Definitely prefer something reversible, as sound suggests. To keep the option of putting them back if needed. That's why I was thinking grommets or similar to plug up the holes.

2nd preference is probably to have them all black. That's what the LS has, right? (My car will be a black XLS, btw.) I wonder if the dealer would consider swapping them out with ones off an LS. Prefer that over painting.

 

..second day i had my gray xls i pulled the racks sanded ,primed ,and painted satin black.

looks so much better. i found the silver with the dark gray too distracting.

easiest way would be using ls racks. i doubt the dealer will do for free or even cheap. worth a try thoug !

 

I recommend not to REMOVED THE Roof Rack because once you take it out it will leave a holes on your car and water will get in and rust is the next problem

They were built together and installed together.

 

Outty, what was involved (and how involivng) was the r&r?

I think we're on the same page about trying to downplay the look of them. I've kind of got the same issue with the door handles -- would prefer body color.

So apparently what I need is something between an LS and an XLS. The 18's are of no interest (plan to run 20's), but the LS wheels would do nicely for mounting some winter tires. So it would seem that getting an LS would be the obvious way to go, but I also need the 3rd row (and would be a little bummed not to get the paddle shifters).

 

the racks come off in minutes.
there are pastic covers that pop off with the help of a small flat blade screw driver.
one "cover"on each end and one on the middle support.
with the covers off you can then get at the bolts holding them to the roof (12 or 13mm i think)
with them off it is just a matter of taking your time to prep and paint.
when i feel real ambitious ,i am going to pull the door handles and do the same.

 

Sweet, sounds like cake. I was afraid it might involve pulling the headliner or something.

And if the bolts screw in from the top, then in theory a short bolt with a rubber washer should be all that's needed to seal the roof from weather. At which point it's just a cosmetic issue.

 

Hmm, sounds like it wouldn't be that difficult. My only problem would be color matching. Isn't metallic colors the hardest to match?

Also, I am used to finding my car by looking for the silver roof rails.