Rich
11-04-1998, 03:19 PM
Hope that JET and Matt don't regret showing me how to use the pic poster, but some people had asked for these pics. I just finished hooking up the Thule Ski Rack (4 pair, 6 pair is available) to the factory (Votek) rack. Audi specs the hardware adapters for Thule to attach accessories to the factory rack. They include ski/snowboard, bike, luggage "basket", etc. These are lower in production volume (but not quality) than the generic Thule accessories and thus cost more (sometimes a lot more) from your Audi dealer. The same parts can be bought for less at a local sports store and be made to fit the factory rack with simple hardware.<p>The rack doesn't have bars that stick out as in the generic Thule and Yakima racks, comes with locks, and you should be able to get your salesperson to order the rack and accessories at or near cost (as mine did), making the factory rack cheaper than aftermarket in my experience. I like it and find that it works well. I have two bike carriers, and use it for an oversized Trek OCLV carbon ATB and a similarly oversized aluminum ATB, both of which work fine. The luggage "basket" (~$100) allows you to strap boxes and other oversized items to the roof. Get the dealer to put it together. I use it with a small Napa auto parts cargo net ($16) in combination with the Audi/Mercedes/Grand Cherokee cargo net.<p>I chose a Yakima fairing (expensive plastic wind deflector) to keep the noise more tolerable--robust conversations are still possible with the sunroof open. I chose to have a local graphic shop screen the "Audi Sport" logo, for about $30.<p>As I hope the following pics show, all that's needed for attaching the generic Thule ski rack are 4 sets of carriage bolts + nut + washer (recommend stainless steel). Since the openings for the carriage bolts were just barely too small, Dad & I gave the four holes a light touch with a drill bit. I used and keep a 1/2" nut "screwdriver" (for lack of a better term) in the trunk for tightening/removing parts. The hardware for the Yakima fairing slides into the fac rac center channel in much the same way. In the front with the fairing, the ski rack is held well in place. The rear part of the ski rack slid sideways, so I used the rubber strip that came with the fac rac to slide into the rack's channels when not in use, lightly greased it, and drove the carriage bolts through to hold it down in place --no sliding. It's all a very simple concept really--requires a couple bucks in nuts and bolts to save quite a bit of money (in my experience).<p>Have more pics of the rack with bikes, etc., let me know if they'd be helpful. Hope this helps.<p>Rich<br>'98 2.8Q-multi-sport