Anyone have pics of an EL Expedition with the roof rack removed?

2000F2504X4 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2010, 06:39 PM

I am thinking about removing the roof rack on our 2008 Expedition EL Limited. I would like to see some pics if anyone else has done this.

Thanks,
Tom

Boomer1956 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 06:26 AM

I would not chance taking off the factory seal in your roof mounting screws. I just removed the middle adjustable bars. The brackets slide around, front to back though. I would like to remove the brackets, but don't want to break any plastic on the ends that hold them in place. Is there a trick to getting the ends off so I can slide off the brackets? 07 EL Limited...

chuck s · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 07:32 AM

Removing the cross bars will gain some fuel economy. Not sure it's measurable, but the cross bars do add turbulence.

-- Chuck

2000F2504X4 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 08:51 AM

Well, I am not too concerned about being able to seal the screw holes. I think I can handle that with some type of sealant on a new set of screws or plugs. Anyone got any pics of a "clean" EL roof?

chuck s · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2010, 11:10 AM

You're apparently a pioneer in this area.

You remember the old pioneers, of course, they were the ones with all the arrows sticking out of their bodies...

-- Chuck

ridepate · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 08:47 PM

I've deleted the horrid-looking running-boards. The roof-racks next. Anyone with just a little know-how, some button-head cap screws, touch-up paint and sealant, can do this mod with no ill-effects.
The end-caps will pop-off with just a little tug, then you can get to the fastners.
3dCarbon makes a very nice hatch-spoiler, not gaudy, but very clean looking. It just won't look right, imo, without a smooth roof tho.

If you've got an EL and need the roof rack, you need a bus!!!!!

Jimbo

2000F2504X4 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 08:51 PM

Ridepate-

Is yours' a Limited? How about a couple of pics of the deleted boards. I was thinking about doing that also.

Thanks,

ridepate · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000F2504X4

Ridepate-

Is yours' a Limited? How about a couple of pics of the deleted boards. I was thinking about doing that also.

Thanks,

2000,
It is. I'll get ya a pic tomorrow. It's wayyyy cleaner w/o the boards, especially on the color mine is.

2000F2504X4 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 09:03 PM

Thats cool. Thanks. Post up if you end up removing the roof rack.

jssh24 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 01:37 PM

Jimbo, did you ever remove your roof rack? I have an 07 Exp EL EB that I need roof racks for (my wife won't go for a bus). I would love to see a pic of yours without the running boards. I would attach a pic if I could figure out how. Thanks, Tim