Can roof rails be removed?

[billsims]

I have already removed the cross rails. I won't ever use the rails and I am not crazy about the silver color with my red body color. I would like to remove them altogether, but it appears it may leave a gap or unfinished look in the roof channel if they are removed. I know the base models don't even have them and, frankly, that is the look I want.

[Leo2005]

The car like rogue in my opinion should have at least roof rails. ok...without cross bars. I know it is probably make extra noise or decreasing mpg numbers but without them it is just does not look right. Like this bold head:

Paint them red to match your car color.

[billsims]

I guess I would rather my Rogue look more like a cross over and less like a SUV. If I could change the color, preferably to black, I would like it more. I would also be interested to know if anyone has attempted to paint their rails.

[philipa_240sx]

It is possible to remove the roof rails on each side. Just to give you an idea what's involved:

1- Remove the trim pieces from each end of the roof rail2- Remove the 4 bolts holding each roof rail in place. If they do not loosen, you will have to partially remove the headliner inside the vehicle to access the nuts underneath.3- Remove the rail. You will now be left with 4 holes in the black plastic trim piece (drip molding) running the length of the roof.4- Plug the 8 bolt holes that held the roof rails in place. This way you do not get water inside your vehicle.5- Purchase 2 new roof drip moldings from an S model Rogue. These will not have any holes in them for the roof rails. Cost is about $150USD for the pair. Remove the old ones and install the new pieces.

As for painting the factory rails, this is possible but I would suggest having the rails removed and painted separately. Painting them on the vehicle will be difficult as it's hard to avoid over spray and you cannot easily paint the underside.

[Jerry98vert]

I have already removed the cross rails. I won't ever use the rails and I am not crazy about the silver color with my red body color. I would like to remove them altogether, but it appears it may leave a gap or unfinished look in the roof channel if they are removed. I know the base models don't even have them and, frankly, that is the look I want.

How much do you want for the cross rails? I might buy them.

[YSL926]

I'm actually want to do the other way around...I just bought the roof rails but does not have roof side moldings with openings...my concern is can I cut the opening by myself?

[MadOx75]

It is possible to remove the roof rails on each side. Just to give you an idea what's involved:

1- Remove the trim pieces from each end of the roof rail2- Remove the 4 bolts holding each roof rail in place. If they do not loosen, you will have to partially remove the headliner inside the vehicle to access the nuts underneath.3- Remove the rail. You will now be left with 4 holes in the black plastic trim piece (drip molding) running the length of the roof.4- Plug the 8 bolt holes that held the roof rails in place. This way you do not get water inside your vehicle.5- Purchase 2 new roof drip moldings from an S model Rogue. These will not have any holes in them for the roof rails. Cost is about $150USD for the pair. Remove the old ones and install the new pieces.

As for painting the factory rails, this is possible but I would suggest having the rails removed and painted separately. Painting them on the vehicle will be difficult as it's hard to avoid over spray and you cannot easily paint the underside.

I was going to go this route, but I'm concerned about plugging the holes right. Since I was considering painting the roof black anyway, maybe I'll just paint have the roof rails painted at the same time...

[Qashqai]

If I were you, I would never touch anything (sunroof, roof bar, antenna) on the roof of the car. I think any time you touch one of them, there is a high chance of having water leakage.

And I personally don't think crossbars decreases the fuel efficiency or causes noise. I have a pair and I don't have any complaints. However, I do have a hood deflector and it whistles a lot! But that is a trade of: having a dent on the hood or whistling? of course whistling!

[casperfun]

I have a pair and I don't have any complaints. However, I do have a hood deflector and it whistles a lot! But that is a trade of: having a dent on the hood or whistling? of course whistling!

I advise you to remove than re-attach your hood deflector which is really quite easy, maybe you could replace the tape protecting the paint if need be.

I have never experienced any whistling with these Hood deflectors from Canada. Super quiet on the highway even with the windows down and going 75-80 mph; of course while passing.

Heck, even with the sunroof open with my cheap adhesive moonroof deflector and crossbars make no noise whatsoever.

Just normal wind you hear on the highway and not very obtrusive I feel.

[mpattdu]

I haven't noticed a decrease in MPG with the crossbars, but they definitely whistle if there is a strong enough cross wind.

[casperfun]

Most likely I do not get noise from my crossbars because of my moonroof deflector that practically acts like a fairing. It's attached with 3M tape and the height is much higher than the OEM nissan deflectors and is more bubble-like than the sleek lower design of those clip on versions.

Even this is not the reason, I still never heard whistling or maybe I never hit a crosswind yet.