I drove a 1983 Fairmount for the last 10 years.  I need to haul a 4x8 sheet
of plywood and some 8 foot 2x4's every month or two because I'm gradually
remodeling my house.  I can put a 4x8 sheet of plywood on top of the
Fairmount's flat roof and tie the rope to the front and rear bumpers.  I
slide 2x4's in the front passenger window.  They rest on the back of the
rear seat and stick out the passenger window a bit.  It's kind of rough on
the finish and the upholstry, but doesn't hurt the mechanical integrity of
the car.

Now I bought a 2002 Focus with almost new paint and upholstery.  I want to
preserve this car as long as possible.  And also, the Focus has a rounded
roof and you can't tie a rope to the bumpers.  I think I will invent some
things with nylon straps that I can attach under the front and rear of the
car, and put carabiners on the ends to tie a rope to.  I will need a roof
rack for the top of the car.  A very wide one - I think.   I'm anticipating
the problems of putting a rack on.  How are they attached?  Any 'through'
holes needed to fasten it could leak rain water.  Also, how do you do it
without messing up the headliner?  Maybe they don't make any holes when they
do it - I don't know anything about roof racks.  Does anybody here know
anything about doing a roof rack?  Anybody got suggestions about tie-down
fixtures for the front and rear of the car?

Thanks.   Bill S.