[VB] spring loaded roof rack clamp

[Kevin Guarnotta]

Hi Guys,

I am putting off the shifting issues on my '78 - and working on some other projects. My '65 had a nice metal roof rack. I had it galvanized ages ago (1999?) - it is a great work rack. I used it for many projects. I took it off a few years ago during a major bus restoration - and have never put it back on.

I would like to put it back on there. I have these 4 spring loaded clamps for it. When I had the rack galvanized they also galvanized the clamps. Unfortunately that seems to have frozen up one side of them, so I can't adjust the clamp. I'm trying to figure out how to unscrew the clamp, and then put some oil/ anti-seize or something in there. The tubing is a thin enough wall, that I can't put crazy pressure on it - to twist it.

When I got the bus - the PO told me this was an original rack, and clamps. I didn't care so much about it being original - I just liked it. But now when I look for info on the clamps - the only picture I see of a similar clamp is here - https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5656826

They seem like a very nice design, but I kind of screwed them up. They still work as such, but I'd like to be able to tweak/adjust them which I have never been able to do.

Anyone ever deal with these clamps - have any suggestions?

Technically the process they used on the clamps and rack was metalizing.

-Kevin Guarnotta
Jamaica Plain, MA

'78 Westy
'69 Singlecab
'65 Ez-camper