My rear roof luggage rack has completely lost its black paint covering. It is the cross beam that connects one side to the other. Now it's a shiny aluminum going down the road. Does anyone know how I can paint this black again since it's aluminum? Would it be better to buy that piece at a salvage yard rather than try to repaint it?

Your input on this will be greatly appreciated.

I have taken it off the top and it appears to have 2 torx screws on each side holding it in place. Removing these torx should let me take the piece out for painting or replacement.

 

If it was me I would replace it.

 

I have the same problem just on the cross bars on my '01 Expy. I'm planning on cleaning, priming and painting them this summer.

 

Does anyone know what kind of spray paint to use on the rack?
Please advise,
Thanks

 

An etching primer should do the job, just be sure to follow the instructions regarding preparation and you will get a job well done.

 

Had the same problem with my '01. I slid them off, removed the ends and scuffed the cross bars clean. These are aluminum and need to be done with steel wool or scotchbrite pad. Cleaned 'em with rubbing alcohol. I gave them each two coats of black bed liner since I figured it was rooftop carrier contact that caused the condition. Tough material that bed liner and it looks good. I think I paid less than ten bucks for a spray can at Napa.

 

I will have to agree. I am an aircraft mechanic. Most all our parts are alu. It must be Stripped, etched, primed and painted. Do it right, and you will never have to touch it again.

 

When I was in line at Napa buying the bedliner spray it was a Sikorsky aircraft tech who put me on the steel wool or scotch brite pad sanding. The guy said that regular sandpaper would foul up the adhesion of the paint. Nice of him to set me straight. I only wish he was around when the aluminum hood on my truck was painted at the factory. If there ever was a lousy prep/paint job done to aluminum it happened with these vehicles.

 

I have the same problem on my 01 navigator, I am thinking about stripping them down and then prime and painting them with duplicolor engine paint to fight the hot sun.