DIY: Ultra Low Profile Custom Rack / Crossbars for OEM TE Roof Rails
- Thread starter Terrapod
- Start date
STX4Runner
New member
Since you're using 8020, why not use eye bolts in the tracks?
I just wanted something that looked a little cleaner. I'll draw up the trapezoidal design and see what it looks like.
Here's what I came up with. Any critique or additional ideas?
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ElectroBoy
Banned
Did you get a chance to take a photo? Interested in how it looks.
ElectroBoy
Banned
That looks like a strong design for the bent sections.
By the way, are you using T-slot nuts to attach the bars to the slotted rails, something like this?
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[MENTION=126318]craaaazzy[/MENTION] - They will be flush with the top of the rail. I was doing a quick and dirty model and my wife and son wanted me to come and visit with them so I was rushed. That's why it looks like it's a bit higher. I'll admit, I like the design better too.
[MENTION=200736]ElectroBoy[/MENTION] T-slot nuts are what I plan on using. They typically only come in a black oxide finish though. Also if you use stainless hardware there's the whole dissimilar metal thing to contend with. I scoured the site looking for ones that would fit. The t-slot nuts that were supposed to fit... don't. I got my next choice in order to validate fitment and then I have to find the cheapest supplier.
Also, I'm thinking about just doing them in aluminum without a finish. Personally I'm going to paint mine black but most will leave them silver I'm sure. Also, I'm trying to keep the cost and complexity down. I may also offer them without the ears for folks that don't want that. It's easy enough to do.
[MENTION=200736]ElectroBoy[/MENTION] T-slot nuts are what I plan on using. They typically only come in a black oxide finish though. Also if you use stainless hardware there's the whole dissimilar metal thing to contend with. I scoured the site looking for ones that would fit. The t-slot nuts that were supposed to fit... don't. I got my next choice in order to validate fitment and then I have to find the cheapest supplier.
Also, I'm thinking about just doing them in aluminum without a finish. Personally I'm going to paint mine black but most will leave them silver I'm sure. Also, I'm trying to keep the cost and complexity down. I may also offer them without the ears for folks that don't want that. It's easy enough to do.
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This is a design that I came up with. I am going to try this out as well as the original low profile design by Terrapod and see what I end up deciding on. I am having the adapter with the anchor points 3d printed to see if I like it. First time ever doing something like this so let me know what you all think.
this is similar to the design I had in mind if I were to make them myself as well. let us know how they work out.
This is a design that I came up with. I am going to try this out as well as the original low profile design by Terrapod and see what I end up deciding on. I am having the adapter with the anchor points 3d printed to see if I like it. First time ever doing something like this so let me know what you all think.
ElectroBoy
Banned
Looks good. Although the diagonal cutouts look a little small. Did you size them for any particular type of tie-down hardware or hooks or straps?
I'm still working on my design. I was tweaking it a bit last night. It wouldn't be that hard to add a couple holes to the side pieces so a wind deflector could bolt straight up to it.
I think that would be easy enough to do. Either way I think I'm going to move forward and see if I can make these a reality. I just need to find the time to make it happen.
I think that would be easy enough to do. Either way I think I'm going to move forward and see if I can make these a reality. I just need to find the time to make it happen.
ElectroBoy
Banned
Spokanesteve
Member
Height versus stock crossbars?
Hello all:
I am considering a low profile rooftop box (primarily for transporting snow skis in the winter). But I need it to clear my garage door. I assume I have a standard 7' door but I will measure.
Would the flat cross-bars that you all have been discussing allow me to get the roof top box lower than the stock bars (which have a slight upward curve in the middle).
Appreciate any thoughts on this.
Thanks much, Steve.
Hello all:
I am considering a low profile rooftop box (primarily for transporting snow skis in the winter). But I need it to clear my garage door. I assume I have a standard 7' door but I will measure.
Would the flat cross-bars that you all have been discussing allow me to get the roof top box lower than the stock bars (which have a slight upward curve in the middle).
Appreciate any thoughts on this.
Thanks much, Steve.
For RTT, you may need full roof rack because the front end could bounce without being mounted on the front of the roof. I have LFD bars on stock rails and I am looking for other options to replace the rails.
Have these been fabbed yet? I'd like to purchase a 3 set soon if they are to that point.
Sorry it took me so long to update this. Finding a place to laser cut these for anything resembling a reasonable price was almost impossible. I had one shop infinitely promise to do it and just never did. I finally found someone reliable at a price that was reasonable. Here is part of the first batch. I’m just waiting on the t slot nuts to have the full “package”. Here is a sneak peek.
Notice that the bars fit so perfectly, they are being held in place with “interference”. There are no bolts holding them to the rail...
Notice that the bars fit so perfectly, they are being held in place with “interference”. There are no bolts holding them to the rail...
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