Protecting paint with magnetic mounts?

[kdog55]

Just wandering what everyone uses to protect the paint on their roof with the magnetic mount lightbars? I just purchased a Wheelen double rotator with the 4 magnets but not the suction cups. It looks like these will scratch the roof of my truck. So my question is what is the best way to protect the paint without losing the effectiveness of the magnets? Some say that a piece of cellophane under it will work. Right now I put duct tape over the 4 magnets, but now the hold doesn't seem as strong. Any other suggestions? Or has anyone just let it go without any scratching problems??

[festerw]

I used a piece of garbage bag cut into a rectangle underneath mine.

[cutntrim]

Shop cloth cut into a small square.

[EIB]

I wrapped electrical tape on the magnets. Had no problems with the holding power. 70mph on the thruway, didn't fly off. Best way is to mount it on a ladder rack, back rack etc. Get it off the roof. That's what I did.

[taboky]

I was talking to a dealer the other day, and he told me he uses rubber socks that go on the bottom antenna's. I can give him a call and ask for a part number if you want. He unscrewed the magnet, put the sock on and screwed thru the sock. He has run 80-85 on the highway without problems.

[Will]

My FedSig Firebeam has a magnet on the bottom of the base for roof use. Just a single magnet, about the size of the bottom of the base. It just doesn't move. It doesn't move...well, it won't scratch the paint.

Since your light has 4 magnets, then that thing probably isn't going to budge at 150 mph.

About the only thing I'm pretty careful with is putting it on and taking it off the roof, making sure it doesn't slide, but comes straight off. Best way to do that is by tilting it to one side, then going straight up.

That being said, any of the above methods is probably easier :D

[chewky]

Go with a back rack. I ordered the safety rack. It cost 330.00 with mounting plate for light, and the bottom extended arms for a rail to rail box. I know that it would cost that much to have the roof repainted. Either way, you'll spend 300 bucks. I got it from http://www.us1outdoors.com/index.php. You can also mount antennas and other lights if you want.

[urethane dino]

not so much the magnet scratching the paitn as rust leaving marks behind

[ShawnD1972]

My Whelen lightbar with four magnets blew off my truck on the interstate at 75 mph and left a nice dent in the rear pillar of my truck. Only had a 1000 miles on the truck. Go with the back rack and a permanent mount it may save you a headache in the long run.

[SNO]

I've never used anything, just dont let any sand etc get under them.

Never seen a scratch.

[Lawngodfather]

I am going to all perminate mount, but I used to use a thick piece of clear plastic that would come with something I bought.

You could get a roll of drop cloth cheap.

[golden arches]

I use a heavier gauge piece of vinyl - found the freezer zip lock bag works great.

[MCrossley]

on my SHo-Me I used that green felt sticky back material it is soft thin and worked just fine, I dorve from San Diego CA to Seattle Washington and home to San Jose, CA without it even budging. I do not like to use plastic materials as it allows it to slide around since it is slippery and tends to scratch from the momvent; just an opinion from experience.

[BWhite]

If grit gets underneath no material will help .It always seems to find a way underneath

[SIPLOWGUY]

I've seen guys use duct tape.