Dealing with the sins of the previous owner

[Wokka]

As with all new love stories, there is always that one thing...

So I have an '01 japanese import astro. And in order to make the van "cooler" the previous owner removed the roof rails and called it a day.
Now I have rusted mounting points in the roof. What are my options here? Drill out the old ones and replace with SS rivnuts then fab up a rack that can hold more than a 2 lb bag of sugar? Or do I cut them out, weld in a patch and call it a day?

[TPP]

Gotta love PO's.

If I were you I'd try the easiest thing first which would be to drill the holes out and put inserts in there. If that doesn't work or the rust is more extensive than that you can weld it.

[tungtide]

Try the ss riv nuts. If the rust has gone to far then make a 2x2 ss square plate and attach as a platform for new roof rack. Remember if you want to haul more than a bag of sugar, attach over the roof struts.

[markmitch]

Can you elaborate on these over the roof struts? I have a big ford van to build into a camper and I could use the info please? Mark

[Wokka]

basically, put the weight where it's best supported, where your internal beams run

[Wokka]

So it seems the Astros have a 2 piece system for the roof mounting points. Has anyone found a suitable replacement? I like the idea they are sealed so nothing can work its way down the threads