Things that go bump in the roof..

[graham]

After a fishing trip a few weeks ago, I now have an annoying rattle in the roof. A bit of background first. This trip was not the best I've had, no fish and my swing-away spare tyre carrier broke. So I removed it and tied it onto the roof rack, to be fixed when I returned home.

Now since I've flipped the rear shackles and extended the front shackles I have limited clearance under my carport. So you clairvoyants, you know what happened next, for every one else, the spare tyre on the roof rack did not fit under the carport, and I didn't realise until it was too late. [img]redface.gif[/img]
Ripped the roof rack almost off. No major damaged other than a few bent rails and a couple of minor dents. Nothing that a little sweat and elbow grease could not fix.

Now every time I hit a reasonable bump the roof rattles.

So before I go investigating much further can some one tell me what hides between the headliner and the roof that could rattle? Someone who has replaced the headliner may be able to shed abet of light on my problem. Is it possible that the spot welds on a roof support have broken?

[Crazy_Jeepman]

There are ribs that are bolted to the inner rails on the inside of the Wag. These ribs are against the roof and are insulated with a tar type caulking. Once this caulking is broke free from the two it will sound like a DRUM going down a bumpy road. BOOM DA BOOM DA BOOM.

[graham]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Crazy_Jeepman:
There are ribs that are bolted to the inner rails on the inside of the Wag. These ribs are against the roof and are insulated with a tar type caulking. Once this caulking is broke free from the two it will sound like a DRUM going down a bumpy road. BOOM DA BOOM DA BOOM. <hr></blockquote>

Crazy, you got the noise right.

So I spose this means the headliner has to come out Bet this is a real PITA job

Any tips on what not to do? or any thing that will make it easier?

[sandmanb]

man, i hate it when that happens,good luck on straitening it out.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Depends on the headliner, but the best advice is slow and careful. The rib most likely is bent. I have done that by to much on the roof, and rough roads, bends them. Then I have to take them out and rebend them and caulk them.

[Sitting Bull]

Hey Crazy...why not just mount some more supports up there. Instead of the three, just put six, since they mount so easily anyway. I've been contemplating do this in my Chero, any thoughts???

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I do not think it is a problem with the side rails not having the support. I throw Deer camping equipment Ect on the roof and tied down to the side rails. I think the problem is the chrome strips that is on the roof. They are hardly strong enough for holding any undistributed weight. If one was to lay a sheet of plywood down on the roof then load up on it, I think this would not happen. But really who does that, I know I don't. Best solution, custom rack where the rack has a bottom OFF the roof and more supports as you mention, along the edge of the roof where it is rigid.