roccobike

With our oldest son in college and the young son in high school my wife and I decided we didn't need an SUV and mini-van. So we waived good bye to our Chrysler Town & Country and purchased an 04, Volvo S60 sedan. It's a low mileage beauty with hardly a scratch on it. My question is, how do I keep that great paint job scratchless while hauling bikes using a bike rack. The rack I'm using is a late model, 2-bike Saris Bones. When I've used it in the past, it did not always scratch the surface where the hooks were attached, but occaisionally, it would leave some light scratches. Does anyone have a formula for minimizing/stopping the scratches? Thanks for any help.
Oh yeah, using our SUV is not much of an option because it's black and scratches very easily.

BoxerRumble

I read that the trunk mounts will scratch your paint. I decided not to go for those with my car because I don't want it to scratch it either. I read that the hitch mounted bike racks are great and the way to go. You can also look for roof racks which won't hurt the car either. Those are not cheap options. I really wanted a cheap trunk mount for like 35-50 used but then found out it will scratch my car.

Az B

If there is dirt on the back of the car, it will scratch the paint. If ther eis dirt on the feet of the rack, it will scratch the paint.

You could also use some of that clear static cling Scotch protector on the trunk lid.

Or the easiest and most effective way is to get a reciever hitch for the car and use a hitch rack.

Az

JunkYardBike

Just consider the scratches part of the breaking in process for the car.

I'd don't think there's any win-win situations in hauling bikes on cars. I have a trunk mount rack, and I've surrendered to the god of scratch. I've been as careful as possible, but the straps and hooks have scratched the surface, pedals have gouged the bumper, etc.

FWIW, I've had success wrapping old tubes around straps that I use to secure a kayak, and that seems to have eliminated some scratches. Maybe some rubber between the foot of the rack and the car?

I've also had bad luck with road debris kicked up and dinging bikes. I've dented a frame and a rim due to road debris. I've thought of roof mounted racks, but I park in a garage, and I've heard too many stories of people forgetting the bike is up there.

Best solution is to go car-free!

vpiuva

I would use some of that Scotch clear vinyl below the feet. I use a Bones and have had good luck with Carnuba wax on the trunk and feet before mounting (great for the rest of the car, too), and polishing out any scratches that do appear with Meguiars Paint Cleaner.