Only thing we didn't like about the H3 was the factory radio, horrible. A bit of cuttin, choppin, and fiberglassing over the original center console took care of that issue! We also eliminated the rear seat headrests so the seats folded down better.

 

I also have the 07 Grey Tactical and we love it. Was wondering how you removed the rear seat headrests? Was this is DIY or did you have an Auto interior specialist do it ?

 

Good to hear about the off-road lights. Jury is still out on whether I install some of those.

As for the roof cross bars, picked them up from G-Style (http://www.gstyle4u.com/). They were a good deal, but I would say I am only moderately satisfied. Classic case of getting what you pay for?

When I received the cross bars direct from the manufacturer Aries, they came with the wrong key for the rails which meant I was dead in the water on the install. Fortunately I live in Southern California and was able to swing by Aries to swap some parts but for others, and while the guys are Aries were accomodating, this might have been a real inconvenience.

Assembly was pretty straightforward but I have been disappointed with some of the quality of construction. There are levers you need to pull on each side of the rail to snug it down to the car and unfortunately these are made of plastic and feel like they will snap off when you cinch them down. Metal would have been a better choice. I only have a roof carrier so I don't need to use these levers frequently but if someone was moving the rails on a regular basis to switch position for various roof toys I can't imagine they would be durable.

Also, some fit and finish problems with the design. There is a cap on each side of the bar that you install with a key. Three of the four fit nicely, but one doesn't line up well. Doubt many people will notice, but I do.

Overall rating - 5 out of 10.


GOOD RAIL COVER FIT



POOR RAIL COVER FIT

 

Hey Sonic, I also bought and installed some rails on my Tactical. The plastic levers really concerned me because I just knew I was going to snap them off. However, in case you didn't figure this out already or for someone looking into it, the goldish washer that squeezes up when the lever is closed has to be in one of the recesses in the rail channel. If you run your hand inside the channel, about every 6 inches there is recess cut out, wide enough for the washer to fit into when the lever closes. If it's not in the recess, I'm sure it will break before it can fully close. My directions did not state or show anything along these lines and I was near the point where I was just going to close it no matter what. I'm glad I stood up on my rear tire and took a good look. I've seen some used ones for sale with broken levers, no doubt caused by the lack or good instructions.
Maybe this will save someone else the stress.

 

Great tip! I know exactly which washer you're referring to. Going to check that out tonight, as I agree, the instructions weren't super.

 

SB,

Thanks for the great information! Your review has greatly influenced my discision on the cross bars. Looks like I'll hold out for the factory bars.

Thanks,

Slim