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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Nokomis Florida
Posts: 56
Real Name: Vince
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Nokomis Florida
Posts: 56
Real Name: Vince
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1998 3/4 long low profile basket on proline rails
My truck is a slicktop, no racks no sunroof and it had the black-out strips. I didn't want my basket elevated at all, both for aesthetics as well as ease of use. I installed the Proline (auction was $80 delivered) rails with black boatlife caulk (West Marine) having pre-drilled them to the rivenut pattern, I used the OEM bolts from the black-out strips after removing the silicone caulk and cleaning them. The Curt rack at 39" wide is way to narrow to mount directly to the rails without crossbeams, most racks after searching around seem to be 39" as well. 42" would work on the rails, just barely. I found this Smittybilt on auction that is 48" x 60" long all welded and powder coated in a black krinkle finish. Way nicer basket than a Curt and it was $280 shipped motor freight. I fabricated sliding mounting blocks out of 3/4" thick black Starboard HDPE, I grooved the sides to "level out" the blocks left and right, 2 size underdrilled them and tapped them for 3/8-16 SS bolts 1" long with thick washers. It feels solid, my hand truck fits up there perfectly and it will help me avoid having to use a trailer for work. Plus when we go Glamping all the outdoor gear will ride up there:-) I am very happy with the results.
Thanks for looking,
Vince
Last edited by VincentGsrq; 07-12-2020 at 04:07 PM.
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