does this rack damage the car finish
1458935
If you install it correctly and carefully no, it doesn't. If you haphazardly throw it on the car, yes it can. The bigger issue is pedal placement. Make sure they're in a position that won't dent or scratch the trunk.
474766
I've had this rack on all winter and a tiny bit of rust around where you connect the two basket parts together has formed. It's a very small amount. Hope this helps.
1911203
My son has this rack and I know it looked stained and believe that the is no composite. It is very sturdy and he is happy with it.
583617
I've been using it on my black textured dashboard for several months now. The only physical damage that may occur is a sunspot. If you maintain your car occasionally slightly relocating The holder then this could be avoided
1746351
The only issue I had with this, was the screws on each of the sides. At first they would hit my factory roof rack bars when I would go over a bump. I placed a small piece of electrical tape over the screw and the problem was solved. The item may be wider than your factory rack so you may not have that issue.
1629989
The metal tubing parts of this rack are black powder coated, which is probably the most durable paint coating for steel parts. However, if steel is exposed to moisture by chipping or scratching through the coating, it will rust and the rust will work its way under any existing coating. There is a small chance of rusting, but this is as good as it gets without making the rack of aluminum (which can still corrode) or plastic tubing (which degrades over time with exposure to sunlight).
1487992
The only problem that I have had after 12 years is that if you tighten the straps too hard, it may slightly bend the metal where the hooks meet the car, but so far, no scratches.
335928
The tower has a thick rubber pad which does surprisingly little damage to the car's paint finish. My problem was the attaching clip which hooks into the gap between the door and the frame. The clips were regularly popping out, which resulted in my cargo box bouncing around with the Q towers leaving multiple dents in my car's roof. Also, the clips themselves scratched the paint inside the gap. Major damage which will cost me much more to fix than the price of the towers. However, I put Yakima Tracks on my Tacoma and it works perfectly. I wish I had mounted these on my Nissan.
2184989
Hi Bobbie, the rack is made of fairly heavy duty metal, with a thick blue paint that covers all surfaces. As long as the paint doesn't get scratched or chipped it should be OK outside, though it will likely get rust spots after a couple years if you live in a wet climate.
300730
if you are talking about the tie down studs under the back side of rack, I just cut them off so they would not touch or scratch the rear fender.
500951
The paint on the rack comes off with use. I would imagine that even with moderate use it comes off fairly quick. With that being said, your protection against the elements goes away and it will be subject to rust. I would not recommend leaving it outdoors. Hope that helps.
1837120
I don't have this problem, but it may be that you need to put something like a sheet of rubber between the base of the rack and your bumper, if you have a metal to metal contact issue. You need something that will greatly increase the friction between the two.
689083
Not really. They use 'special' screws (screwdriver was included with mine) to hold on the outer covers. Inside the outer covers is a large fly bolt that actually holds the rack to the car.
1678782
I have not noticed any scratches. I have a hatch back and the metal hooks fit snuggly to the top and bottom of the hatch.
1186649
My Mazda CX5 has a "spoiler" on the top of rear hatch. The rack does not interfere. Look at a Mazda CX5 and see if yours is the same. Or go to Thule.com
1018345
Yes. I wasn't sure myself but tried it on my top rack and had no problem. It appears to have a clear coating of some sort.
1968104
Probably no. If the upper part of the rear door is made of plastic, the rack will harm it.