Airline rail where it makes sense?

[chrsbe]

My friend Horst (the horse) would love to have an additional set of airline rails above the rear windows. Has anyone done that yet? As far as i know they are usually mounted with threaded rivets and a good portion of sikaflex car body glue. Where should the rivets go? Are there any drawings of this section of the body out there? How much load can i expect this rail being able to carry?

 

[farney43]

What’s your use case for this? Anything I’ve seen that takes advantage of that lower rail uses some combination of the top gutter or load bars/roof rack for the top connection.

 

[chrsbe]

There are several strong reasons to mount an external side panel using both the top and bottom airline rails:

1. Weight Distribution:
Most existing side panels are mounted either on the gutter or the rail screws. This requires them to extend out around the gutter and then back in again. Not ideal, especially given the Victorian proportions of the gutter. My Molle panels, including the canister holders, are quite heavy. By adding a second (top) rail mount, the entire structure could be designed as a lightweight, rigid frame instead of relying on bulky brackets.

2. Ease and Speed of Use:
Airline rails allow for quick mounting and removal. I don’t always need my external side panels. They increase wind resistance and slightly obstruct the rear view. Being able to attach or remove them quickly would make a huge difference in practicality.

 

[NoAge Hunter]

Do you mean like this? I installed 1,5 years ago - so 60.000 km . Both sides.
On one side I installed a water tank (25kg) , the other side a box (also um to 25 kg). I used Sika us primer an NO rivets.
If you need more Info, let me know.