spenedwrds
New member
sick!!
Bandit Runner's Roof Rack Build
- Thread starter Bandit Runner
- Start date
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Whitson Metalworks
New member
looking reeaaally good, i like your methods. are you keeping track of man-hours into this bad boy?
rickashay
New member
Man Bandit.... that rack is genius. It totally modernizes the roof line of the 4Runner. So SICK!!
On a side note, I can't even imagine how cool of a roof rack would be produced if Bandit and Whitson put their brilliant minds together for a product. Do you guys live close to each other?! :naughty: haha
On a side note, I can't even imagine how cool of a roof rack would be produced if Bandit and Whitson put their brilliant minds together for a product. Do you guys live close to each other?! :naughty: haha
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Thanks! As for man-hours, I'm not sure, but it sure is taking a long time to finish. Actually I don't work on it that often. (Life keeps getting in the way - jk)
Thanks man. I'm really diggin' it too. (And BTW, Florida and Michigan are not that close together. You better brush up on your elementary school geography - haha)
rickashay
New member
Hahaha Florida? Michigan? What contenants are those on? lol
Maybe you couldnt sense my sarcasm in the post.... I was more WISHING you guys were closer so that I could see an epic collaboration. Your rack is legendary, regardless of it's geographic location! haha
Cheers,
Addison
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Had a few hours to work on the rack tonight. I was able to get the front light bars tacked into place. Then I set the 6" Rigid lights in place to see how they fit and looked.
Should work just fine. I still need to add a horizontal bar that goes in between the two light bars.
Should work just fine. I still need to add a horizontal bar that goes in between the two light bars.
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Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Got some work done on the roof rack this past weekend. Mainly I worked on the limb risers and their attachment points. Requirements for the limb risers were that I could open the hood without removing/disconnecting them. Also the passenger side limb riser had to be above the snorkel, to keep it from getting snagged on branches. In order to accomplish this, I had to move the attachment points upward on the bumper, and outward on the roof rack.
I came up with the idea of bending some 5/16” steel rod to get the attachment points off the bumper and roof rack. I actually really like the way they came out. The ones on the front bumper look like devil’s horns (or cat ears as my wife and son call them).
Here I am mocking things up with a bungee cord, and you can see the horn (ear) on the bumper:
Making sure it is high enough to clear the snorkel:
Making sure it clears the open hood:
My fixture/jig setup for the other side to ensure everything was symmetrical:
Then I built the cable assemblies. I used 3/16” vinyl coated cable, carabiner clips for each end, and turnbuckles to keep the cables tight. Here’s some pics of the cables attached:
I have 5/8” clearance between the snorkel and the limb riser, and 1/4" clearance on each side of the hood when it is up. I still want to add some small gussets to the horns (ears) where they meet the tubing of the bumper and roof rack, just to strengthen them. Also, the cable assemblies will be painted black to match everything else.
I came up with the idea of bending some 5/16” steel rod to get the attachment points off the bumper and roof rack. I actually really like the way they came out. The ones on the front bumper look like devil’s horns (or cat ears as my wife and son call them).
Here I am mocking things up with a bungee cord, and you can see the horn (ear) on the bumper:
Making sure it is high enough to clear the snorkel:
Making sure it clears the open hood:
My fixture/jig setup for the other side to ensure everything was symmetrical:
Then I built the cable assemblies. I used 3/16” vinyl coated cable, carabiner clips for each end, and turnbuckles to keep the cables tight. Here’s some pics of the cables attached:
I have 5/8” clearance between the snorkel and the limb riser, and 1/4" clearance on each side of the hood when it is up. I still want to add some small gussets to the horns (ears) where they meet the tubing of the bumper and roof rack, just to strengthen them. Also, the cable assemblies will be painted black to match everything else.
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Kurtis
New member
You have obviously put a lot of work into your roof rack. Though I am not a fan of extra pieces(the horns) hanging out further, I really like the idea of the limb lifters clearing the hood. I would consider adding a 3rd leg to each of the horns. I would put the leg in the middle. Overr time that cable will pull the horns toward each other. If you use the limb lifters as designed then you will be putting pressure on the cable and cause stress on the horns. You could cause damage to your hood when you open it if the horns are bent.
Just something to think about.
Just something to think about.
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Good thoughts. I considered adding a third leg to triangulate the horns and add strength to them. However, it didn't look nearly as clean (think jungle gym). So I decided to add gussets to both legs of each horn. I think this will stiffen the horns up, and provide the strength needed, as well as keep them from bending. If I find that this doesn't work, then I can always add an extra leg later. Thanks for the input.
4ever4running
New member
The limb risers look sweet, nice work! That was an awesome idea to have them clear the hood when it's opened. Definitely useful
Stuntmonkey
New member
I absolutely love this rack, wish someone was making them!!
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Thanks, PM sent.
Thanks man. Appreciate it.
Thanks, All you have to do is build one.
I wish I had the time, skill, and money. Damn you college.
1985taylor1925
Senior Member
Banditrunner, I always enjoy seeing your fabrication projects. Theyre original, creative and very high quality. The rack looks great. What do you plan on using for paint/protection?
Also, Ive see "limb risers" on several rigs on the forum. What purpose do they serve exactly?
Also, Ive see "limb risers" on several rigs on the forum. What purpose do they serve exactly?
tyr0981
New member
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