Although I know that a standard roof-rack like this will satisfy most of you, I got pretty bothered by the fact that, after 3 months, my brand new Empi roof rack looked like cr*p. The wood slates started to rot and the screws and frame were starting to show the first signs of rust. I figured that this could be done much better so I took the whole thing apart and modified the following parts:

• Got rid of the cheap wooden slats and installed oiled hardwood slats.
• Welded nuts into the framework to get rid of the hassle of loose bolts and nuts to install the clamps.
• Replaced all bolts and nuts with stainless steal ones.
• Sandblasted the painted frame to have it powder coated.
• Polished the aluminium frame.
• Glued rubber around the clamps to prevent them from scratching the paintwork.

The whole procedure costed 75 Euros, but it has proven to be worth effort;  my roof-rack has been in use for the past two years, it only came off ones to re-oil the hardwood slats.