Reducing drag from roof rack - any ideas?

[Marlin7]

So, believe it or not, i want to put a roof rack on my little F2, just for awhile. To carry a snowboard and skiis on a few trips this winter, nothing much. I'm sure the wind drag is going to be enormous, even if the rack is empty, and that will reduce gas mileage and speed etc. So i'm wondering if anyone's ever installed a wind deflector above their windshield, and if that would even help, and where i might buy such a thing if available. What do you gals and guys think?

Regards,
Marlin7

[perucho]

You can get them at almost any place where they sell roof racks.

For example...

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?Item=053974704900

Or you can make your own for much cheaper.

[Safety Guy]

DaveG made his own roof rack and claims it doesn't affect his fuel economy that much. He did have to modify it to reduce some wind noise.

When I get one made (probably by DaveG!), I want to use oval tubing going crossways to reduce some drag without compromising size and strength. We'll see.

My other idea was removable crossbars so when it's off you just have thin mounts sticking up a couple inches. Might be too involved a construction though.

Karl

[Centipede3001]

mine came with this one when i bought it and the guy said it came off a ford escort with some slight modifying it fits great so there ya go
It doesnt make any noise on the highway and i still get great gas millage
But ive never used it so idk much about hauling anything on it

[SimonTuffGuy]

I just purchased an Inno fairing for my WRX. It bolts onto "ANY" rack (which can't be said about that Yakima or Thule fairings). Should be here in a few days to be able to test fit it. I think I'm going to need to send it back for a medium instead of the small.

Not only should it help reduce noise and stuff... But they just look cool.

[freshtiva]

With the factory rack you can remove all but the side rails when you arent using the rack. Nearly zero drag. Ive thought about making a case for all all the removable parts to stash in the back until needed. Quick connect and disconnect, no tools required.

[getnpsi]

i think 70 bucks for something brand new will kill any MPG savings. I say take some measurements and get a piece of tinted lexan and go for it yourself.