Another homemade, DIY, aluminum roof rack (1 Viewer)

[NW European]

Just thought I would share my creation from last week here. Obviously inspired by the J-Moose rack, with some subtle modifications. I did a full 3" outside edge, to create a low profile basket style rack.

I used 8 shorty bulldog 2.0 clamps from diamondrax - Introducing the NEW "Bulldog 2.0" Heavy Duty Rain Gutter Clamps - Exclusively from DiamondRax! -- super overbuilt, and ready for a lifetime of service. The shorty version gives me about 1" of clearance in the middle of the roof, which is perfect for my uses.

I love the looks of it, and have already had a ton of questions and compliments in the first week.

Just thought I would share some pics with you guys.

 

[Frankencruiser]

Looks great. Why does it bolt together in the middle?

 

[mickeyt]

B/c it is 2 pieces.

 

[NW European]

Yep, the base is a bi-fold ATV ramp.

 

[CruiserStuff]

Man, that looks super sharp! Great job with your build......

Glad you like the clamps. Can't wait to see more pics with the rack in use!

 

[NW European]

Thanks -- just got the LC about 3 weeks ago, and have a list of mods I am working through, the rack was the first one for fun.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

Good design, very clean and professional, but I can't help noticing that sitting there unloaded it makes a shallow "V", flexing down to the bolts. I would think about some sort of cross flooring to take the stress off those bolts and spread it as broadly as possible.

Great look Cruiser - cograts with your purchase!

 

[azTony]

What kind of wheels are those? Sorry for the high jack

 

[Dan2722]

Nice work, very clean!

 

[97FZJ80]

which atv ramps did you source?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Clean ,low profile look ,should not cause to much drag. I might have welded the middle, or put more bolts in. MIke

 

[CruiserStuff]

What kind of wheels are those? Sorry for the high jack

Those look like stock 80 series wheels from 91-92 era to me.....

 

[Cannon88]

Those look like stock 80 series wheels from 91-92 era to me.....

Correct. Also those wheels can be found on early 4Runners and Toyota trucks.

 

[RalphB]

How is the wind-noise from this design?

 

[Eicca]

I like the color of your rig I wish my hood still had paint.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

The sides are pop-riveted to the ramps/floor? Definitely a smooth look but I'd be concerned about them shearing off - had you thought about through-bolting? You could use dome-heads to keep the profile clean. Don't mean to be a buzz kill but I've just seen roof racks take a beating on trees and from shifting cargo boxes and jerry cans - I'm really rack-paranoid. People often don't pay enough attention to the really heavy stresses at work up there. And if you're in a wreck, all bets are off.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

I'm looking at making a similar rack for my 100 series. What paint did you use to paint the aluminum panel that wraps around the side of the rack?

 

[Alleycats]

How much does it weigh?

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

based on my research, the ramps weigh only about 30lbs. So with everything else, less than 35lbs since it is all built from aluminum.

 

[Alleycats]

35 lbs. hmmm interesting.