Roof rack build

Atoyot1031 · 06-30-07, 03:42 PM

My wife is out of town for two weeks so I bought a bunch of steel and beer...

I pulled most of my ideas for my rack from 98 Snake Eater whose rack I will never be able to match (since I DO NOT have a horn from a locomotive). So thanks to all who have contributed to roof rack threads.

As much as I love the ARB roof racks, they present a couple of problems: first- $$$$.$$, second- I don't think you can even get them anymore, third- I don't like to open my sunroof and feel like I'm in prison.

Anyways, I hope to finish this weekend, but here are a couple pics of the rack so far. Please understand that I am just a simple caveman, with caveman tools, caveman intelligence, and of course a caveman's thirst for that which is fermented...

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I plan on attaching the upper loop with some notched conduit and some 1/4" rod for more tie down locations and a little bit of decoration.

The opening over the sunroof will allow for access to the party deck.

dcFJ · 06-30-07, 05:28 PM

I like it so far. Good work.

lx450landcruiser · 06-30-07, 05:31 PM

are those the 4 inch clamps ? why did you choose to runt he rack so high off the roof?

Atoyot1031 · 06-30-07, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx450landcruiser

are those the 4 inch clamps ? why did you choose to runt he rack so high off the roof?

They are the "Quick-N-Easy" clamps that a bunch of others have used as mounts for custom racks. They do sit a little high, but they are strong, inexpensive, and well...like their name says...

I thought about fabricating custom mounts, but decided it was too much of a pain compared to buying a set of 4 for $70.

98 SNAKE EATER · 06-30-07, 06:33 PM

Looks great so far

How is the wind noise with that front bar?

Any plans for lights?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

I thought about fabricating custom mounts, but decided it was too much of a pain compared to buying a set of 4 for $70.

You could've gotten eight 4" mounts for that price

I did

Atoyot1031 · 06-30-07, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Looks great so far

Thanks

How is the wind noise with that front bar?
Don't know, I haven't driven with it, I'm working on the upper loop...

Any plans for lights?
Eventually. But they won't match your candlepower

I notched the conduit that's connecting the top & bottom. TEDIOUS!

You could've gotten eight 4" mounts for that price

I think I sourced them from the same place

I did

They were the same price everywhere on the net

98 SNAKE EATER · 06-30-07, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

They were the same price everywhere on the net

Not everywhere

PM me for details

lx450landcruiser · 06-30-07, 08:44 PM

just so you know the shorter clamps (same ones) fit the 80 series with removal of the factory rack and will put the rack just off the roof for low profile

Atoyot1031 · 06-30-07, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx450landcruiser

just so you know the shorter clamps (same ones) fit the 80 series with removal of the factory rack and will put the rack just off the roof for low profile

I just pulled my factory rust-maker off as well...
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...so I guess I need to get the low-profile ones. I can't believe that I didn't see these when I googles this about a million times.

Oh well. It's not too late.

What did you guys do for finish?

lx450landcruiser · 07-01-07, 01:40 AM

i did just primer and rattle can, I was stopped at a stop light in town by a road construction guy who wanted to buy the rack, ended up selling it since it was a price i couldnt resist. you can spend a bunch on powder coat but in the end for a roof rack rattle can will do just as well when its home made.

mike

rtarh2o · 07-01-07, 12:00 PM

I have a question for lx450landcruiser, nice looking roof rack, is that home made? If so what is it made from, mainly wondering about the corners? Where did you get the low profile mounts? Finally what size is the rack?
Thanks - Rusty
97 FZJ80

lx450landcruiser · 07-01-07, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtarh2o

I have a question for lx450landcruiser, nice looking roof rack, is that home made? If so what is it made from, mainly wondering about the corners? Where did you get the low profile mounts? Finally what size is the rack?
Thanks - Rusty
97 FZJ80

I built that rack about 2 or 3 years ago its made of steel. the corners were simple pre bent 90s, you can get them at most welding-steel yards. the low profile mounts are the same company of the taller ones above. I bought mine about 5 years ago from spector off road how ever i wouldnt recomend buying them from them now as there way over priced there. Look around in the net and look for the shorter ones they are really nice and strong. Dont remeber exactly how long the rack was but it was full length, ran fron the back all the way to just over the windsheild as i had 4 off road lights on the front as well as 2 mini lights on each side protected by upper supports for the rack

mike

rtarh2o · 07-01-07, 12:57 PM

What type of steel did you use? I am thinking of conduit, cheap, light and probably strong enough. Plus I have a tubing bender that will work with it but corners might actually be easier? Did you notch the tubing? Anxious to get started on one
Rusty
97 FZJ80

Atoyot1031 · 07-01-07, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtarh2o

What type of steel did you use? I am thinking of conduit, cheap, light and probably strong enough. Plus I have a tubing bender that will work with it but corners might actually be easier? Did you notch the tubing? Anxious to get started on one
Rusty
97 FZJ80

I used conduit for those reasons. Borrowed the bender from a buddy who is an electrician, and it worked great. It's plenty strong. When I but just the base on the cruiser, I climbed up there and danced on it. No problem.

(And I'm 225)

I also notched the pieces that are connecting the bottom rung to the top. Royal pain in the ass, but it was worth the effort.

Izeloz · 07-01-07, 01:15 PM

Does anyone have a site address where you can get the low-profile mounts? Thanks in advance.

98 SNAKE EATER · 07-01-07, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izeloz

Does anyone have a site address where you can get the low-profile mounts? Thanks in advance.

Check PM's

rtarh2o · 07-01-07, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

I used conduit for those reasons. Borrowed the bender from a buddy who is an electrician, and it worked great. It's plenty strong. When I but just the base on the cruiser, I climbed up there and danced on it. No problem.

(And I'm 225)

I also notched the pieces that are connecting the bottom rung to the top. Royal pain in the ass, but it was worth the effort.

Yours looks great too, any finished pictures? What size is it?
Rusty

lx450landcruiser · 07-01-07, 03:21 PM

my recomendation if you need a rack that will hold alot of weight is to do the cross bars out of 1X3 rectangular tube something pretty heavy duty. from there just weld up the thin tube basket so that it attached to the cross bars. the basket doesnt have to be heavy duty. All it has to do is anchore the goods up top. the real weight is in the cross bars. also i would recoment expanded metal for the floor, it will also help distribute the weight (makes a great sleeping platform too)

the strait pipe bent is awsome way to go however i didnt have a pipe bender and of course the angles pieces were much faster then bending pieces

rtarh2o · 07-01-07, 04:11 PM

I have been searching for the shorter quick-n-easy clamps for about an hour now with no luck. The ones I am finding say 7-3/8", I assume the shorter ones are the 4". Anyone have a link for these, or another option?
Rusty

98 SNAKE EATER · 07-01-07, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtarh2o

I have been searching for the shorter quick-n-easy clamps for about an hour now with no luck. The ones I am finding say 7-3/8", I assume the shorter ones are the 4". Anyone have a link for these, or another option?
Rusty

The 4" mounts are no longer made....

I PM'd you with details of where you can still find them though

Atoyot1031 · 07-01-07, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx450landcruiser

my recomendation if you need a rack that will hold alot of weight is to do the cross bars out of 1X3 rectangular tube something pretty heavy duty. from there just weld up the thin tube basket so that it attached to the cross bars. the basket doesnt have to be heavy duty. All it has to do is anchore the goods up top. the real weight is in the cross bars. also i would recoment expanded metal for the floor, it will also help distribute the weight (makes a great sleeping platform too)

the strait pipe bent is awsome way to go however i didnt have a pipe bender and of course the angles pieces were much faster then bending pieces

I went with 1x1 crossmembers which are plenty strong, but the same idea. The strength is in the crossmembers, and the edge of the basket is more for looks.

I also skipped expanded metal and opted for 4x4 fence made of 1/4" rod, for a couple reasons:
1. Everybody uses expanded for everything. I wanted something a little diffferent.
2. The fence is super strong and lighter.
3. The fence allows usage of motorcycle-type tie downs much more easily than expended.

I should have more pics up soon, went wheelin' this evening with the rack (still not complete) mounted...

Atoyot1031 · 07-01-07, 09:57 PM

Here are a couple pics of the progress...
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Atoyot1031 · 07-01-07, 10:00 PM

Here's a couple more from this afternoon/evening. Really not so much of the rack, but poser pics...
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Tomorrow night I'm gonna add some 1/4" rod to the sides, and figure out if I'm gonna rattle can or if I can have it powder coated.

98 SNAKE EATER · 07-02-07, 09:53 AM

Looking great

How's the windnoise at highway speeds?

I had to hack the front bar overlapping the windshield cause the noise was just horrible

It's silent now though

Atoyot1031 · 07-02-07, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98 SNAKE EATER

Looking great

How's the windnoise at highway speeds?

I had to hack the front bar overlapping the windshield cause the noise was just horrible

It's silent now though

Thanks!

Wind noise doesn't appear to be an issue. I got it up to about 65 with no noise (sunroof open & closed). I think it's because mine is tied in to the rest of the rack in multiple place. Although the front portion is hanging over without support beyond the sunroof, it's still rigid and strong enough to stand on.

Lavarock64 · 07-02-07, 03:04 PM

Does anyone know if the 4" quick n easy clamp will mate up easily to the Alum. Moose Rack conversion. Wild Oats used Bull dog clamps, are these the same design/ will they easily work?

Thanks

lx450landcruiser · 07-02-07, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lavarock64

Does anyone know if the 4" quick n easy clamp will mate up easily to the Alum. Moose Rack conversion. Wild Oats used Bull dog clamps, are these the same design/ will they easily work?

Thanks

is the bottom of the rack flat? from the stuff ive seen i think these clamps would work excelent with the jmoose

06-30-07, 03:42 PM	#1
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,046	Roof rack build My wife is out of town for two weeks so I bought a bunch of steel and beer... I pulled most of my ideas for my rack from 98 Snake Eater whose rack I will never be able to match (since I DO NOT have a horn from a locomotive). So thanks to all who have contributed to roof rack threads. As much as I love the ARB roof racks, they present a couple of problems: first- $$$$.$$, second- I don't think you can even get them anymore, third- I don't like to open my sunroof and feel like I'm in prison. Anyways, I hope to finish this weekend, but here are a couple pics of the rack so far. Please understand that I am just a simple caveman, with caveman tools, caveman intelligence, and of course a caveman's thirst for that which is fermented... I plan on attaching the upper loop with some notched conduit and some 1/4" rod for more tie down locations and a little bit of decoration. The opening over the sunroof will allow for access to the party deck.

06-30-07, 05:28 PM	#2
dcFJ IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 283	I like it so far. Good work. __________________ 1992 FJ80 - 205k Miles - Marlin Sliders - 31" Kumho ATs - Cragar Steel Wheels - The Family Hauler and Grocery Getter 1988 Toyota 4x4 Pickup - 22RE - 185k miles - Bed Bob - Toytec 2" Lift/AllPro Shackles - 33" BFG ATs - AR 767s - ARB BullBar - AllPro Tube Bumper - The Trail Rig

06-30-07, 05:31 PM	#3
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,377	are those the 4 inch clamps ? why did you choose to runt he rack so high off the roof? __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

06-30-07, 08:44 PM	#8
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,377	just so you know the shorter clamps (same ones) fit the 80 series with removal of the factory rack and will put the rack just off the roof for low profile Attached Images __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

07-01-07, 01:40 AM	#10
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,377	i did just primer and rattle can, I was stopped at a stop light in town by a road construction guy who wanted to buy the rack, ended up selling it since it was a price i couldnt resist. you can spend a bunch on powder coat but in the end for a roof rack rattle can will do just as well when its home made. mike __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

07-01-07, 12:00 PM	#11
rtarh2o IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NE Texas Posts: 567	I have a question for lx450landcruiser, nice looking roof rack, is that home made? If so what is it made from, mainly wondering about the corners? Where did you get the low profile mounts? Finally what size is the rack? Thanks - Rusty 97 FZJ80

07-01-07, 12:57 PM	#13
rtarh2o IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NE Texas Posts: 567	What type of steel did you use? I am thinking of conduit, cheap, light and probably strong enough. Plus I have a tubing bender that will work with it but corners might actually be easier? Did you notch the tubing? Anxious to get started on one Rusty 97 FZJ80

07-01-07, 01:15 PM	#15
Izeloz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 146	Does anyone have a site address where you can get the low-profile mounts? Thanks in advance.

07-01-07, 03:21 PM	#18
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,377	my recomendation if you need a rack that will hold alot of weight is to do the cross bars out of 1X3 rectangular tube something pretty heavy duty. from there just weld up the thin tube basket so that it attached to the cross bars. the basket doesnt have to be heavy duty. All it has to do is anchore the goods up top. the real weight is in the cross bars. also i would recoment expanded metal for the floor, it will also help distribute the weight (makes a great sleeping platform too) the strait pipe bent is awsome way to go however i didnt have a pipe bender and of course the angles pieces were much faster then bending pieces __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

07-01-07, 04:11 PM	#19
rtarh2o IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NE Texas Posts: 567	I have been searching for the shorter quick-n-easy clamps for about an hour now with no luck. The ones I am finding say 7-3/8", I assume the shorter ones are the 4". Anyone have a link for these, or another option? Rusty

07-01-07, 09:57 PM	#22
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,046	Here are a couple pics of the progress...

07-01-07, 10:00 PM	#23
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,046	Here's a couple more from this afternoon/evening. Really not so much of the rack, but poser pics... Tomorrow night I'm gonna add some 1/4" rod to the sides, and figure out if I'm gonna rattle can or if I can have it powder coated.

07-02-07, 09:53 AM	#24
98 SNAKE EATER IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Queens, NYC and sometimes Orlando, FL Posts: 1,071	Looking great How's the windnoise at highway speeds? I had to hack the front bar overlapping the windshield cause the noise was just horrible It's silent now though

07-02-07, 03:04 PM	#26
Lavarock64 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Fingerlakes NY Posts: 59	Does anyone know if the 4" quick n easy clamp will mate up easily to the Alum. Moose Rack conversion. Wild Oats used Bull dog clamps, are these the same design/ will they easily work? Thanks