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Full Version: Wanted: Thule Base Rack
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Does anybody have a Thule system that they are done with? The Porsche 968 clips are NLA and I have tons of Thule accessories. I'd hate to switch to Yakima at this point.
Since you've mentioned these brands, is either one of these the OE manufacturer for Porsche?
I wondered the same thing. I wouldn't be surprised if Thule made the Porsche rack. Thule is used by many of the European manufacturers to make accessory racks. The pictures I've seen of the factory racks show rectangular bars just like Thule uses and I think Thule accessories would work just fine on the Porsche rack. Yakima racks use round bars, so the attachments are different.



It would be easy to see if they are compatible. You would only need to measure the dimensions of the bar (height and width). If they are close to Thule's dimensions, Thule accessories should work fine. Most of them simply clamp on to the bar.
Well here's my deal. I recently purchased all the "remains" of a coupe that had likely been stripped for dedicated track use. There was no car, just a pile of parts, and the guy selling them didn't have a clue what they fit other than he knew they were from a Porsche.



In this pile of parts was a roof rack. I thought I had stumbled upon a factory rack until I saw the "Thule" logos. I then assumed it was for something other than a 968, but since I had purchased the lot I left with it anyway. Can someone with a factory rack confirm? Does it say "PORSCHE", "THULE", or anything at all?
Well, we can take a stab at trying to identify it. Both racks will have 4 "feet" or "towers" that hold the bar. The factory rack has two types of towers, two for the front and two for the rear. The rear ones have curvature (see factory pic). The Thule (aftermarket) would have 4 identical feet and they changed in appearance over the years.



I'm pretty sure that if it says Thule on the rack, it was an aftermarket purchase. Are there any markings on the clips that grab the door jamb? The clips are the black stamped sheet metal parts dangling at the bottom of the tower. With luck, they will say #170 (for the 968) or #34 (for the 944). The 944 clips may work but it would be trial and error.
Hey, thanx for all the effort and info BUT I inspected the rack and found "Yakima" all over it.......... <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> ..........could have sworn it said Thule.



Oh well
If you are looking to sell it, send me a picture. I may not have a choice but to go that route. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



The clips from Yakima should be Q4 clips. I'm not sure if they stamp them or not.
I'll be OOT tomorrow and weekend so I'll look Monday. At this point I don't know if it even fits a 968, but I'll see if there are any markings and shout back.
Bump. I'd be intersted in a factory rack too. Does anybody have one they are willing to part with?