Just looked at the Yakima and Thule websites for a roof rack for my '98 Sport.  A couple of notes on the Yakima site say:


  DISCONTINUED CLIP: Yakima no longer stocks or accepts orders on the clips for this vehicle. Check with your dealer or online retailer.

  This Yakima application requires custom installation. Tools and some degree of craftsmanship may be required. Most body shops are qualified to do the installation.


I assume that if I can find a retailer with what I need in stock, the first won't be a problem.

If anyone out there has a set of these--What "custom installation" is required?

Thanx.

Depends on what your looking for.
You can buy the set up that goes on Canopys
Tracks and then the towers that fit. this way you can decide how far apart
the towers will set.
Or
They have ones that Bolt to your roof.

here's my sport with a rack.
it will get it's lift and 31's soon.

JayN:

That looks good.  That is what I had in mind for mine.  Who made the rack?  Was there any "custom installation" required? 

HotRod:

I have seen those on the web.  My only concern is how well they will hold on if you use screws.  Using bolts throught the roof would be the best way all around, but would require removing the headliner, which would be a bit of a hassle.

HotRod:

I have seen those on the web.  My only concern is how well they will hold on if you use screws.  Using bolts throught the roof would be the best way all around, but would require removing the headliner, which would be a bit of a hassle.

Actually they use some type of crush nut or what not. and then the bolts for the rails goes through that.
You don't have to take down headliner. You just have to know when to stop drilling the holes.
this is what I have but haven't used since I'm selling the 4dr

mine is made by sport rack, the whole thing just bolts on. pretty decent. it is all powdercoated black. pretty light and does the job. i put a fair amount of weigth on it sometimes when camping. will look much better up there when i get my lift in and my tires. then i will mount my cb antenna,lights, and a shovel to the rack. the kick is a  dd and a family exploring rig. this won't see hardcore trails untill i get another dd.

i paid about $600cdn for the roof rails, the basket, and the basket extender to make it longer. mine was a spontanious buy though. i was going camping in the afternoon and bought it froma  local shop int hemorning. may have been able to get it cheaper, but wanted it right then.
LOL

Thanx.  I checked the Sport Rack website and found a model, identified as a "Mondial 6-AO2306," for a '98 Sidekick 4dr.  I assume that is what you bought.  If not, I'll find a '96-'98 trackkick and measure.  From other threads, I get  the impression that the Sport body might be wider than the Canadian built trackkicks, tho no one has shown any numbers.  From what I saw on the website last nite, it appears that the rack length is not easily adjustable, as on the Yakima and Thule.

A note on the website said that rack is available only in Canada.  Suppose that company doesn't like US $?  I found at least one company on the web that sells it, though.

I was able to find a set of the yakima clips about 18 months ago, but they were discontinued quite a lot time ago.

I still have the whole setup with load bars, and the feet with clips, if you're interested in purchasing them (complete).  They're to fit the 4-door, and i don't believe the sport model's rooftops were any difference in width and length.

The factory racks (i have one of those too) just screw into the roof.

I still have the whole setup with load bars, and the feet with clips, if you're interested in purchasing them (complete).  They're to fit the 4-door, and i don't believe the sport model's rooftops were any difference in width and length.

The more I learn about roof racks, the less certain I am about what to get.  The Yakima rack you mentioned might be of interest, depending on what kind of deal we could work out.  From another manufacturer's application chart, your kick and mine use the same rack.  A big question is what "custom installation" (according to the Yakima website) is required?  You are about 1000 miles from here, so dropping by to look it over is out of the question.   

I think I need to learn more about the "bolt-on" type before making a final decision.

reb

You have to drill some small holes in the pinch weld under the rubber trim on the roof's edge for the clips to mount to.  that's the custom part they're talking about.