Roof Rack Fabrication

[robaroni]

I'm planning on having a local shop fabricate me a roof rack. I need to figure out how to create gaskets to keep the mounting points from leaking. Any Suggestions would be great! I'm off to the auto parts and hardware stores for inspiration. :driving:

 

[Buckles]

I'm doing the same thing except fabricating myself with the help of my uncle. We are going to use small rubber pads to insulate the mounts against the body and silicone sealant in the screw holes to seal it. I don't plan on taking it off once it's installed.

What size pipe are you using for the rack?

I've got about 63ft laying in my guest bedroom waiting for me to start cutting/bending.

 

[robaroni]

I'm doing the same thing except fabricating myself with the help of my uncle. We are going to use small rubber pads to insulate the mounts against the body and silicone sealant in the screw holes to seal it. I don't plan on taking it off once it's installed.

What size pipe are you using for the rack?

I've got about 63ft laying in my guest bedroom waiting for me to start cutting/bending.

The quotes I've gotten are all for 1" tubing and 1X1 X .120 wall square tubing for the floor. I'm planning melding a couple different full length rack designs I've found online together to get just what I want. The Quotes have been between $350 and 600.00 so far depending on type of finish.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

There's some special nylon washers that are used as seals for the roof rack. You can probably use rubber or even silicone FIPG on the roof rack bolts to seal them.

 

[robaroni]

Got it! Thanks guys! I have a plan now. Back to the hardware store! :bounce:

 

[AARONR]

We have used rubber o-rings around the bolts as well, creates a good seal when compressed... but ALWAYS use silicone sealant as well

 

[Buckles]

The quotes I've gotten are all for 1" tubing and 1X1 X .120 wall square tubing for the floor. I'm planning melding a couple different full length rack designs I've found online together to get just what I want. The Quotes have been between $350 and 600.00 so far depending on type of finish.

Ouch. I guess working for a steel company has it's perks. I paid $40 for the 63ft of 3/4" schedule 40 pipe. It's a 1.05" OD AND .113" wall thickness. Pretty heavy stuff but it will work.

Not paying anything for the welding. Do I have to purchase a hydraulic pipe bender though.