Whitson Metalworks
New member
Not yet, kinda want to wait and see how many hours it takes to get it all done. For starters, maybe half-ISH of the gobi... Depends on how many more times I cut or burn myself too lol.
Full length rack build input request**
- Thread starter Whitson Metalworks
- Start date
StreetKill831
New member
Hell yes!
I would raise it up a half inch. I'm not sure how I feel about it being so close to the roof. If it flexes the slightest bit it will be sitting on the roof.
I would raise it up a half inch. I'm not sure how I feel about it being so close to the roof. If it flexes the slightest bit it will be sitting on the roof.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
I gotcha, I'll see what a bit more space looks like, just trying to keep it as sleek as possible. More pics coming this weekend!
I like the design. Maybe have two styles? One that is sunroof compatible and one that is low profile with the roof? Just throwing it out there.
I definitely dig the full size racks still. Its more practical. If you're planning to go on the long haul with lots of gear, the wife, kids and dog you don't want to be cluttering up the back.
When it comes time to build a rack this is a similar style I'll go with. Got a hydraulic bender and all the fab tools I need. Just no time.
What wall thickness did you decide to go with?
I definitely dig the full size racks still. Its more practical. If you're planning to go on the long haul with lots of gear, the wife, kids and dog you don't want to be cluttering up the back.
When it comes time to build a rack this is a similar style I'll go with. Got a hydraulic bender and all the fab tools I need. Just no time.
What wall thickness did you decide to go with?
Whitson Metalworks
New member
This one is .083 by default, still waiting on my .065 to show up.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
Alright, got the floor supports in and the expanded sheet metal welded in and what a PITA that stuff is to work with, now i know why gobi leaves the corners out... Tacked the rear mounts on and threw it up on the roof. Still chewing on what to do for the front supports which wont be bad since they really dont need to do much at all, this thing is rock solid, but i have a good idea for them anyways. Sunroof is wide open and i think it follows the roofline pretty well. it ended up roughly 2 inches wider than the gobi and 1 inch longer making dimensions 41x84. going to see what type of wind fairing i can devise also, since some folks like those. Weight at time of picture was 63lb.
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quicksilvr
New member
I love it. Honestly, I would want expanded metal on the full length....otherwise the front section isn't as usable. I can still slide my sunroof open if I want it open, I just couldn't tilt it up. To me, it's worth giving up tilting my sunroof to have a full length highly-usable rack.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
makes sense, i can certainly build them that way too. i personally like the sunroof being unobstructed because im corny and like to look up at the stars lol. but for those without sunroofs, hell yeah, full length mesh is the way to go. painting it now, actually bedliner-ing it, pics to come.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
Done: i dig it
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Rack looks great! Nice dogs too.
What did you use to support it in the front?
What did you use to support it in the front?
Dark Lord
New member
Damn that looks great! I've been stalking your threads for the past few weeks to see how your racks are turning out. If I was in the market for one right now I would totally buy one of these. I just have some other priorities right now before I go buying a roof rack. One of these days....
Whitson Metalworks
New member
front supports are pretty simple, no pics right now since i havent finished painting them. its a small plate 1 1/2"x2" with a "cup" welded into the middle. i have a knob/bolt in each front corner to be tightened down into the cup to basically stabilize the front side to side and give support. the plates would be adhered to the roof with some 3m double sided strips. i figured this way, you could take the rack off and only have small plates up there that wouldnt be a big eye-sore.
98_4runnerSR5
New member
Looks great! One suggestion would be to add a crossbar that runs across the upper section where the mesh ends and the sunroof begins. This way anything on the mess won't slide towards the glass + it can be used to tie straps down from front to back and as a resting/support bar for cargo.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
I can see where a cross bar could be usefull. I admit to building it with my needs in mind in that I fish out of my kayak and like the idea of being able to lay fishing rods or paddles in there. If someone wanted, a crossbar would be no problem to add in there.
blcktpgsr
New member
Wow that came out really nice...Only if I had a bender and dies, I'd definitely make one myself...but I probably won't have no use for them afterwards.
I've always liked the Gobi stealth and you replicated it well...also I like how you made this rack much wider past the rails.
I've always liked the Gobi stealth and you replicated it well...also I like how you made this rack much wider past the rails.
catalina34
New member
Wow, looks amazing. Really fantastic.
Scat Adams
New member
Incredible work. I have been in the market for a Gobi, let me know when you can make another one and I'll even drive down to pick it up. PM and we can discuss details :hungry:
Also curious to see the fairing, Inno makes a universal one that should work.
Also curious to see the fairing, Inno makes a universal one that should work.
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Whitson Metalworks
New member
front supports: knob is tightened to put a little pressure on the plate then locked in place with the nut.
