Fiamma Carry Bike DJ200 Corrosion and removal

So today I decided to tackle a problem I noticed after I bought the van, a job I wish I'd done sooner. I actually don't use the rack as it can't carry my e bike so thought removing would be best.

There was obvious signs of corrosion on the Fiamma Carry Bike DJ200 as you could see it from the brackets. On removing the plastic bracket covers it was much worse than I thought.


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I thought the best course of action would be to remove the rack and brackets and replace with new brackets.

However the bolts holding the bracket clamps were seized solid onto the bottom runner. I managed to get the bolts. I sheared 1 bolt head and could only get the other out enough so that i could remove the Clamp on the bottom runner.

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So now I'm left with 4 holes, stained paint and window due to the rust and a runner with seized and broken bolts.

I think my options are buy new runners and clamps or seal the holes with the bolts holding the runners on with some sort of rubber seal. Does anyone have any other ideas? Are there any chemicals or methods to remove the rust stains?

Thanks
G

I can’t help with you question but those pictures are genuinely shocking, I’ve never seen that before.
Good luck, I’m sure someone can give good advice.

Dbvwt wrote:I can’t help with you question but those pictures are genuinely shocking, I’ve never seen that before.
Good luck, I’m sure someone can give good advice.

Thanks

Here are the clamps 

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On the paintwork, try spraying the stain with WD40 - leave for 10-15 mins then scrub with a toothbrish or aluminium foil, then remove residue with a cloth. May need to repeat.

If your window is glass, then try the same but not sure if it's acrylic. 

WD40 should work if time allowed to loosen, if not then maybe try T cut?

rogerblack wrote:On the paintwork, try spraying the stain with WD40 - leave for 10-15 mins then scrub with a toothbrish or aluminium foil, then remove residue with a cloth. May need to repeat.

If your window is glass, then try the same but not sure if it's acrylic. 

WD40 should work if time allowed to loosen, if not then maybe try T cut?

Hi Roger,

Thanks for the suggestion. Seems a cheap option to start with.

I just priced up 4 x clamps and 2 x runners on the fiamma web site and came back at £304. Not paying that when I don't intend on using the bloody rack 

Hi regarding the rust stains you have on the vehicle there is a very effective product which I frequently use on my boat to get rid of rust stains on fiberglass.
It is Oxalic acid and has many uses.
You will have to do a certain amount of trial and error to get an effective strength by solution can be sourced online easily.
Hope this helps.

Going to look at mine tomorrow, no rust stains, but?
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Richard

rgermain wrote:Going to look at mine tomorrow, no rust stains, but?
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Richard

You just need to pop the plastic covers off. I'm assuming the rack in my van is 10 years old if fitted from new.

Straight to it after nightshift  Rust stains gone   

Used wd40 which did work bit had to scrub hard with towel so used some 'the punk stuff paste' paste. That did thr job with ease as it's slightly abrasive. 

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I'll tackle the holes this afternoon if I have enough time. I plan to use the bars without the clamps to see how it looks.

Plug the holes with some dome headed stainless steel bolts

young_bairn wrote:

rgermain wrote:Going to look at mine tomorrow, no rust stains, but?
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Richard

You just need to pop the plastic covers off. I'm assuming the rack in my van is 10 years old if fitted from new.

Thank you. Mine seem ok, no signs of rust, not knowing how long you have had the van, but didn't you spot the rust stains a long time ago?

Others on here have removed their racks and used stainless bolts to fill the holes, if you don't replace the rack.

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Richard

rgermain wrote:

young_bairn wrote:

rgermain wrote:Going to look at mine tomorrow, no rust stains, but?
---------
Richard

You just need to pop the plastic covers off. I'm assuming the rack in my van is 10 years old if fitted from new.

Thank you. Mine seem ok, no signs of rust, not knowing how long you have had the van, but didn't you spot the rust stains a long time ago?

Others on here have removed their racks and used stainless bolts to fill the holes, if you don't replace the rack.

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Richard

The van was in the garage for 4 months last year for an engine change (cracked block) and since I got it back I've been trying to use it rather than spending more money on it :D 

Nearly caught up with the jobs list now at least :)