Has anyone installed an aftermarket roof rack on a 2008 Mazda3? i heard that there are mounting slots under the rain gutter molding. How do you take that molding off ?

Thanks

 

The mounts are 1/4-20 threads, not slots. someone has pics up of a mod where they drilled through the covering to install a rack - which is a great idea, can't find the thread though. They had pics of what you need.

They come off by prying up near the middle, think the clips are just behind the B-pillar if I remember correctly. Just a T clip kind of shape, so push to the left and lift on the left for example. Each end has a simpler clip, that needs to be pulled mostly straight up to get it loose.

 

Hi guys, I see that one of you was trying to secure a roof rack by drilling through the rubber gutter thingy? I read in another forum that that doesn't work very well, but that's not from experience.

I wanted to know if I took off the rubber thingy, can I put it back on or does it break the clips? I want to mount a rack so that I can take my bike or kayak wherever, and I was looking at Thule racks. They have 2 categories though, fixed mount or regular roof mount, and I didn't know which applied to my roof? I have a 2004 Mazda 3s 2.3. So I also those roof gutters with the rubber thingys, and I have read a couple places now that there are mounts below those? So would I then go with a fixed mount rack base?

Ive heard that Thule is the best, but Im up for any suggestions. This is what I came up with, would this be correct for my car?

460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack

460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack $164.95

RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bar Pair (2 Pack) $119.95

544 4-Pack Lock Cylinder $54.95

KIT3069 $69.95

871XT Fairing 38" $79.95


Thanks guys.

 

the gutter plastic cover can be removed and put back on, go slow and it'll come off without breaking anything.
I think this would qualify as a fixed mount, the 'regular' i'm thinking of clips that would hold onto the sides of the roof where the door seals at the top.
I didn't want a roof rack for looks and aerodynamics (unless it's used all the time), so I put on a hitch instead - just an option if you would want to get a trailer too.

True hidden hitch link https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/truly-hidden-hitch-53213/

 

I used a paint stir to pry the 'gutter cover' off to expose the threaded inserts.

Line the cover up parallel to where it would sit, and mark where the hole needs to be drilled.

Drill the cover, using a 1/8" bit as a pilot, then step it up to 5/16, then 3/8.

Ream the hole. Reinstall cover from front to back. Slowly snap it back into place. If its overhanging in the back, you can slide it towards the front a bit.