Finally...FINALLY got my roofrack
Pics here show that i removed all the cross braces, then i had to make a new front brace, so the racks front would sit level.The back is u-bolted to the factory rack.
The front brace is made out of sch.40 aluminum, and the clamps i used are from Mcmaster carr ( my new favorite hardware store). I took the clamps, and reamed out the "T" part to 1-3/4" since the factory rack is about .711" in diam.
Then, I split the piece through the middle, so i could clamp it around the existing rack. Drilled holes for 5/16 x 3 stainless screws through the clamps, and then through the piece of pipe after i cut and fittid it.
One htis I didn know is the factory rack spreads apart as it goes to the front of the vehicle. This made for a problem with the "T" fittings, but i compensated by drilling most of the holes oversise. The slight twist between the clamps and the crossbar is very small, but it is noticable in the close-ups of the clamps I decided the drill and tap a 1/4"-20 through the top clamp, in case thing loosen up.
All hardwar is staimless ( except the little 1/4-20, but i am getting that tommorrow)
All in all, I am very happy. Some touch up with the flat black paint on the first warm day, and it will be all set.
I got the rack unpainted from a guy in Arizona , on E-bay.He calls himself Blackout. He has a rather hokey listing, kinda blowing hi own horn, but the comparisons he make to the cheepy racks are all true. His is a VERY nice made rack. All welded 5/8 square, with no open ends on the cross bars.He will make any size you want. Since he works all by himself, delivery somewhat LOOOOONG. But it was worth the wait.
I can send other pics to anyone who wants better shots
Pics here show that i removed all the cross braces, then i had to make a new front brace, so the racks front would sit level.The back is u-bolted to the factory rack.
The front brace is made out of sch.40 aluminum, and the clamps i used are from Mcmaster carr ( my new favorite hardware store). I took the clamps, and reamed out the "T" part to 1-3/4" since the factory rack is about .711" in diam.
Then, I split the piece through the middle, so i could clamp it around the existing rack. Drilled holes for 5/16 x 3 stainless screws through the clamps, and then through the piece of pipe after i cut and fittid it.
One htis I didn know is the factory rack spreads apart as it goes to the front of the vehicle. This made for a problem with the "T" fittings, but i compensated by drilling most of the holes oversise. The slight twist between the clamps and the crossbar is very small, but it is noticable in the close-ups of the clamps I decided the drill and tap a 1/4"-20 through the top clamp, in case thing loosen up.
All hardwar is staimless ( except the little 1/4-20, but i am getting that tommorrow)
All in all, I am very happy. Some touch up with the flat black paint on the first warm day, and it will be all set.
I got the rack unpainted from a guy in Arizona , on E-bay.He calls himself Blackout. He has a rather hokey listing, kinda blowing hi own horn, but the comparisons he make to the cheepy racks are all true. His is a VERY nice made rack. All welded 5/8 square, with no open ends on the cross bars.He will make any size you want. Since he works all by himself, delivery somewhat LOOOOONG. But it was worth the wait.
I can send other pics to anyone who wants better shots
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