Difference in American and Canadian P5?

[chevyfried]

Are there any differences in the US and Canadian Protege5's, mainly the roof area? I am looking for an aftermarket roof rack (I dont want the OEM unit) and according the Thule (I already have the bike mounts and load bars) the 2069 fit kit fits the Canadian model (w/o roof rack) but when I search under my car ('03) it says it doesnt make a fit kit for my car. Ive only been able to find one post on the issue but it didnt help much. Anyone have an idea?

PS-I bought my P5 used and it apparently either had the roof rack delete or from what I understand might be canadian, because it had no rack, just the strips that fill in the gutters.

[bermankahns]

the canadian rack and the american rack are different. they cant be swapped. so i would find out what version you have.

[ProtoType5]

The American Models 2003.5 did not have the roof rack and had rails instead...The Canadian models all had rails and had an optional roof rack that was completely different from the US version...

They are interchangable, but you have to switch the entire rail to make it work...

There should be an option on the Thule website to have Protege 5 without roof rack...I don't know, but I've seen plenty of P5s with nice aftermarket racks by Thule and Yakima...You'll find the answer, but that's all I've got..

[ForceFed]

The American Models 2003.5 did not have the roof rack and had rails instead.....Are these 03.5 rails different than the Canadian Non roof rack rails with the plastic caps?
The ones everyone use to replace the US roof rack one with for the smooth look?

I have part numbers for the Roof mouldings..but I beleive they have the tiny little clips in them for the optional roof rack attachment..Are there any wothout that..Is the 03.5 ones maybe like this?

[ProtoType5]

I'm thinking they are the same, but considering the rack was never and option in 2003.5, perhaps they are straight rails without the Canandian sections for the rack...Don't know and have never looked..

BTW...Search on Yakima.com under fit my ride, and you'll find the Q-clips you'll need...and you should be good to go...

[ForceFed]

BTW...Search on Yakima.com under fit my ride, and you'll find the Q-clips you'll need...and you should be good to go...
Is this Directed at me?
I just want plain Drip rail strips with no little clips in them..I am ordering them as soon as I verify which one os which..and if there is adifference between the 03.5 and the canadien Versions.

Anyone that can answer this...It would be highly appreciated.

[chevyfried]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have searched under thule for the american p5 without roof rack and it still says, "they do not have a custom fit rack for your application." Ummm...I don't get it.

As for yakima, i know they fit, but like i said before, i already have alot of parts (ie load bars, locks, keys and 2 bike mounts) for thule, so in total i will have spent around $150 for a pimp rack ($100 feet, $50 fit kit) vs $400 for total new rack.

[ForceFed]

Well I checked into it today..The 03.5 rails(non rack) are indeed the same rails used from 02+.
So I guess I am stuck ordering those..and man they are expensive little bastards!

[chevyfried]

I got all the pieces to my roof rack. The bars and feet were mounted yesterday, and suprisigly took alot less time than I thought. It looks pretty sweet.

I took it for a test drive after and I was suprised that it didnt make too much wind noise (only got it up to 70 on a residential street...shhh) but it did shake a little around 55. I shall be getting the fairing this week or weekend and shall post pictures soon. I gota say that I trust this then I would the stock rack.