I was curious how difficult it is to remove my factory roof rack. What do I need to do to fill the holes where it was mounted? I have an after market roof rack similar to a Thule and Yakima I'd like to mount but I cannot with the factory one on top.

 

I took the cross-bars off mine and left the runners running down each side. Really don't notice it there. my $0.02

 

I barely grabbed the end of one of the side rails on mine with my index finger and thumb, lifted up gently, and it came off. Other side was just as easy lol.
It does have some screws in the side rails though, just take them off and lift the whole rack off. As for filling the holes in the roof, I haven't filled mine in yet, but I'm going to use the welder to fill in the holes, then smooth it all out. Shouldn't be too difficult.

 

Just leave the rails on and take off the crossbars. Any rack (Yakima/Thule) will fit above the rails. You never know if/when you might want to use the rails or if you sell it ????

Randy