Bandit Runner's Roof Rack Build

[1985taylor1925]

just googled that myself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0kk0zioYis

pretty good looking idea!

Whats google?


Now I get it. Its all in the name

 

[Bandit Runner]

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?

Now I get it. Its all in the name

Yeah, they are pretty self-explanatory. They are supposed to gently raise light branches so that they slide up and over the truck, instead of bashing into them. Should help prevent pin striping too. The main reason I wanted them is to keep branches from catching on my custom snorkel.

And thanks for the compliments!

Oh, and I'll be painting the rack with POR-15, and then top-coating with rustoleum semi-gloss black.

 

[GladeRunner]

Great work on the rack BR.

Is working with POR 15 pretty easy, and did you use that on your sliders? I just got my 4x sliders and thinking of using POR on them.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Great work on the rack BR.

Is working with POR 15 pretty easy, and did you use that on your sliders? I just got my 4x sliders and thinking of using POR on them.

Thanks. I've used POR-15 on: front bumper, rear bumper, skid plates, sliders, and undercarriage. It holds up pretty well. It is easy to brush on, just don't get it on your skin. Follow the directions on the can too.

 

[tyr0981]

How did you attatch the front legs to the body? how are you getting the wires inside the cab?

Love the design, and great find on the switches.

my thoughts exactly.... i'd bet you'd want to run the wires through the front "legs" Yes?

this has been so inspirational too me! might tackle something 'similar' this summer myself!!!

 

[Bandit Runner]

How did you attatch the front legs to the body? how are you getting the wires inside the cab?

Love the design, and great find on the switches.

Sorry, I completely missed this post.

Yes, the wires will all be run through the rack's tubing and will all exit the rack through the front legs. From there it will enter into holes that I have drilled in the 4Runner's roof, and run above the headliner and down the A-pillars.

Oh, and the front legs are not attached to the body. They just set on it, and will compress some rubber/foam padding in between the roof and the rack. Also, the limb risers will help pull the front legs downward and keep them tight.

 

[Bandit Runner]

I got the rear light mounts and cage completed last night. The cage is made from 5/16” steel rod, and is plenty strong enough to deflect branches, and protect the lights. Here’s a few pics:

And with the lights in place:

All welding is finally done on the roof rack. Now I just need to clean up some of my ugly welds, and get it ready for some paint.

 

[4ever4running]

Lookin good Bandit! Are you going to do cages for all the lights or just the ones mounted on the front?

 

[Bandit Runner]

Lookin good Bandit! Are you going to do cages for all the lights or just the ones mounted on the front?

Thanks! The only "cage" is the one on the rear, because the lights were kind of sitting out in the open and unprotected. The front lights have bars that surround the lights, but it is not really a cage. Seen here:

The mini side lights are integrated into the main tubing, so they do not need any additional protection.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Spent this past weekend working on the roof rack. Cleaned up all the welds, sanded everything smooth, and degreased it. Then put 2 coats of POR-15 on it, then 2 coats of Rustoleum semi-gloss black enamel. The finish came out a little more textured than I would have liked, but it will be fine.

Now I have a LOT of wiring to do.

 

[Bandit Runner]

More progress tonight. I added some foam rubber to the bottom of the mounting pieces that sit on the roof of the truck. Also ran all the light wires through the tubing to the various light locations.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Did some more roof rack light wiring today, but on the truck.

My truck has pigtails now:

When the roof rack is sitting on the roof, these wires will be up inside the rack's legs, and connected to the wires running through the rack tubing.

 

[4ever4running]

Looking good man! Where did you run the wire for the "pigtails"?

 

[Bandit Runner]

Looking good man! Where did you run the wire for the "pigtails"?

The wires run down the A-pillars, behind the dash, and through the firewall to the engine compartment. There, they will connect to the relays and ground.

18 lights on the roof rack, and not one wire will be visible -> Clean!

 

[downpour11]

Looking good! Really like the light bars you made. And the wiring run through the tubing...clean! :thumb3: can't wait to see the finished product

 

[Bandit Runner]

It's Done!

Roof rack is done and mounted, as well as the limb risers.

In the woods:

 

[smallfry]

Looks good.

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

 

[downpour11]

NICE!! I love it man, great job!

Gonna need some night shots tonight as well

 

[556.sig]

Look great, man. Very nice indeed.

 

[4ever4running]

Very nice man! It really came out great!