How to remove/cut roof rack channel covers on 2025 model?

[NM_Josh]

I'm going to DIY install a drill-in roof rack on my 2025 Ram 1500. Unlike the soft rubber weatherstripping in the factory rack channels I see in YouTube videos for older Rams, the 2025 has a very stiff, hard plastic cover in the channel that is almost impossible to pry up. I started to try to cut out a section for the rack "feet" with wire cutting shears, but it looks like there's actually metal inside the plastic. So before I proceed further, I want to know -- am I doing this right? The only other thing I can imagine is that it's designed to stay in place and be drilled through (i.e. stay underneath the rack feet). That would be weird, but it's also weird that they made it so difficult to cut or remove if that's what you're supposed to do.

 

[mikeru82]

Pictures please. And which roof rack are you trying to install?

 

[NM_Josh]

Not sure exactly what you want a picture of, but here's the track. I'm actually designing and building a roof rack myself, I just need to insert plus nuts that it'll attach to (like some commercial racks do).

 

[bigdodge]

Not sure exactly what you want a picture of, but here's the track. I'm actually designing and building a roof rack myself, I just need to insert plus nuts that it'll attach to (like some commercial racks do).
View attachment 214830

my understanding is that black plastic is covering a body seam.

 

[NM_Josh]

Ah -- so this one can't handle drill-in roof racks at all? I guess I'll have to use the clamp-on style or switch to a bed rack.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Ah -- so this one can't handle drill-in roof racks at all? I guess I'll have to use the clamp-on style or switch to a bed rack.

Should be able to drill into it, I would take a peek behind the headliner, see what it looks like.
This is for my 2019.

 

[Wild Bill]

IMHO, I would not drill into my roof ever.

 

[mikeru82]

IMHO, I would not drill into my roof ever.

I would tend to agree with this sentiment. There are already too many holes in the roof from the factory.

 

[boogielander]

if you do end up drilling make sure you do an outstanding job sealing the holes. this ain't a Toyota with built in roof rack hold downs.

or... you have a 5'7" box in the back of the cab for whatever you need to mount.

 

[kapinallinen2]

IMHO, I would not drill into my roof ever.

It is not so much drilling than how you seal it.
In my past life I installed countless two-way radio antennas for our customers, not a single leak.
Did eff up one headliner when the drill slipped, still remember that, happened around 1984.

I went with the bed rack route how ever.