Anybody done and Exo/Endo Cage/Roof Rack?

[Golgo13]

For a while now I have had the crazy idea to have someone fab a heavy-duty roof rack/roll cage. I have absolutely no need for it, but I think it is a cool idea.

The main reason for it is I don't like the idea of using gutter mounts in MI. They love to use LOTS of salt on the roads and the last thing I want is damage to my gutters. I know I could probably line the mounts with rubber like the JDM gutter mount rack, but that is too easy. I also see a few posts about loaded up racks causing cracks in the C-Pillar/rear door area. I'd like to be able to mount a tent up top and not worry about it causing too much more damage.

A while back I saw a video from the same group where they did it in a 200. Couldn't find that one again, sorry. Today, I found a video from Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings where they show this style rack in a 70-Series. What do you think? Could this be done for an 80?



More videos from TGS here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5sOaxyzXCsWN5LdT7DGRvA
I would love to work for these guys.


Also, is there any reason I should keep the 3rd row seats? They look cool, but I'll never use them since I don't really plan on having that many people in my truck at once. I'll want to lose them to make room for the cage.
If I get rid of them, they'll either go up for sale in the classifieds or, I might make seating for the garage out of them.

 

[jfz80]

Easy with the jeep mentality

No need to keep em if your not going to use them. I've also debated garage seating for years yet they are still in the attic.

I'd rather not go thru roof for fear of future leaks from flexing of body opposed to rigid cage. But could see some external supports running down a pillar and following door/fender seam to leading edge of slider. And then from back corners of bumper up d pillar to hold a rack. But lots of weight just added just for a rack.

 

[jfz80]

Reminiscent of FJ 40 racks that don't bolt to gutters but down on sides of tub or sliders/bumper.


Kinda like this pic of Roy's old rig but only the a and d pillar portions and then the rectangle up top with flat crossbars and a mesh floor.

 

[socallove]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyo...2-my-fj80-build-trail-pics-exo-39s-5-29s.html

 

[socallove]

I think that's the same rig, your pic didn't load when I posted the link

 

[Golgo13]

I'm not ready for a full exo-cage. I don't think I would ever need that given that I live in Michigan. There aren't hills here let alone rocks or any other real obstacle. There IS a lot of nice camping up north though. Hence the RTT.

Maybe I just need to put more thought into it.
My original idea would have used the body mount locations to help transfer the load to the frame. Of course one of the body mounts I would want to tie into is in the rear door step area, so that is a no go.