Install of Yakima Racks (There will be Blood)

Ok, first I would like to say that if you have to use the same fonts at home that you use at work because other wise it just doesn't "look right" you might be going a little crazy.

The wife and I ( I will call her H because I have seen other blogger's get ripped because they forgot their wives name while blogging) ..... ok again...

For Christmas this year we asked everyone for REI gift cards (if they asked) So we could get the Yakima set up for our Vanagon.... I really to name it, maybe something viking sounding.... Well I got up the nerve to install it yesterday and today. No I am not a procrastinator in the least. Nor do I have ADD which might explain why I jump around on my posts. :) I was kind of nervous about putting wholes in my camper top. As I could not find pictures on how exactly to do it.

As far as I know this is the only complete install w/ pictures on the net!

I was very nervous about placement, but as I looked at the camper I could see there are all kinds of land marks on it. My understanding is the farther back the rack is the easier it is to lift and lower it.

1.) this picture is as far back on the camper you can get without getting into the hinges. I took a pencil and lightly drew down the straight edge. this gives you a 90 degree angle to where the camper flairs out.





2.) using the same "wide body" hardware straight edge draw a line parallel to the flair. the reason you want to do this first is that you can see if it crooked. after making any adjustments mark where the wholes are to be put.

arhhhhhh I cant believe I didn't save this I had it done and now it is gone!! all my deep insights and humorous commits gone!! I have been trying to do this for the last 2 days the lost post was much more informed. I would do it again but it is 1 am here and I get up at 4 am ussually. Tomarrow I have to go find out why I pay $1300 for a repairs to my Vanagon to run 2 days!!

* you want to make your drill bit as short as possable as not to damage the canvas

*you also want to do all drilling with the camper popped up












3.) the next few pictures are to show the placement of the front bars.




































* this is to ease the minds of the people that where concerned about bolts ripping the canvas.










* the placement of 18 inches allows clearance for a sunroof if I ever get one.
















oh yes the blood!! I warned you!!