2012 Mazda 3 with Thule Rapid Podium BLACK AeroBlade Roof Rack by Rack Outfitters
Here's a brand new 2012 Mazda 3 that we outfitted today with a Thule Rapid Podium AeroBlade roof rack system using our exclusive black AeroBlade load bars. Rack Outfitters takes Thule's standard silver AeroBlade load bars and has them professionally powder-coated to match Thule's black semi-gloss bike trays in both color and durability of finish. We also installed Thule's top-of-the-line Echelon bike carriers but we swapped out the silver trays for black to give the whole rack system a consistant, monochromatic look.
Here's the bare roof Mazda 3, it's a good looking sports car but pretty ordinary and just like any other Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 has these wonderful panels on the roof side trim.
You'll need to use the end of a screw driver or a little tool with an edge to it to pop these panels off.
Here you can see what's under the panel, it's a special threaded connection point and Thule has engineered a Fit Kit that perfectly interfaces with this connection point.
The first part of the Fit Kit is a threaded post. Thule provides a hex wrench to tighten this on. We use a little lube or grease to make sure it will come back out when you want it to.
Next part of the Fit Kit is an aluminum spacer. This spacer is a specific lenght and will press between the roof and the upper portion of the Fit Kit. Make sure the spacer does not sit up on top of the trim. Push the trim to the side if necessary to make sure the space is fully seated.
We've attached the Rapid Podium Foot Pack loosely to the load bar and attached the metal Fit Kit plates and rubber bases. Now you drop the foot down over the threaded posts.
A lock washer then nut are used to secure the top of the Fit Kit to the treaded posts. Thule included the wrench to snug thing down.
You'll now want to get the load bars centered side to side. The bars will slide easily back and forth with the two screws are left loose. It may also be necessary to press inward on the two screws to allow the bar to move freely.
Now that the bars are centered up, it's time to crank down the two fasteners that connect the Fit Kit plate to the Foot Pack. These fasteners will simultaneously tighten the Foot to the load bars, such a slick design.
The outer cover attaches to the foot with a lock housing plug. Press in the plug in the correct orentiation, then place the cover over the foot and turn the knob to attach the cover. Of course, it's advisable to replace these lock plugs with actual Thule lock cylinders, though it is optional.
Here's a few photos of the complete overview of the Mazda with the Thule Rapid Podium roof rack installed.
Here's a couple more pictures after we added the two 518 Echelon bike carriers with the 517 Peloton's black trays and using Thule's old style Xadapt9 which use the T-Slot mounting on both the front and rear load bar.
We hope you found this information helpful and if you're in the market for a new rack for your vehicle, you consider shopping with Rack Outfitters. This particular roof rack can be purchased as a complete package using this link:
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