Roof rack removal 2004 Toyota Sienna

I wanted my classic 2004 van washed, waxed and polished, since it's relegated to the driveway and is hammered by the sun all year. But the roof rack keeps you from accessing the top to polish/wax effectively, so I decided to remove it. I was in a rush and made some mistakes. Didn't find enough help on TH-cam, so decided to make this video as I was putting it back on. Sorry about the "ums" and the order being somewhat out of sequence, but I think you'll figure out what you need to do after watching. And maybe you'll avoid breaking one of the corner covers (like I did) and avoid the $50+ sticker shock of a replacement cover.

[@samshepperrd]

I was going to remove the rack to paint it. This video convinced me to just mask off the body and paint it in place.

[@kovalenkoihor4325]

How it's going? Probably regular paint will start pealing off soon

[@kirkglundal4289]

Thank you for this very useful information, especially on the fragile plastic covers!

[@kirkglundal4289]

So fragile I just broke the little clips off of my first one! Seems to me it could be better designed. As they are, it looks near impossible to remove them without damaging them. Perhaps that is Toyota's plan (or lack thereof). Sure, just buy more at our dealer price when then break! It still seems to stay on without the two little clips.

[@Dansplains]

When I called autozone and asked if they sold Body Part Removal Tool they hung up on me

[@ivanjohnson5248]

I had to look this up. It's Trim Removal tools.
Here's an example from Amazon: Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Set [Non Marring and No Scratch] Auto Trim Kit for Easy Removal of Car Door Panels, Fasteners, Molding, Dashboards and Wheel Hubs, 5 PCS www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QD6E2Y362CD4VWWG6VVC

[@turkey4957]

Lolol this is an underrated comment

[@Hulk-mc7bp]

Thanks! Very helpful. I need to paint that rack, It’s not looking good. I just wonder what type of paint that is. If anyone knows, I’d appreciate some feedback.

[@micinca]

This rail is better than the newer sienna,

[@nanodimanano221]

Thank you for the video. But please next time when you say rack removel, try to remove it compleatly to make people understand more