After Market Honda Crossbars

[bstickler]

Hi Guys,

I purchased a set on crossbars for my '03 Pilot on eBay. Don't think they are Honda Parts (no Honda name anywhere on them, and no install instructions! Only a drawing of the parts list.
I downloaded the install instructions from here, but I have a problem.

The instruction say the front bar is marked as "Front" and also ways it is longer than the read bar. Mine do not have a "front" sticker. They both looked the same length, but after taking off the end caps, one appears about 1/4" longer than the other. Is that 1/4" longer one the front bar? Is 1/4" the difference in the OEM version?

Also, the bolts that came with look more like phillips than torx bolts. Anyone else have this aftermarket kit?

Thanks,
Brian

[bstickler]

I did not get any replies to my question today so I resolved to proceed with the install.

Removing the rail end covers was made easier from the photos posted here of the uncovered end base. It only took about 5 minutes to remove the driver side with a bent screwdriver, and about 1 minute to do the opposite side.

The only surprise was that the hold downs that slide into the side rails didn't slide. They seemed a little big for the slots...so it took a block of wood and a hammer to tap them all the way to the back of the rails. But the rest went together well and everything looks good and is tight.

The whole job took about 1 & 1/2 hours, and a drive test reveals no whistling or other wind noise.

So for $90 + 18 shipping from eBay, and 1 hour of on-line research and 1.5 hours of install time, I now have my platform for a roof top box.

My thanks for the help to all those who had posted concerning the install problems before me.

Brian