn't leave a mark or any residue.

[Kermit power]

Don't those feet have a rubber protective coating anyway?

[neenaw]

Kermit power said:

Don't those feet have a rubber protective coating anyway?

They do but the ones I had used a coating that was more like a hard plastic so it looked like it would mark the paintwork.

[graeme4130]

worth considering that anything you put on there will affect the way it grips your bars, and could cause it to come off

[loudlashadjuster]

neenaw said:

They do but the ones I had used a coating that was more like a hard plastic so it looked like it would mark the paintwork.

I've mounted Thule bars using various foot packs, including the clamps that go directly onto the roof/inside the door, and never had any permanent marks. Just make sure the bodywork and clamps are free of any dirt/grit and you should be fine.

DISCLAIMER: If you are the kind that uses 'detail' as a verb relating to to washing a car then YMMV

[blueg33]

I have used Thule products for 30 years. I have always relied on the rubber pad they are supplied with and had no issues with paint damage.

Keep the pads clean, especially when they are in storage.

[barpilot]

I just make sure the contact areas on the roof and pads are clean. Only once had a problem, a bit of grit found its way under an edge after several weeks fitted. A quick G3 by hand and it was as good as new.