Trust what is on your car for the mount. if you didnt have little holes for your clips you would have to stay within 1/8" to be covered under Yakima's waranty. And the black vinal strips are for the clips so it doesnt rub on the door frame when you have it shut. Also 48" bars are the smallest bars you can get. (i have 78" bars on my Avant and they stick out 18" on each side, so i can carry a box and a canoe) The 48" bars will stick out just a litlte which is normal. if you are really worried cut them down but i would suggest to just leave them.

Too bad you are not in Wisconsin. we install all systems for no charge and i have done 1000's of them i could put it on in like 20min. If you are looking for accesories for it check out www.rackhaus.com or send me a PM if you have any questions and ill answer anything