Roof Rack Complete, Home Brew Style...

[morphious]

Added a basket frame, bed liner paint, and Harbor Freight Web, and still under $150. I would have been closer to $100 for this project if it wasn't for trial and error. Can't wait to put it to the test this weekend!

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

which basket frame did you go with? brand?

 

[morphious]

[MENTION=117408]Oneluv13T4R[/MENTION] Sorry for the delay missed the question, I made it all out of EMT.

 

[norwal42]

Cool. Nice work - looks great.

I'm planning home brew roof rails and rack someday. I think I got one of about 5 models without roof rails from the factory, so I get to design my own. Any lessons learned to share from your trial and error?

 

[paulndot]

So did you test it? What were the results? The rack looks great, and the price is right. Curious to know how you did.

 

[Sisente]

I made my rack from EMT as well. Got the expanded metal base for $50 from a local place

 

[morphious]

So did you test it? What were the results? The rack looks great, and the price is right. Curious to know how you did.

Yes, loaded up about 350 lbs. of camping gear up there for a 300 mile round trip with no issues what so ever. The only thing I have been thinking about adding is a mesh flooring.

 

[Sisente]

Yes, loaded up about 350 lbs. of camping gear up there for a 300 mile round trip with no issues what so ever. The only thing I have been thinking about adding is a mesh flooring.

Check with any local metal shops. The expanded metal I used, was $50 for a 4x8 sheet.

 

[Sisente]

Nice thing about using EMT. Makes it easy to mount stuff.

 

[dkyleb]

How are you doing the bends?

 

[truckhigh]

^^^ what size tube and what bender did you use??

 

[morphious]

[MENTION=2243]truckhigh[/MENTION] [MENTION=124121]dkyleb[/MENTION] Not sure how [MENTION=120078]Sisente[/MENTION] did his, looks like he bent and welded his, but I just used 3/4 EMT with pre-made 90's and set screw Slip Connectors.

Here is a link to my original post:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2054371-post1.html

 

[Sisente]

Correct. 3/4 EMT, bent using a pipe bender, and welded.

 

[Stone618]

[MENTION=2243]truckhigh[/MENTION] [MENTION=124121]dkyleb[/MENTION] Not sure how [MENTION=120078]Sisente[/MENTION] did his, looks like he bent and welded his, but I just used 3/8 EMT with pre-made 90's and set screw Slip Connectors.

Here is a link to my original post:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2054371-post1.html

what exactly did you use for those floor joists? What length are the joists across?

 

[morphious]

what exactly did you use for those floor joists? What length are the joists across?

Sorry I accidentally put 3/8 EMT but it is all 3/4. For the floor I just measured each piece once I installed the rails and used a vice to flatten the ends.

 

[truckhigh]

nice.. I'm on the search for a bender conduit bender.

 

[Sisente]

They are not too expensive. Lowes carries one for about $40. Easy to use once you get your measurements down. EMT is easy to bend, but once all welded etc, it is pretty strong.


Shop Gardner Bender 3/4-in IMC Conduit Bender at Lowes.com

 

[Stone618]

Sorry I accidentally put 3/8 EMT but it is all 3/4. For the floor I just measured each piece once I installed the rails and used a vice to flatten the ends.

Mind=BLOWN!!!!

That's a nice rack. I've been planning the same mod but have been struggling with the floor and fastening to existing rails. This makes it pretty clear. Thx.