Get more from your factory roof rack with t-slotted aluminum (8020)

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@WoodyCreature have you posted more info/pics on the way this works on your 100 somewhere? Super interested in this for my 100. After reading the whole thread here I'm a little confused on what I should get for my '01. I'll read it through again. Thanks
 
TBISAACS, Have you run these cross bars alone as in your photo or with the factory crossbars? I am wondering if a combination of the 2 will create wind noise?
 
@WoodyCreature have you posted more info/pics on the way this works on your 100 somewhere? Super interested in this for my 100. After reading the whole thread here I'm a little confused on what I should get for my '01. I'll read it through again. Thanks


 
TBISAACS, Have you run these cross bars alone as in your photo or with the factory crossbars? I am wondering if a combination of the 2 will create wind noise?
I run them alone now. 4 bars. There is some wind noise at 75+ mph but it’s not bad.
 
I run them alone now. 4 bars. There is some wind noise at 75+ mph but it’s not bad.
Have you figured out a way to mount an awning bracket?
 
Have you figured out a way to mount an awning bracket?

the ARB bracket should just bolt up? I haven’t tried it but it’s just two bolts on the roof rack side.
 
the ARB bracket should just bolt up? I haven’t tried it but it’s just two bolts on the roof rack side.
Maybe, I am thinking it might require a shim to raise it up over the side rail.
 
Any guess what I'm trying to accomplish? Had some 8020 laying around the shop and been wanting to do this ever since I noticed this thread. My big problem with 8020 is the fastening system does not handle vibration well, and mounting to side rails doesn't offer proper load support. The solutions I've seen up to this point seem prone to failure, so I'm working on a rail system that will mimic the the OEM system. This one is a prototype. I've already somewhat abandoned this design since the spacers exceed the 3/8 factory rail gap. I think I have it all worked out though. I'll post a pics and a howto once I have a working solution.

Thanks! @tbisaacs.

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Any guess what I'm trying to accomplish? Had some 8020 laying around the shop and been wanting to do this ever since I noticed this thread. My big problem with 8020 is the fastening system. It does not handle vibration well, and mounting to side rails doesn't offer proper load support. The solutions I've seen up to this point seem prone to failure, so I'm working on a rail system that will mimic the the OEM system. This one is a prototype. I've already somewhat abandoned this design since the spacers exceed the 3/8 factory rail gap. I think I have it all worked out though. I'll post a pics and a howto once I have a working solution.

Thanks! @tbisaacs.

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This is awesome! I feel you on the hardware. I want something a little more robust, as I've had to re-tighten mine a couple of times now.
 
Okay folks! Here's version 1.0. It works great. This is the first working rail, I'll make one more tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don't have enough stainless steel or 8020 left to make the third rail. It will be a week or two before I have everything i need again. I'll also post a bill of materials and measurements for anyone interested tomorrow. The bad thing about a project like this is as soon as you get a working example, you are already mentally building a better version. Version 2.0 will be milled from a solid block of stainless.



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Read through the thread but may have missed it, but does a Yakima cargo box work with this system? It sounds like the Thule box is tough to mount. The Frontrunner rack on my 100 takes a little finagling to get the box mounts onto the rack. Can’t imagine doing it with any less clearance.
 
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Ran into this as I’m planning to strip the port-installed rack on my 80 entirely & weld the holes (‘97 headliner is easy to drop).

I have a pair of Thule bars, but 8020 & some feet would make 4 stable crossbars. More like a platform/versatile.
 
Any guess what I'm trying to accomplish? Had some 8020 laying around the shop and been wanting to do this ever since I noticed this thread. My big problem with 8020 is the fastening system does not handle vibration well, and mounting to side rails doesn't offer proper load support. The solutions I've seen up to this point seem prone to failure, so I'm working on a rail system that will mimic the the OEM system. This one is a prototype. I've already somewhat abandoned this design since the spacers exceed the 3/8 factory rail gap. I think I have it all worked out though. I'll post a pics and a howto once I have a working solution.

Thanks! @tbisaacs.

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Hey Tincan, I am very interested in this project and wondering if you have any updates?
 
Hey Tincan, I am very interested in this project and wondering if you have any updates?

I botched the thread title and it got buried very quickly. I'm still waiting on two more rails from 8020. I made the first two from stock I already had. Here's a link to the thread:


I haven't loaded the rails yet, but I'm very happy with it. I'm not a fan of heavy roof loads, so I plan on keeping a few 'dirty' items on top. Recovery gear, max traxx, shovel and ground mat. I'm also working on an amorphous solar panel to keep my batteries topped off, but that will depend on when I get my storage and fridge drawer installed.
 
This thread has been a great read and good advice. Thanks all. One of the first upgrades I wanted to do on my LC was get an expedition type of rack. Also thought, hey I have Yakima crossbars, mounts and rocket box left over from my last LC 100. The bars alone (no box) were loud and I had issues going into some public parking garages which was the occasional challenge when going to meetings. I later used the Yakima box on factory cross bars, no problem.

Anyway, I shifted my thinking on the rack options for the LC 200. Want to keep it more OEM looking and not worry about parking in garages. Don't really have the time and drill press to make the 80/20 slider bracket things. I'm taking a chance with some after market cross bars I found on eBay. The dang OEM bars are like $300+ each. Crazy.

On a side note: Noticed one of the factory rubber pieces that goes into the rack channel was missing. The back left about 20 inches long. Thought I would replace it at dealer out of pocket - part was $44 for a piece of rubber! Parts person told me to try and get covered under warranty. After some haggling and waiting for 30 mins, they agreed to cover under warranty - adhesive issue. Part ordered.

Back to the bars. Got my 2 new bars today ~ $160 delivered. China > Hawaii > CA > NJ > VA in less than a week. Quality looks good and I got all the hardware that I just don't have time to source and build at the moment with the 80/20. Will put on after I get my missing rubber strip "installed" by the dealer.

I was going to drill holes into these to secure the Maxtrax with their OEM mounts. Realized I still have 8 Yakima low profile bar mounts that fit perfectly on the 200 factory cross bars. I think these are ones below:
Won't need to drill and can use my existing Yakima keyed locks to secure things. Glad I kept all this stuff from last two LC's.

I'm going to try the above when it warms up a little and will let you guys know the outcome.

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If anyone wants to part with their factory crossbars , please PM me.

I am in SoCal ( Orange County). Thanks
 

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