Question on 79 roll bar/roof rack mounting points

[El Caganer]

This is a converted Japanese firetruck. The roof conversion and rack mods were done in Japan. I am concerned about the mounting points. The rack is tied in at two front roof mounts and the front of the bed (circled in red in the Pic). The rear bars with the extinguishers on them are not tied into anything. They just float slightly above the bed.
I am concerned movement in the truck between the bed and front of the cab may cause the front mounts to twist and eventually damage the roof seal. Is this concern warranted? I'm not rock crawling in this truck. Just work around the farm and light duty offroad trails.

Thank y'all in advance for the advice! This is my first LC and am learning loads from this group.

 

[LDowney]

Yes your concerns appear to have merit. Relative deflection between cargo bed and the front of the cab due to frame twist is possible and probably likely. As in most things, the devil is in the details. If the mounting to the cab does not allow for such motion, then your concern would be realized. However if the mounting provides for vertical support while allowing for the motion between the cab & the cargo bed, then there shouldn't be an issue.

I would suggest carefully reviewing the attachment to assess how the loads would be re-acted, then determine what/if changes are needed. Additionally, you may want to ask yourself if you want/need a roof rack of this size and nature?

Good luck. Great looking Cruiser.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

As mentioned above, your concerns are genuine.

You may want to replace that setup with an OEM bar and an aftermarket roof rack.






Juan

 

[El Caganer]

Makes sense. Thank you gentlemen!