Boot bike rack - The paintwork woes

Black_Knight

We're taking the plunge on buying some bikes, but the suggestion of getting a bike rack for the car has crept in.

Im looking for ideas on how to keep the paintwork scratch free. Any ideas?


Im thinking of buying some 3M scotchgard clear film and just applying and removing whenever im using/not using the bike rack. Obviously ill do a quick detail on the boot first before applying the film.

Good idea? Anything better?

Curran

Hate seeing them on cars because you just know the paint is going to be destroyed by the rack, straps in the wind, mointing the bikes etc.

Considered a roof rack? Probably a bit more expensive though!

punisher5112

Also a tow bar fitted bike rack could work no parts on body work.

Black_Knight

Curran wrote: »

Hate seeing them on cars because you just know the paint is going to be destroyed by the rack, straps in the wind, mointing the bikes etc.

Considered a roof rack? Probably a bit more expensive though!

Roof rack on a CC. Ugh. Not a fan of any bike carrying equipment, but needs must. Roof rack would be a) expensive for something I dont really want, and b) it would still damage/mark the paintwork.

punisher5112 wrote: »

Also a tow bar fitted bike rack could work no parts on body work.

Id need a tow bar first. A) Even more expensive and I didnt just spend €400 on a reversing camera only to fit a tow bar. C) Hideous looking tow bar

I think im going to give the 3M clear film a go. A blast of quick detailer and a microfiber before applying, and a blast after I peal it off should keep it clean. Straps in the wind shouldnt be an issue if I tape up with 3M well enough.

I (my car) was the wedding car for my brothers wedding. Weddings ribbons all over. My horror when I seen the destruction a 20 minute drive with ribbons can do! Hand polishing took it out 90%.

Curran

Buy a cheap run around to fire the bikes into!

Anything on the car is going to do damage - roof rack on a CC / rear mounted bike rack.....both ughhh!

Black_Knight

Curran wrote: »

Buy a cheap run around to fire the bikes into!

Anything on the car is going to do damage - roof rack on a CC / rear mounted bike rack.....both ughhh!

The GF has a mini. Thats an option, but my car is our main weekend car, and weekends mean possible bike trips.

A 3rd car isnt an option.

vectra

Seeing as you are buying bikes.
Just lock up the car and go on a cycle outing.

Black_Knight

vectra wrote: »

Seeing as you are buying bikes.
Just lock up the car and go on a cycle outing.

Dont fancy cycling Dublin to Dungarvan, just for a leisurely cycle around Dungarvan. And if we decide to bring the bikes to France, id feel a bit guilty asking the OH to cycle behind me.

R.O.R

I fitted a boot mounted bike rack to a brand new Passat for a customer, to make sure I knew how to fit it before she arrived.

Took it off while she was here collecting, and there were (small) dents in the boot lid already. Not just the paint that you have to consider - to stop the rear mounted bike racks from moving too much, they have to be strapped pretty tight, and that's going to affect the bodywork.

Roof Rack isn't too expensive - cheaper than fixing a couple of dents.

yop

I use a hitch bike rack from Thule and strap the wheels to the frame so zero movement.

Mc Love

Another option, rent the bikes when you get to your destination.

Ded_Zebra

I would go for a removable tow bar and a tow bar bike rack. It'll never be seen when the bikes are not on as the tow bar will be removed and it also poses the minimum risk to the car. You can also use it for pulling trailers, friends that are broken down and many other uses

Black_Knight

Ded_Zebra wrote: »

I would go for a removable tow bar and a tow bar bike rack. It'll never be seen when the bikes are not on as the tow bar will be removed and it also poses the minimum risk to the car. You can also use it for pulling trailers, friends that are broken down and many other uses

€€€€€€ :eek:

Ded_Zebra

Black_Knight wrote: »

€€€€€€ :eek:

Well it's cheaper than getting another car for transporting the bikes

Depending on how long you're going to keep the car I suppose and how much value you would get out of the tow bar. This one was just the top of the ebay list when I searched. Not too bad really.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Towbar-Detachable-Electric-Kit-VW-Passat-CC-2005On-Volkswagen-/221440758332?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item338ee5d23c

This too

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-3-Tow-Bar-Bike-Carrier-Bicycle-Towball-Mounted-Cycle-Carrier-Rack-/251532810366?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item3a9086187e

It's not just light scratches you need to worry about, if the bike comes in contact with the car you have more serious issues. This happened to my dads car when I was using it to transport a bike The pedal was rubbing on the bumper and not only went through the paint but well into the plastic of the bumper too :eek: