Sealing roof rack?

So I am going to be getting my oem roof rack rails powder coated. They quoted me two week turn around.. which sucks. But, during those two weeks how do I seal my roof rack so that it doesn’t leak while I don’t have the rails installed ?

 

I just would prefer powder coat because it’s more durable than regular paint. And I’m going to be ratchet strapping stuff to it when I go on trips so I’d prefer it to withstand some abuse. Have you used your rack since rattle canning it?

 

What kind of paint did you use and did you use a clear coat?

 

Paint is easy DIY and cost me 6 bucks.

 

Mine is painted but PC is way better.

 

Has anyone actually had a leak after reinstalling? I would think it would show up on the headliner right away but maybe i'm wrong? All I did is use for ARP thread sealer on all the bolts and bolt it back on. Factory used some kind of a gooey substance on the bolt threads so I figured this would be more than enough. I'd rather go back and re do it now before it leaks if others are having issues.

 

No issues on mine, factory seems to use a Loctite type substance on the threads.

If you look at the plates hey have rubber “tubes” that go from the bottom of the plate to the roof of the truck. I just took black RTV and put it around where the bolts go in and reinstalled everything.

If the bolts were exposed I’d be more worried but they have rubber gaskets and are under the black caps.

 

Yeah I get the feeling this is something people tend to overthink but certainly something I don't want to deal with if it leaks.

 

When I went 'topless' I put a bead of silicone around the base of the little 'tubes' that the bolts go into and also used some plumbers tape on the bolts themselves.
So far, so good...