Can anyone tell me if the roof rails end mounting piece has to be removed from the roof to enable the crossbar anchor devices that slide into the rails to be installed? If so do I have to worry about weather seal ie. resealing? and what to use??? The install instructions found on Honda's web site just say remove the decoritive cover and "slip" the anchor pieces into the rails but they will not just slip in there. It looks to me like the rail end mount must be unscrewed from the roof-instructions even mention needing a certain "star" drive screwdriver but never says what to use it on.

Try the installation instructions on this site. There's a pdf download with pictures etc.
http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyext01.html
I haven't installed any myself - just came across the site browsing for roof racks.
Can't help with any other info. sorry.

Can anyone tell me if the roof rails end mounting piece has to be removed from the roof to enable the crossbar anchor devices that slide into the rails to be installed? If so do I have to worry about weather seal ie. resealing? and what to use??? The install instructions found on Honda's web site just say remove the decoritive cover and "slip" the anchor pieces into the rails but they will not just slip in there. It looks to me like the rail end mount must be unscrewed from the roof-instructions even mention needing a certain "star" drive screwdriver but never says what to use it on.

The solution is very simple. I had my service department show me how the end caps come off about 6 months ago.

1. There is a clip that holds the back caps on the roof rails on each side. Standing on the back tire of each side, the end caps pull straight back to release from a inside clip. With a little force, they will slide back out of the inside clip allowing you access the rail. There is nothing to unscrew or push in for these caps to release.

2. Slide the "underside rail bracket" of the roof rails into the track from the back. Once the bracket is inside the track, slide it forward and back to the desired location.

3. Securely fasten the screws on top of the cross bars to tighten into place.

4. Push forward the end caps of the roof rails to secure them back into place. Hope this helps! If all else fails, stop at your local dealer.

[QUOTE=famman;1099]....With a little force, they will slide back out of the inside clip allowing you access the rail. There is nothing to unscrew or push in for these caps to release.

Uhhhh, what about where the directions state to insert a small flat-tip screwdriver into the small hole in the rail cap to release the clip before sliding the cover back towards the rear of the van?

What about where the directions state to insert a small flat-tip screwdriver into the small hole in the rail cap to release the clip before sliding the cover back towards the rear of the van?

Give the side rail cap a good tug and pull straight back. The clips will pop and the cap will slide back as stated earlier. There really isn't a need to insert a small flat-tip screwdriver as the manual states.

I would install some sort of air dam on the front of the rack if installing rails.
The rails will "sing" at higher speeds.
The air dam will send the air stream up and over the rails.
Thule and others use them for this reason.