[SimonB]

Yesterday I received a very pleasant surprise.

For some time I have been wanting to refurbish my roofrack. i.e. strip off all the epoxy coating and have my rack as polished aluminium. Was advised against it by many... and I couldn't afford to have it stripped and recoated. And so I left it.

I then revived the idea, and I thought to contact African Outback who manufactured the roofrack, seeking advice.

I have an African Outback roofrack on my Pajero which is several years old and is starting to look a little tatty.

I was wondering what kind of aluminium you use in your roof racks because I would like to strip off the coating to polished aluminium (much like the Hannibal Roofracks). Would you mind providing an opinion on the sensibility of doing this, especially as regard the possibility of corrosion. I understand some types of aluminium do not corrode, and was wondering of this was the case in your roof rack products.

Many thanks

Not too long after I sent the email I got this response.

Hi Simon

Thank you for contacting us – and for supporting AOP.

First of all, we use 6063 T6 aluminium which is structurally very resistant to corrosion.
That’s why we could offer a polished alu roof rack range successfully over the past 5 years.
We’d like your rack back in order to strip the powder-coating and re-coat it for you free of charge.
If this suits you, kindly advise how we can make arrangements.

Regards

Adolf Waidelich, Director
African Outback Products

I was shocked . These guys are going to refurb the rack, for free ! Not only that, Megaworld are shipping it back to Joburg for me! They will then assess whether they can accommodate me regarding stripping and polishing or stripping and recoating. Either way I think this is incredible.

[4ePajero]

Great!

Kudus for both African Outback & 4x4 Megaworld!

I know whom I will support.

Two points:

• this proves that if you approach a supplier in a non-aggressive, friendly manner, he is more likely to come to the party than when you attack from the outset (as per a few threads on another forum)
• Alluminium corrodes badly at the coast, so I would suggest the strip & re-coat option.

[SimonB]

Some feedback on this:

I got a call from African Outback to say they will be replacing my roofrack with a new one. They have been struggling for 8 days now to get the coating off of the rack with the chemical stripper, and have given it up as a bad job. It seems this will be at the cost of the stripper manufacturer because their product doesn't deliver on its promises.

So, while I have been waiting patiently for them, they surprise me again and it should be on it's way to me tonight from Jozi. Then I can start on my awning plans

[4ePajero]

Well done African Outback!

(Make them aware of this thread)

[CATS]

Well done African Outback!

(Make them aware of this thread)

I have long since promoted African Outback racks due to their design. Glad to know that they also back up their product!!

CATS

[SimonB]

Well having undergone a trip this week without my roof rack which made planning and packing more difficult than necessary, Megaworld said my NEW roof rack had arrived and been assembled today. This included all the fitments (Hi Lift, Spade Brackets etc) having been re-coated.

So, so I have a brand spanking new rack which looks great.

Thank you to Adolf from African Outback for taking on a promise which they delivered on - albeit not quite as intended, and Richard from Megaworld for having his staff remove and reassemble and reinstall the rack gratis.

Thumbs up to both organisations.

[jintu]

Got any pics??? I'm looking for a roofrack and would be interested in seeing it on the vehicle.

[jintu]

Thanks. Looks good!!

[Mcnoogle]

Yay for the new roof-rack.

Which 4x4 megaworld was this.