Bowfin Cruisers Roof Rack for the 100 Series

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dogfishlake said:
I've been playing around with the correct look for the rack. The 100 roof goes narrow to wide back to front but I want the deck of the rack to be rectangular. The previous prototype looked pretty good but really too wide in the back. My next version has narrower cross bars (49" instead of 51") and I am putting a break line in the front of the rack to follow the roof line. It looks like it will work very well. This week, we will get more refined side rails made and hopefully knock out the mount design. It is taking longer than I had hoped, but was just not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling about the previous one!

Here are a couple of pics to show the next version. It's pretty rough because I've been beating the crap out of it. I ran out of daylight for some better outside shots.
Click to expand...

Are you saying that the 100 has a narrower roof (or gutter width) in the rear of the vehicle versus the front?

People who dig the Prinsu racks will be drawn to this for sure.

2 questions: What is the weight for the total rack? Will you offer a front faring that has a cutout for a light bar?

Ha ha maybe a third question... Do you think that this rack will be strong enough to support the Alu Cab Shadow Awning? I only ask because the awning would not have any support poles.
 
gungriffin said:
Are you saying that the 100 has a narrower roof (or gutter width) in the rear of the vehicle versus the front?

People who dig the Prinsu racks will be drawn to this for sure.

2 questions: What is the weight for the total rack? Will you offer a front faring that has a cutout for a light bar?

Ha ha maybe a third question... Do you think that this rack will be strong enough to support the Alu Cab Shadow Awning? I only ask because the awning would not have any support poles.
Click to expand...

The hundred is actually wider at the front, the roof channels narrow as you go to the back.

I have not weighed the 100 rack but it will be somewhere around 60 pounds.

There will be a light bar option for this rack

The rack should hold that awning fine, but having not seen one other than pictures it seems like trouble in the wind. I suppose like their ad says, there is a support pole for windy conditions. I imagine that if the wind was strong enough to flip that awning over (and ruin it), it would likely damage the rack too. That thing flipping over in the wind would have a ton of leverage (maybe literally).
 
dogfishlake said:
The hundred is actually wider at the front, the roof channels narrow as you go to the back.

I have not weighed the 100 rack but it will be somewhere around 60 pounds.

There will be a light bar option for this rack

The rack should hold that awning fine, but having not seen one other than pictures it seems like trouble in the wind. I suppose like their ad says, there is a support pole for windy conditions. I imagine that if the wind was strong enough to flip that awning over (and ruin it), it would likely damage the rack too. That thing flipping over in the wind would have a ton of leverage (maybe literally).
Click to expand...

Ha ha if wind were to bend the arms on the Shadow Awn, that would be a very bad day and windy day indeed! The design of your rack looks quite strong, but I just wanted to check what your thoughts were. Thanks for the response about the weight as well. I had no idea the roof channels narrow. You learn something new every day! I am subscribed to this thread and look forward to when this will be available.
 
gungriffin said:
Ha ha if wind were to bend the arms on the Shadow Awn, that would be a very bad day and windy day indeed! The design of your rack looks quite strong, but I just wanted to check what your thoughts were. Thanks for the response about the weight as well. I had no idea the roof channels narrow. You learn something new every day! I am subscribed to this thread and look forward to when this will be available.
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks. Trying to keep up with everything developing/selling Cruiser stuff and still stay on top of my other job. Kinda like the first several years in the powder coating business, tons of hours plus weekends. Not to complain because I am a total Cruiser addict anyway so all good.
 
I am studying up on the alu-cab to determine if there is an issue
 
Last night we got the next revision data all done for the sides and the brackets for the mounts. The first mounts will be made of mild steel for test fitting and final design, then the production mounts will be stainless steel most likely for corrosion resistance.

Hopefully I have some more samples in hand to work on all weekend. It's coming along.
 
Love the look, where were you a year ago when I was buying a rack?!? Much more my truck's aesthetic and you might even get me to switch since I love extruded aluminum so much... What sort of deflection do you see with the crossbars with someone standing on them? (as an example)
 
dogfishlake said:
I've been playing around with the correct look for the rack. The 100 roof goes narrow to wide back to front but I want the deck of the rack to be rectangular. The previous prototype looked pretty good but really too wide in the back. My next version has narrower cross bars (49" instead of 51") and I am putting a break line in the front of the rack to follow the roof line. It looks like it will work very well. This week, we will get more refined side rails made and hopefully knock out the mount design. It is taking longer than I had hoped, but was just not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling about the previous one!

Here are a couple of pics to show the next version. It's pretty rough because I've been beating the crap out of it. I ran out of daylight for some better outside shots.
View attachment 1626580 View attachment 1626582 View attachment 1626583
Click to expand...
Completely off topic (sorry) but I see Olive is safe and sound:)
 
cruzerDave said:
Love the look, where were you a year ago when I was buying a rack?!? Much more my truck's aesthetic and you might even get me to switch since I love extruded aluminum so much... What sort of deflection do you see with the crossbars with someone standing on them? (as an example)
Click to expand...

Thanks! The cross bars do deflect standing on one bar. I'm 250# and I try to step on two at once. For regular use, I don't think it is such a great idea. A roof top tent spans 5 bars and de The perfect fix for walking on is a mesh floor that bolts on. That is in the works and sould not be much longer before it is ready. It will be able to bolt to each cross bar making a much more rigid structure.
 
Last edited:
olive said:
Completely off topic (sorry) but I see Olive is safe and sound:)
Click to expand...

Yeah buddy. She is sitting in a heated garage spot. Tight fit because my daughter parks her 80 next to her (when I'm not stealing the spot to work on my stuff) but they all go in.

Olive is getting some Bowfin Cruisers R&D as well test fitting a 16" steelie with oem hubcap. Need to find time for that one too.
20180207_191417.webp
20180207_191430.webp
 
I wanted to get nice pictures up today but today turned into tonight by the time I was done. The next revision is done and it is really close. I found a couple of thing that need to change but I am very encouraged.

The brackets have been really tough but are looking great. The front wind deflector needs more changes, and the side profile has to move a bit. All are super close though.

Another great find is that Yakima attachments clamp on perfectly. They are made to fit the 1x2 bar after taking off the rubber gasket. It will make accessories much more easily available. I clamped on a kayak rack for a test. Perfect fit.

Here's some teasers. Better photos tomorrow!
20180216_185545.webp
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20180216_185551.webp
20180216_162706.webp
 
Here are a couple more. I still need a bit of change on the wind deflector, but it is close. Same for the side rails, just a little more accurate profile.

I guess I forgot how to math! :bang:
20180217_095508.webp
20180217_095546.webp
 
Looks awesome. If only I hadn't spent $$$$ only a few years back.
 
Subbing. I am looking for a flat sidewall solution to get an awning up asap.
 
Any updates on this? Interested!
 
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