roof rack options for 80/90 Audi

[Dave Hord]

Ed,

The Thule rack system for the 80/90 quattro fits perfectly.  I've been using
one for over 6 years now.

You will need to buy the generic LB50 load bars, the generic towers and then
a "fit kit".  Off the top of my head I think the 80/90 series use fit kit 001.
Check with your local dealer to be certain.

The fit kit contains four molded rubber pads and clamps that will fit the car
perfectly. The rubber pads sit nicely inside the rain grooves, and have a wide
load area.

The yakima rack works very similar, and while I don't know the part numbers, is
just as well made.

When you sell your 80/90, or if you have other cars, most likely all you'll
need to purchase is a new fit kit for the new car. (unless it has rain-
gutters...those use different towers)

Which one should you choose? Yakima, or Thule?

That depends...what do your friends have?!

Thule uses a square bar system, Yakima uses round bars.  This means that you
can't put a thule accessory on a Yakima bar.  I ask what your friends have,
because ONE day you're going to want to borrow something from someone...whether
it be an extra bike mount, a boat mount or some accessory.

Thule accessories ONLY work with square bars.  SOME of the Yakima accessories
are both round or square bar compatible.  Choose whichever suits your
preference.

All my cars are Thule square bar, but my friend with whom I'm always wanting to
borrow/loan rack accessories is a Yakima guy.  Frustrates the heck out of us!

Both the thule and Yakima racks are very high quality, strong stuff.  I'd
recommend staying away from the 'Audi' brand, as it is difficult to get
accessories to mount on top of them.

-Dave


--
86 4ksq 266,600km new to me as of March 5th 2003... will it stick around??
89 90q  330,000km as of Feb 26th.
Rally Conversion...perpetually in progress...
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