How to attach safari rack to roof?

[kylebacc]

So I think I've come across some free steel tubing from a friend of a friend. I've always wanted a safari rack on all my trucks but have never had the opportunity to get one. I've got (what I believe to be) a really cool design in my head for one, but the only think I can't really work out is: when you make them custom, how to do you attach them so that they are secure? How to the store-bought ones attach? What I mean is, I want to be able to use it. I don't want it just attached enough to stay on there, I want it to be functional and weight-bearing when necessary. Those questions are really just for the front mounting, anyone is welcome to put in ideas for the back. I don't want to attach to the rails unless it's right up by where it meets the roof, because I have future plans for relocating the spare to ride between them and swing up (kinda like a baja truck).

Ideas?

 

[SeattleMike]

My rack, and every replacement rack I've seen, use the stock mounting holes. There are baskets that mount to the factory rails, but actual safari-style racks all seem to bolt into the stock holes.

You'll have to check your own roof to see how feasible it is, but I'd think the front mounts are still there (just above the front doors) and you could tap a pair of holes on the horizontal section of your back rails to match the fronts since the original back mounts are long gone. The only other option is to try and duplicate the front mounts into the existing roof channel as far back as you can go.

 

[Autbond]

^ x2 When the guy, that did all this stuff to this truck before you got it, took the stock rack off did he leave the holes there? I am assuming that they have been plugged somehow and possibly painted over? In that case you may be drilling some new holes or what not and that sounds like a JOB. Do you ever take this thing offroad? Also, I know it's supercharged but has it been regeared with those 35's?

 

[kylebacc]

My rack, and every replacement rack I've seen, use the stock mounting holes. There are baskets that mount to the factory rails, but actual safari-style racks all seem to bolt into the stock holes.

You'll have to check your own roof to see how feasible it is, but I'd think the front mounts are still there (just above the front doors) and you could tap a pair of holes on the horizontal section of your back rails to match the fronts since the original back mounts are long gone. The only other option is to try and duplicate the front mounts into the existing roof channel as far back as you can go.

Ya the front mounts are still there, because we had planned to put a rack up there, but the previous owner's 100 series became priority Both good Ideas for the back mounts. I didn't even think of trying to put new mounts in the roof rails. What I really need to do is drop the headliner and see what exactly I'm working with again. I guess it'll have to wait till school is out for a bit.

^ x2 When the guy, that did all this stuff to this truck before you got it, took the stock rack off did he leave the holes there? I am assuming that they have been plugged somehow and possibly painted over? In that case you may be drilling some new holes or what not and that sounds like a JOB. Do you ever take this thing offroad? Also, I know it's supercharged but has it been regeared with those 35's?

Ya as I was saying the holes are still there will a bit of silicon that will come right out when the time comes. And I don't get it off road as much as I like, because I don't really know what's legal in the area I live in now. Trying to meet people and make friends around here that know some places. One day I'd love to get out west with it, but not in the near future. No it's not regeared, but the plan is to go with 4.30's or 4.56's. It really doesn't need it at all but I'd like the fuel savings and the performance gains. Either way, I have to find a job first... seems impossible in a town with 3 colleges.

Sorry about the late reply guys....stupid emails....