Roof rack shenanigans

[Quintus]

I appreciate that the title of this thread doesn't doesn't exactly entice you to read, but here goes...

 

In early 2005, I bought this

 

 

It's been a great car, but recently I've encountered a small problem; trying to find a roof rack that fits is a fucking nightmare. I'm planning on carrying a 2 man kayak, and initially bought a Thule kit from a local canoe shop, but unfortunately it didn't fit.

 

Next, I approached my nearest Mazda dealer and they came up with this

 

 

 

No matter how much I've farted around with it, it definitely doesn't fit. Despite supposedly being the right kit for my car, the bars seem to be fractionally too long, which is baffling.

 

It all seems to be down to the weird roof system (see below) that the GSE model came with. As far as I am aware, this was the only version of these 323s that came with this setup, and I think they were only made until around 2001.

 

Front

 

Rear

 

I'll be making further enquiries with Mazda UK and the dealer, but in the meantime I was just wondering whether anyone on here knows much about these. Could I be facing expensive modifications to my car just to carry something on the roof?

[pogweasel]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Handirack-Inflata ... 0607319021

Problem solved.

[Quintus]

Thanks Pogweasel, I suspect this may be the only option.

[seth]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Handirack-Inflatable-Roof-Rack-FANTASTIC-BARGAIN-/270607319021

Problem solved.

No good 'cos a rusty oil can would chaffe through that in no time.

[Richard]

Doesn't the foot move along the rail?

 

The one featured on Wikipedia has roofbars so it can be done.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mazda_Protege5_.jpg

 

Incidentally, it looks as if the 323 was called the Allegro in some markets.

[ashmicro]

That is the correct kit for your car. You have bought a cut n shut motor, which fractionally shorter than standard.

[Quintus]

Doesn't the foot move along the rail?

Doesn't seem to. Tried both bars in all sorts of ways and can't make it fit, plus the bolts supplied are too small for the holes at the front and there doesn't seem to be any suitable hole for them at the rear.

 

Interesting Wikipedia pic. Those roof bars are nothing like what I've been sold.

 

Incidentally, it looks as if the 323 was called the Allegro in some markets.

That's news to me! Mind you, it's one of those cars that does tend to be driven by the more mature driver

[face]

What are those shape 323's like? I've always fancied a 323 Sport:

 

[ashmicro]

I believe they are rather good on the whole. A mate ran one and he was most complimentary. NOTE: He owns a Mazda dealership.

[Quintus]

What are those shape 323's like?

Mine's a year 2000 model and I've certainly been very happy with it over the last five and a half years. It's a 1.5 so only about 87bhp, but it's quick enough for my needs and is returning an overall average of about 36mpg.

 

I haven't had anything major go wrong and the only non service/consumable parts that have needed replacement due to wear and tear were

 

1) MAF sensor: Became a bit hesitant on acceleration. Replaced with no problems since.

 

2) Anti roll bar links: Replaced all 4 earlier this year. That did surprise me a bit as it only just passed the 60,000 mile mark recently, then again considering the increasingly shagged state of Britain's roads, perhaps not.

 

Plus points

-Decent handling

-Loads of legroom for rear seat passengers

-Build quality generally very good

-Surprisingly tidy handling

 

Minus points

-Slightly fidgety ride at low speed

-A tiny bit low geared for motorway cruising (80mph = 4,000rpm, er, so I've been told officer)

-Paint finish in vulnerable areas does seem a little bit weak. Bonnet is fairly stone chipped and some rust is starting to show a bit on the front inner edges of the rear wheel arches. Mine is 10 years old now though so I guess it's not entirely unexpected.

 

I'd say a sport would be a pretty good buy. I've not driven any other versions but I'm sure they're more than quick enough with the 1.8 or 2.0l engine.

[aled]

i know a few people with that shape 323, they are really reliable and done lots of miles but they do suffer alot of surface rust on the under side.

 

my mot man said it was because of no under body protection on the cars from the factory.

[Quintus]

That's very interesting. The rust protection and paint finish on my old K11 Micra did seem to be a lot more durable.

 

I have considered getting mine rust proofed by a specialist of some kind, but the cost is putting me off a bit.