Luggage rack removal?

[Pinfinity]

I own a 200 Chevy Astro. I want to remove the luggage rack but I'm concerned about leakage after removing the M6 bolts.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks much

[Herbie]

If I recall correctly, the rivnuts for the rails are "enclosed", and have a bottom, so leakage shouldn't be an issue. Worst case you could find some slightly shorter M6 screws and fill the holes after the rack has been removed.

[Pinfinity]

Thanks so much for the info...love your van...pretty rare model I would say.

[photo_van]

While the nuts do have a bottom, there may be the possibility (unlikely) of leakage between the nut and roof.

Also beware; when I removed mine (because it was half falling off), the screws were rusted tight. When I went to loosen them, the nut pulled out of the sheet metal with little force. So now I have big holes (plugged) in the roof...

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7843&hilit=+roof+rack

[ihatemybike]

Body shop told me the best thing to do is pull the head liner and use and induction heater on the riv-nuts. Supposedly the bolts will then come out like butter.

[AstroWill]

pull the head liner and use and induction heater on the riv-nuts

Great tip.