Easiest way to remove your factory TRD PRO roof rack

We remove a lot of the 4Runner TRD PRO roof racks and they can be tricky. We have experienced all the things that can go wrong with removing the factory roof rack. It’s one of those things that you want to do it the right way so you don’t spend a bunch of extra hours fixing something that could have be prevented. Hope you enjoy our video. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

[@djqx]

For a customers vehicle I never place tools directly on their paint. Use a rag to avoid scratches.

[@RC-rg9ul]

I did this and it worked! Thanks. A little melting of the rack but minimal. Also, buy the right propane torch… the one I bought couldn’t invert for more than a couple seconds without putting out the flame.

[@westcottdesigns]

@@RC-rg9ul I’m glad it worked for you. Thank you for the insight on the torch angle. Did not think about that causing it to go out.

[@Hitchhikeroftx1984]

First time removing the factory rack. Saw this video First, and rack came off like a dream! Thank you!

[@spudsmccallaghan]

Thank you! This is a tremendous help. Just took mine off using these instructions and did not run into one problem. I can see how things could go south very easily, though.

[@laramie_1944]

Tech didn’t even bother to lay a piece of mat on the roof to protect it, as you saw how he just carelessly put down the ratchet tool. Wtf!

[@westcottdesigns]

We appreciate your concern and attention to detail as that is most important to us and our customers as well but, If you read through the other comments we were removing the rack because of the damage in the roof so the whole roof was being repainted and repaired.

[@DF-ec9de]

LMAO I will ensure not to take my pro to that shop to remove my rack.

[@lucky-rowe2623]

You can use a solder gun to heat up any bolt head that has red thread locker on it if you do not want an open flame.

[@c1arkj]

Sounds like much better idea given they damaged the roof rack with the flame.

[@mikewright2858]

My heat gun has different nozzles, and it has one that is pretty focused.

[@mikewright2858]

FYI - just did this today, and installed my awesome Westcott sliders. The soldering iron worked great - didn't melt any of the plastic - but you need a full-size, 100w+ gun, not the little handheld wands. 7 of the 8 were not too bad, but one of them was a real bear.

[@NASTYVIDS]

A soldier gun ? So like an M-16 ?

[@skepticalskeksis221]

The dropping of tools on the roof is very disappointing

[@westcottdesigns]

Yes it is! We are roaming the roof rack so it can go the body shop to have the fixed and repainted so was not to worried. But thank you for being concerned. If it was not this circumstance we would have had a blanket down👍

[@Terrarunner24]

I heat the Allen head tool then stick it in so the heat transfers to the bolt and won’t risk messing up the paint. Then use another tool so the metal won’t be weak to take it out.

[@westcottdesigns]

Have to give that a try some time.

[@Johnny_Bee]

Ok so after you remove the rack, what goes in its place to fill in the gap and bolt holes if you don’t want any rack?

[@westcottdesigns]

There is a kit that you can buy and it goes over the factory holes. It’s pretty clean from what I have heard. I have not seen it though

[@deegood7791]

DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!! This is completely unnecessary and can cause more problems than it will solve. To much heat could melt the plastic bushing that holds the threaded bracket in place and it will fall into the head liner. Use a T40 bit and do a little on each bolt at a time. I have removed hundreds of these with no open flame or heat source. Again DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!

[@westcottdesigns]

Listen to this guy!👍. We have done 100’s of these as well. If they don’t break loose without heat then give our way a try. This is the reason why we showed it! If you are carful with the heat you won’t have any problems that this guy has had with melting anything or dropping in anything in the headliner.🤦🏻‍♂️. Just take your time and go light on the heat and take your time.

[@glockguide]

Found a video doing it your way - he also shows how to lower the head liner to replace the brackets! I didn't know there was red loctite so now I too have to replace brackets as the plastic broke off on a couple of mine 😠

[@allaureola6448]

What size torx?

[@jjenes1]

if it involves a blow torch, is it really the easiest way? I think not!

[@westcottdesigns]

Well if you can’t get the factory Torx bolt loose with the red loctite then what would be your better way to get it out before you strip out the head and have to then drill it out. Alway open to listen and to suggestions.

[@billykranston]

Not to be a complainer, but if that were my car being abused with wrenches tossed onto the roof I’d be upset

[@westcottdesigns]

I guess I should have started the video letting people know that we were removing the roof rack to go to get the roof repaired and repainted. Under normal circumstances.we use a blanket to lay on the roof. I’m glad to see that your attention to detail is like ours. We actually walk around every vehicle when it comes in to Marla for any scratches marks or damage and now we even video vehicles for time stamp. We also use floor papers and seat covers just to make sure every customers vehicle is touched with extreme care. Thank you for reaching out! We appreciate you watching our videos and your concerns.

[@billykranston]

@@westcottdesigns Okay, thanks for telling me that, that makes a lot more sense.

[@_madpanda]

Might as well use a chainsaw, it's much more easier.

[@seanevans6128]

Lame factory rack. Ruins the TRD Pro for me.