My $.02 on the original roof rack. Looking at the photo in the Technical Manual under accessories it looks like an attractive piece of hardware. However, I would be reluctant to employ it for practical purposes. 1st off, it requires that your roof have the 2 chrome decorative trims which are not standard on all cars. Now you have to consider the point loads applied to the chrome trims and roof from whatever you plan to strap down to the rack. These point loads become both vertical and lateral when wind resistance becomes a factor. I feel that a more practical design for the purpose of carrying a load would be a rack supported by the roofs rain gutters. Much like you would find on roof racks made for commercial vans. Again, just my $.02.