Oem roof rails on brighton. Anyone have experience?

[DaveM]

So I picked up a cargo basket for my leggy the other day at real good price and I'm wondering if anyone has ever put oem rails on a brighton model that did not come with them.
I was looking at a set of Yakima roof racks that clamp down to the door jams but I'd like to utilize an oem option if its not to much hassle.
I'd get the rails and cross rails from a donor legacy or outback. Obviously I will have to drill into the roof which probably is the biggest concern for most but as long as its done and sealed properly I wouldnt be worried about leaks and or rust. I'm quite detailed when I work on my cars.

So has anyone put oem rails on a brighton or other models that did not come with them? How was your experience, Tips, concerns are all welcome. Thanks Dave

[r3v_v3ng3]

I think brighton only came on the BK chasis so by that you can bolt down the ones from the 95-99 wagon (non outback). They are different so don't get the outback (hump on the roof). The legacy wagon rack is not as strong when its mounted there from the factory. You can actually install/remove it without taking out the headliner. There's really no bracing behind it. It just mount on the roof with a nut sert. Just pop out the ends and you'll see couple of hex bolts each side.
The outback in the other hand is much more sturdy. It has L brackets behind the headliner on each mounting points which mounts to the much more stronger pillar side. It has 3 mounting points compared to 2 on the non outback.
As far as mounting them, just measure it from the donor car before removing and then transfer it and go back with your measurements. You don't have to remove the crossbars so it will be easier to install. Hope that helps

[yaya]

There were BH Brightons as well.

[DaveM]

I think brighton only came on the BK chasis so by that you can bolt down the ones from the 95-99 wagon (non outback). They are different so don't get the outback (hump on the roof). The legacy wagon rack is not as strong when its mounted there from the factory. You can actually install/remove it without taking out the headliner. There's really no bracing behind it. It just mount on the roof with a nut sert. Just pop out the ends and you'll see couple of hex bolts each side.
The outback in the other hand is much more sturdy. It has L brackets behind the headliner on each mounting points which mounts to the much more stronger pillar side. It has 3 mounting points compared to 2 on the non outback.
As far as mounting them, just measure it from the donor car before removing and then transfer it and go back with your measurements. You don't have to remove the crossbars so it will be easier to install. Hope that helps

Yep that helps, thanks for the info. Yes mine is a bk. My thoughts were exactly what you described measure before removing, remove as a whole with cross bars to keep everything square, measure and install. Do you think I should try and get the nut serts or just use a locking nut and washer? So the outback one's wont work at all? Even maybe with some modifications? Are the brackets just to big to clear the headliner? Thanks Dave