Bandit Runner's Roof Rack Build

[4x4runner2002]

Agreed we need night shots all lit up.

 

[cdrewferd]

Looks awesome. Can't wait for the light pics.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Looks good.

Now when are we going to see your rig in Moab?

Thanks, I wish, but Moab is a long way from Michigan! Maybe someday.

NICE!! I love it man, great job!

Gonna need some night shots tonight as well

Thanks. Unfortunately I still don't have the switches wired up. But I will get some light pics soon.

Look great, man. Very nice indeed.

Very nice man! It really came out great!

Agreed we need night shots all lit up.

Looks awesome. Can't wait for the light pics.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

 

[jmildoc]

I think that is officially the best looking most lit up roof rack for a 3rd Gen ever!!!!
May have to drive to Michigan and get you to make me one!!!!!!!!

 

[Qyota]

Awesome work. Your patience and attention to detail are inspiring!

 

[Bandit Runner]

I think that is officially the best looking most lit up roof rack for a 3rd Gen ever!!!!
May have to drive to Michigan and get you to make me one!!!!!!!!

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Awesome work. Your patience and attention to detail are inspiring!

I appreciate the compliments. However those qualities also make my builds take 10 times longer than they should. I can't believe how long it took to finally finish this thing up!

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

 

[ranbar02]

Awesome!!! I want one

 

[Bandit Runner]

Thanks man!

Awesome!!! I want one

Thanks, Sorry its one-of-a-kind.

 

[tyr0981]

Any pictures of the rack with the lights on at night? and maybe how far said lights shine?

looks great Bandit! :fro:

 

[Jedrattle]

Very nice! Any increase in wind noise?

 

[Bandit Runner]

Very nice! Any increase in wind noise?

Thanks, and none at all.

 

[sggaz]

Hey Bandit!

I've been watching since you started this project and it has turned out fantastic.

I noted in one of your early posts you referred to the challenge of getting the flat stock pieces to match the roof contour. Can you explain how you handled that?

Also, do you have a gasket or something between the roof and that flat stock both to protect from water and friction between those two?

Also, the CAD work is very well done.

Thanks.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Hey Bandit!

I've been watching since you started this project and it has turned out fantastic.

I noted in one of your early posts you referred to the challenge of getting the flat stock pieces to match the roof contour. Can you explain how you handled that?

Also, do you have a gasket or something between the roof and that flat stock both to protect from water and friction between those two?

Also, the CAD work is very well done.

Thanks.

The flat bars that sit on the roof are 2" wide and 3/16" thick. They were flexy enough to bend to the shape of the roof when screwed down to the stock roof rack mounting holes. I had to weld the risers to the flat bar while it was screwed to the roof, so that the contour would be correct. Yes, there is a piece of 3/16" thick closed-cell foam with adhesive attached to the bottom of the flat bars.

Thanks!

 

[sggaz]

The flat bars that sit on the roof are 2" wide and 3/16" thick. They were flexy enough to bend to the shape of the roof when screwed down to the stock roof rack mounting holes. I had to weld the risers to the flat bar while it was screwed to the roof, so that the contour would be correct. Yes, there is a piece of 3/16" thick closed-cell foam with adhesive attached to the bottom of the flat bars.

Thanks!

Great, thanks for the info and once again I really like what you've done with this along with the overall build you've done on your truck.

 

[EthanD]

Traversable roof rack design considerations

Bandit, awesome rack, and it is definitely inspiring my 5th gen design & build, particularly regarding the full length rack and stealth profile.

My question for the forum is what sort of trouble am I going to run into with a traversable deck. I want the deck for extra storage and so I can walk on top of my car - photography, maybe even camping up top, ease of loading and organizing etc.

My basic question is what would be the downsides to using rubber footings/vibration isolation screw-ins that rest directly on the roof itself?

The rack will be secured on the factory rack itself, or at least the anchor points, just as Bandit did here. So I'm proposing a more extensive application of what Bandit did to his front tube ends. My hope is that strong rubber footings between the floor frame and the car roof would make for a stronger rack and keep my rack stealth and maybe even a little lighter.

Can anyone point out any drawbacks to rubber footings being on the roof?

Thanks, from a first time poster - Ethan

 

[Jedrattle]

I forgot to ask....how tall is it?

And we need some night shots!!

 

[tyr0981]

Any pictures of it at night with the lights on?

opcorn:

 

[Bandit Runner]

Bandit, awesome rack, and it is definitely inspiring my 5th gen design & build, particularly regarding the full length rack and stealth profile.

My question for the forum is what sort of trouble am I going to run into with a traversable deck. I want the deck for extra storage and so I can walk on top of my car - photography, maybe even camping up top, ease of loading and organizing etc.

My basic question is what would be the downsides to using rubber footings/vibration isolation screw-ins that rest directly on the roof itself?

The rack will be secured on the factory rack itself, or at least the anchor points, just as Bandit did here. So I'm proposing a more extensive application of what Bandit did to his front tube ends. My hope is that strong rubber footings between the floor frame and the car roof would make for a stronger rack and keep my rack stealth and maybe even a little lighter.

Can anyone point out any drawbacks to rubber footings being on the roof?

Thanks, from a first time poster - Ethan

A deck to walk on should not be an issue, as long as it is designed properly.

I am not sure how rubber feet would make the rack any stronger. I think the downside would be a very small footprint, and that could dent in the roof with enough weight on the rack. I tried to get as much surface area on the feet as possible.

Good luck on your project.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I forgot to ask....how tall is it?

And we need some night shots!!

From the 4Runner's roof to the top of the rack is about 4-5" depending on where you measure, due to the curvature of the roof.

Any pictures of it at night with the lights on?

opcorn:

I know, everone keeps asking me this. I'll see what I can do this weekend.