sn0wrunner
New member
That's respectable, but didn't he just copy Gobi?
Excited to see where this goes also. Design/fab threads are my favorite.
Modular Roof Rack Build
- Thread starter MStudt
- Start date
Excited to see where this goes also. Design/fab threads are my favorite.
4Running Daily
New member
The guy who worked for Whitson quit, so I highly doubt buying a Whitson rack is an option anymore
MStudt
official vendor
Oh. He has a roof rack, but it's not my style. I want to make something different, and something the hugs the roof lines a light tighter. Once I finish my transmission swap I'm be going at this full speed.
Doc2012
Senior Member
I thought Whitson made his own racks? Hence the lead time taking so long on it?
MStudt
official vendor
More of a platform style rack. If you order a 3/4 rack it'll be a platform style with a small wind fairing in front. If you order a full rack it'll have a raise front, larger fairing, and maybe an optional light bar.
Nothing close to the same.
His website says that he's not taking order so he can develop new products.
4Running Daily
New member
TJM
New member
I know that yours IS the prototype - I was just giving you a hard time. But seriously, I will be looking for a roof rack before long (after those other projects, like the transmission and such :yo: )
MStudt
official vendor
opcorn: Any updates?
Unfortunately no. I've been so busy I haven't had time for anything extra. After this weekend things should start opening up for me, and then I'll be able to do something on with the rack idea.
Kryptoroxx
New member
Really wish I would have had what you used to get the roof contour when I built mine. That was the very worst part of building the rack. Instead I had to fit the middle supports and then grind the outside legs till I got a gap that was acceptable to weld. Lots of checking. Ended up pretty level for garage work but still it begs the question. What is that tool called?
Here's a pic of mine.
Another completely off topic question but I'm guessing you're a machinist or in the field at least. Always like seeing what you cook up. If I didn't build my rack first I probably would have leaned towards buying yours.
Here's a pic of mine.
Another completely off topic question but I'm guessing you're a machinist or in the field at least. Always like seeing what you cook up. If I didn't build my rack first I probably would have leaned towards buying yours.
MStudt
official vendor
It's called a Curve Template, and they come in lengths of 37" & 107". It's used more for woodworking then anything.
I'm actually a senior buyer/purchasing manager at a manufacturing company. I've been around for long time, and started making parts for my old Jeep that I sold for the 4runner. My in-laws have an entire machine shop, and I'm well on my way to having one as well.
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TJM
New member
I was wondering that myself
MStudt
official vendor
I finally got everything put back together last night with the exception of the front drive shaft. I need to pull the cooler lines back off and use some thread sealer on them since they were leaking. I did move it around a bit and everything seems to be fine. We'll find out tonight when I take it for a test drive.
Unner
New member
Sounds good, keep us updated.
TJM
New member
Sweet, keep me posted on that. Kinda wish we hadn't pinched the lines now, maybe you could've used them.
MStudt
official vendor
One of the exact reasons for coming up with my own design! Read it for yourself, or see it below. This is why Whitson isn't selling racks anymore. There are apparently some legal issues going on with Gobi over patents. Link
Gentlemen,
This email is going out to all of my current, queued customers.
It is with a truly broken heart that I must refund any and all deposits and cancel all orders. Due to very unwelcome and unforeseen legal issues having arisen in this small industry, I am at a stand still as things proceed towards resolution. My hands are tied and I'm well aware that many of your plans will be upset by this sudden cancellation. I have several light bars in the shop and those will be sent to you as quickly as possible. If your deposit was sent via paypal, it will be refunded promptly. Those of you who mailed payment will need to send a mailing address for return payment. Please reply to this email, if necessary, with shipping or mailing instructions.
Thank you all for your support and please accept my most sincere apologies!
Josh Whitson
Gentlemen,
This email is going out to all of my current, queued customers.
It is with a truly broken heart that I must refund any and all deposits and cancel all orders. Due to very unwelcome and unforeseen legal issues having arisen in this small industry, I am at a stand still as things proceed towards resolution. My hands are tied and I'm well aware that many of your plans will be upset by this sudden cancellation. I have several light bars in the shop and those will be sent to you as quickly as possible. If your deposit was sent via paypal, it will be refunded promptly. Those of you who mailed payment will need to send a mailing address for return payment. Please reply to this email, if necessary, with shipping or mailing instructions.
Thank you all for your support and please accept my most sincere apologies!
Josh Whitson
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