Roof rack removal!

[doughythevanman]

Hi Guys,
Am planning on removing my full length roof rack as my friend wants to buy it and it's hardly ever been used!
The problem i have is, it is bolted to the roof with 12 bolts altogether! I dont want to be getting wet and was wondering if anyone has any good advice on sealing the holes? I was going to go down the nut+bolt+ large washer+ bathroom sealer route but i think the weather will soon get to it .
As usual any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[MrMPuk]

I was going to go down the nut+bolt+ large washer+ bathroom sealer route but i think the weather will soon get to it )

That'll work fine.

[Timbo]

How about blanking grommets after you have painted the edges of the holes ?

P.S. (MinorMatt would probably suggest Gaffer Tape.................)

[simplyshaker]

Weld them up, grind them down and paint em,

or just do your thing with bolts and washers, that will work fine I would guess.

[MinorMatt]

P.S. (MinorMatt would probably suggest Gaffer Tape.................)

Naah thats not for keeping the water out... its for structural repairs and repairing suspension componants

Personally I would wled up the holes (but I can do that!) Otherwise I would be looking at what your suggesting (you could even use dowty washers?) or grommets (again I would use sealant). Make sure there is paint on the edges or it could rot out

[doughythevanman]

Thanks for all the advice lads! I was thinking of welding them but my old girl must weigh about 4 ton unloaded with all the extra plate underneath!!
I think i will go down the nut, washer, sealant route as i dont think i could guarantee a watertight seal with the welds and i always have the option of ready made holes for any beacons, roof racks, ladder racks etc i decide to put on in the future! Plus my roof isnt that great as whoever owned the van previously decied the roof would be safer to walk on than the rack so some of it is quite dented!