I'm considering a Thule roof rack system for my '87 240 Wagon (should be the same for just about all Volvo 200 & 700 cars). The Thule website says that I need the following components:
951 Foot Pack.
761 Bar.
527 Lock kit.

There seems to be an ABUNDANCE of Thule components listed on eBay (except the ones that I need). Some are auctioned as complete systems, some as just individual parts. Does anybody know if there are other models of Thule feet, locks, and bars that are compatible with the Volvo rain-gutters? I don't mind piecing together a system from various auctions, but I'd like to make sure that I'm buying parts that will work with my car. Has anybody taken a set of Thule feet intended for a non-Volvo car and fabricated (or bought) a new set of clamps to make them fit?

Various sample of Thule rain-gutter attachment feet (not the 951 as specified by Thule): http://www.a1-autoracks.com/thulegutterfeet.html

Regarding the various Thule downhill ski racks that I see on eBay, some have the clamps to direct fit to an OEM (subaru, GM, etc) roof rack. Can the feet be easily changed to the square bar format, -or are they permenantly attached.

Any advice on the immitation Thule racks? Example:
http://www.a1-autoracks.com/raingutterrack.html

Lastly, if anybody has a spare set of 951 feet, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks and God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.

P.S. I haven't ruled out Yakima yet, I'm keeping my options open.
--
'87 Blue 245, NA 225K

Gentlemen, thank you so much for the information! I wouldn't have known that they sold different sized gutter mounts unless it had been posted here. The reliability of the Thule system is impressive, and I'm looking forwards to putting a setup together (mostly downhill skiing and windsurfing applications, with the occasional Gruman canoe).

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 245, NA 225K

The older series Thule racks for gutters which will work are the 1050 and 1060. These came complete with feet and bars. Volvo offered the same bars under the Volvo name. The difference between the two is that the 1060 would also fit narrower gutters. The 1060 is a later version as it fit all 1050 gutter applications and does not use separate rubber pads on its feet. Locking knobs were optional. All Thule accessories will fit these bars. Thule quality is excellent but they do rust eventually so check over if you buy used, especially the knobs.

I have a Thule rack and the quality is nothing short of a hundred percent, especially given the climate I live in, and the environment in which it lives (never gets cleaned, never gets anything). The bike trays I use are unbelievable, and I ran over one of them with my '00 Explorer, which is a heavy truck! And it still works fine and isn't deformed from what I can tell (this is amazing). I have more friends who have Thule systems and are happy with them. The systems are mounted on the following cars:

Volvo
Toyota
Jeep
VW
Honda
and I might have missed one. Everyone here has roof racks for skis and bikes.

I usually remember it when someone doesn't like a piece like a rack, but nobody has ever said they didn't like the Thule system. At least to me. Most of the systems I see on cars at the trails are Thule systems. is there a reason? Maybe.

I've said before, I can stand on the load bar of my car, with the rack mounted, and it doesn't suffer any visible distortion.

As far as fitment goes, there are other feet that will probably "fit". The gutter mount feet are pretty similar, but much of the issue is in height. The rise of the Volvo's roof is a little higher on the wagons and as a result it needs to have a slightly higher foot. Otherwise you can't mount anything that needs to be mounted below the crossbars or it will hit the roof. That's the kind of difference there is. The rest of them are the doorframe/pad mount type and they are dependent on the absence of rain gutters altogether.

Personally, if you're going to buy a system, I would suggest the Thule rack. After all, Volvo might have chosen that system to supply as their own add-on for a reason, right? Also, the feet and locksets are not that expensive if you shop around, especially online.

The only problem I have had with my Thule system (other than running over a tray with the 00 Explorer) is that the vinyl/plastic coating on one of the load bars has split open in a small spot, and is going to need to be replaced at some point. Since I have used the rack for the last six years straight, without ever performing any cleaning or maintenance to it, I feel that the longevity and durability, for something that originally cost only $300 to begin with (new with accessories), is beyond what I expected.
--
a Brickboard.com Expat

Fitz,

I have had a couple of friends that have had Thule racks and have been dissappointed with the quality of the system. If I were you I would look at Yakima racks. Good luck.

Raine