Comptech Foil Rack

[Dan P]

I need some suggestions on what to use to replace the gator grip on my rack. I've been patching it for the past couple of seasons with pieces of inner tube, but it's time to do it right. I'm sure that all of you who have the Comptech Rack have the same issue with the spot on the bottom arm where the tower rubs through the padding. What is the best solution?

Also, what do you use to glue the padding to the aluminum? I can't seem to find anything that lasts.

Last question, what about having the rack polished or anodized? Mine is looking pretty dull next to my polished stainless steel tower.

[Bill_AirJunky]

Hey Dan,

Jake at SkySki has thicker rubber replacements for those racks. It's tougher & harder than the Trax pad, by a lot. It comes with PSA on it so it's just a peel & stick.

They also have a new fork design that fits the thicker SS boards (also fits the old boards), and a longer strut support. Plus the new racks have a better way of keeping the rubber attached (hard to explain, but the rubber ends are captive under part of the aluminum).

I found that I could order some parts, including new board fork, strut support & a fixed rack plate. Then I dismantled my swivel racks & installed the new board fork & strut support on it. Then I installed the old board fork & strut support on the new fixed rack plate.... then sold the fixed rack. The end result was I ended up with a new swivel rack with new rubber for maybe $50 & some time. Worked out great.

One last option...... I still have some Trax scraps. I can send you enough to redo your racks yourself. You can cut the stuff with a good pair of scissors. And stick it on with a product from your local hardware store called 3m super 99 spray adhesive. Obviously this is the cheapest method & will probably reflect that, but it is an option I've used & it works for a while.

As for polishing your rack, being a SkySki rider you already know the answer to that one. Pull it off the boat & hit it with the buffer & some jewelers rouge. Or you can use any of the hand polishing products like Flitz, Extreme or Mothers. Or maybe a hand polisher & one of those products (this is how I've been doing it lately.... with Mothers Billet Polish). Another product I've read about but haven't tried yet is called White Diamond..... something truckers use on their billet aluminum wheels. Google it & you'll find plenty of reviews.