Wrapping and installing a new "mod"
06-23-2012 | 07:23 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 3
From: Kajaani, Finland
My Ride: Bmw 530d 2004
So, it became the time to make my car a bit more practical. I needed a roof rack 
.
I wanted to deal the issue with as much style as possible, so I contacted member DKNewyork and he gave me some useful information in my search for the most suitable rack and accessories. Thanks again DK.
I ended up purchasing a ProRack Whispbar (from UK), and a pair of Thule Proride 591 (from Germany). I almost pulled the trigger for OEM parts, but was convinced about the quietness of Whispbars in the end.
The parts arrived conveniently at the same day, and after a short investigation about their structure, I decided to wrap the roof rack itself in carbon fiber vinyl. I used an Avery product this time instead of 3M, and I almost liked it better. As strong as 3M, but maybe a bit easier to work with. I thought about wrapping the bike carriers too, but there are some sliding parts, and they would not work very well after that. Also, those sliding parts are VERY tight, so I wonder how the paint would stick on the bar, if I wanted to paint them. I installed protective strips onto metal clamps and onto the paint where the clamps sit, and will add slices under the rubber feet too.
Now, after the first trip (about 200km) with a bike on roof, I'm very pleased with the products. There's no sound whatsoever in faster speeds, but a slight whistle at 50-60km/h. I think it comes from the bike carrier, not from the roof rack itself.
Everybody loves pics!
Wrapping.
Folding the excessive vinyl.
One down, one to go.
Installed, but still without the covers and bike carriers.
With carriers.
Fastening system.
- Antti -
.I wanted to deal the issue with as much style as possible, so I contacted member DKNewyork and he gave me some useful information in my search for the most suitable rack and accessories. Thanks again DK.
I ended up purchasing a ProRack Whispbar (from UK), and a pair of Thule Proride 591 (from Germany). I almost pulled the trigger for OEM parts, but was convinced about the quietness of Whispbars in the end.
The parts arrived conveniently at the same day, and after a short investigation about their structure, I decided to wrap the roof rack itself in carbon fiber vinyl. I used an Avery product this time instead of 3M, and I almost liked it better. As strong as 3M, but maybe a bit easier to work with. I thought about wrapping the bike carriers too, but there are some sliding parts, and they would not work very well after that. Also, those sliding parts are VERY tight, so I wonder how the paint would stick on the bar, if I wanted to paint them. I installed protective strips onto metal clamps and onto the paint where the clamps sit, and will add slices under the rubber feet too.
Now, after the first trip (about 200km) with a bike on roof, I'm very pleased with the products. There's no sound whatsoever in faster speeds, but a slight whistle at 50-60km/h. I think it comes from the bike carrier, not from the roof rack itself.
Everybody loves pics!
Wrapping.
Folding the excessive vinyl.
One down, one to go.
Installed, but still without the covers and bike carriers.
With carriers.
Fastening system.
- Antti -
Love the wrap on the bars. Nice addition to the car.
06-23-2012 | 07:53 AM
#3
Members
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Douglassville, PA
My Ride: 2004 BMW E60 530i, upgrades: Magnaflow exhaust, Mtec angel eyes and low beam head lights, Just purchased 172 style wheels, looking around for the best tires on Tire Rack now. R1 concepts rotors drilled/slotted. Saving for the M-style kit from Trinity Auto.
Antti,
The carbon fiber was a nice touch!
The carbon fiber was a nice touch!
06-23-2012 | 05:37 PM
#6
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 924
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: 2008 AW N52 with sports package & premium package; natural brown interior
MODs:
Orion V2s
3000K H8 Yellow Fogs
Matte Black Kidney Grills
20" Miro 111
Hankook V12 Tires
H&R Sport Springs
Special coding via Simon (dbl flash hazards, digital velocity, etc.)
LED Side Markers from Trinity Autosports
LED License Plate Lights from Trinity Autosports
Carbon Delete
BMC Air Filter
RPI Scoop
RPI GT Exhaust
Future MODs:
Mtech Kit
KW Variant 2 Coilovers
CIC Retrofit
Upgrade Audio System
Great wrap job. It looks good.
Kinda wanna do that to mine now.
06-24-2012 | 10:08 AM
#9
Senior Members
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: ///M5 BEAST
Model Year: 2006
looks great....its the small details that complete the picture you kno?
btw this is the first time ive ever seen ur car on here without a fresh wash....
btw this is the first time ive ever seen ur car on here without a fresh wash....
! 