Retro-fitting roof rails to a 159

[Stu-C123]

Does anyone know if it can be done?

I need to replace my daily and have my heart set on a 159 Sportwagon. Roof rails are a must for mountain bike transport. Some nice ones for sale recently but sans rails, which is a deal-breaker for me.

[omniflow]

There's a thread which is currently on page 7 (for me) of readers' cars, where I guy removes the rails from a 159 Sportwagon. That should show you what you need to know.

[wal 45]

No it can’t be done easily I’m afraid. The roof gets strengthened internally at the factory, it isn’t just a case of fitting the rails externally.

If the car wasn’t optioned from new with roof rails the strengthening isn’t there.

I had the same problem with mine when I had it, used a Thule rack in the end that was absolutely fine.

Edited by wal 45 on Saturday 26th January 19:38