olympic top hat rack

[shimmy]

quality, is it worth it? anyone have one and actually put it to use?

[GI-John]

Very Happy with mine, and consider it well worth the money. I've used it SEVERAL times to keep trees off of the roof rail. It's almost like a roof skid of sorts.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/GI-John/DSCF1472.jpg IXNAYXJ followed me on a trip and boogered his roof rails up pretty well while mine were unscathed due to the siderails. I even had the chance to use it as a recovery point.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/GI-John/DSCF1489.jpg

Overall quality is good, but rust seems to be a problem. I'm constantly retouching rust spots that show up at the seams. If you do get one though, I'd suggest drenching the inside of the rails with WD-40 or something, then sealing the seams with silicone sealant.

John


P.S.
The instructions SUCK! I eventually ended up taking off the basket and just using the lower skids and floor.

[wiretie]

I've had my Olympic rack on my 98XJ for about two years. The side bars do provide a level of protection for the roof rail. It's priced right and overall quality is good, although, rust does remain an issue. Nothing a little rattle can can't handle.