Fitting a Fiamma with a rear spoiler

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:53 pm

Corblimey - any news on how you got on with fitting the Thule rack?
Rhod

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:39 pm

Hi Rhod

I fitted it last Saturday. I usually like to take pics of jobs I do so I can post them for everyones benefit but it was peeing down last Saturday so it was the last thing on my mind.

I will take some photos when I get a chance, hopefully this weekend.

I still want to make a few adjustments but it certainly does fit ok. In the end I lined it up so the top pads sat just above the rear window. If I decide to keep it in that position I will need to cut the spoiler as with the fiamma. I may try and lower the pads to sit on the window and if I do that there will be no need to do any cutting.

One thing I didn't read re the Fiamma's until after I'd bought my rack was that they don't need regased struts (unless you get one like Hayden's) ; the Thule does.

It certainly does what I need it to do but overall I wouldn't say it's any easier or worse to fit than the Fiamma (at least from what I've read).

As Van said, "you pays your money..."

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:02 pm

Thanks for the update CB. Look forward to seeing the photos. It sounds as if you had to remove the spoiler to fit the rack in place, even if you don't need to modify it?

Must admit i thought that all the Fiammas needed uprated struts - the weight must be about the same as the Thule.

Rhod

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:05 pm

You may be right about the struts, I'm a bit woolly on that one.

I didn't have to remove the spoiler to actually fit it but it did make the fitting a whole lot easier. I had to try a few different size options first.

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:48 pm

There's a T4 fiamma rack on ebay at the moment

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... SS:GB:1123

<edit>
Opps, just noticed that's for a two rear door van so I guess it won't be any good
</edit>

I've been watching them on ebay for about 6 weeks now but they haven't been coming up too often. Might be worth a punt if you want to go the Fiamma route.

Just popping out to fiddle with my rack so I'll take some photos

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:54 pm

Thanks CB.

It looks to me as if the Thule will be easier to remove when not in use, so I'm heading in that direction at the moment - I think....... Interested to see how it looks on the Bongo though.
Rhod

MountainGoat · Post by **MountainGoat** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:18 pm

I recently fitted a Terzo rear ladder to my Bongo which neccessitated removing the rear spoiler. This is an extreemly simple job to do as all that needs to be done is to open the tailgate, remove two small bolts at each end, unclip the electrical connector then lift the spoiler off two spike lugs still holding it in place. A ten minutes job at the most.
So long as you have a carrier that does not require cutting out part of the spoiler to fit it you should find fitting one a relatively simple job.

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:14 pm

A little late but here are some snaps.

Click the first photo for a slide show

Empty

One bike

Two bikes

And no cutting...

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:53 pm

Thanks for the photo's CB. That looks a fairly sturdy set-up. Are the top mounts resting on the glass in the photo - and if so, are you happy with the loading on it? I guess the bottom line is "Are you happy with it?"

Rhod

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:13 pm

Hi Rhod

Yes the top pads are resting on the glass but they also rest on the door too. Where it does sit on the glass it lines up with the rubber window seal so the glass is actually supported directly below where the pad sits. I'm pretty happy that it's not going to cause a problem but time will tell. I figure that there are loads an loads of racks o nthe market that sit directly on the rear windscreen glass so why should my window be an issue.

I actually fitted the rack several times using various different settings and this is the one that allowed me to fit the spoiler without cutting. If you do get on and need to know what bolt holes I used just yell. It could save you quite a bit of faffing about.

Basically, if you get one and decide you don't like it sitting on the glass you always have the option of positioning the pads on the top of the door a la the Fiamma rack but of course you'll have to cut the spoiler. That's the beauty, it's pretty flexible.

The way I fitted it means the steel straps the fasten the top of the rack to the tail gate are in direct contact with the paintwork. I cut up a neoprene backed mouse mat and placed that between the straps and the paint in an effort to protect it. Anyway, even if the paint gets a little scuffed it won't be noticable because it's obscured by the spoiler.

I have mine mounted centrally on the door which means the mirror doesn't have a lot of room for manovuer. You could easliy get over this though if you mounted the rack off to one side. There's no reason it has to be symmertrically mounted. My wife would say I did it like tat becasue I'm autistic; I'd say I did it like that becasue there's beauty in symmetry Mind you my mirror is nigh on useless since I had the windows limo tinted anyway. I'm been meaning to fit a reversing camera but it's just another item on the long list of Bongo things to do.

The only other thing I plan to do is fix the bottom brackets with some shear nuts instead of the plain nuts supplied. You only have to undo a couple of 12mm nuts and the whole rack can be lifted clear. Hopefully the shear nuts should add a little bit of security.

Overall, I'm very pleased with it and the fact I don't have to cut the spoiler is a real bonus.

Rhod · Post by **Rhod** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:21 am

Thanks CB
I think that's probably the one I'll go for. Which fitting kit did you get - looking at Thule data it looks as if they are vehicle specific rather than universal?
Rhod

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:55 am

Hi Rhod

Good question to which I don't have the answer!

Unforutnately I throw the box away.

I got the rack from http://www.roofracks-roofboxes.co.uk after spending an hour or so going through it all with the owner who was unnecessarily helpful. I think he ordered the shallowest fitting kit possible but I don't know which on that is.

If you're going to get it online why not give him a ring on 01404 822116 (ask for Roland). I said I'd give him a mention so please tell him you heard it from me.

If you're going to buy one locally, let me know and I'll give him a ring and find out what kit it was.

MountainGoat · Post by **MountainGoat** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:15 am

Rhod if you have time you could chek out this place in Livingston and try before you buy. Much nearer to you.

http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/bike/bike.htm

Majorbloodnock · Post by **Majorbloodnock** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:45 am

Rhod wrote:Hi Corblimey
I'm looking for the same info
Major Bloodneck posted a few months back saying that he could put someone in touch with a company who had the template for cutting the spoiler & would do the job if you posted it through. I PM'd him but didn't get a response & have been distracted by other things....

Rhod

Hi Rhod

Really sorry, but didn't receive your PM or would of replied straight away (wonder why I didn't get it?).

I was referring to AVA, but didn't want to post their name at the time, as wasn't sure this was a service that they offered, or just an "add on" if you buy the rack from them. Looks like you have all the info you need now though. I will be going to them for the rack and the spoiler modification when I have the loot!

Stu

vanvliet · Post by **vanvliet** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:39 pm

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