Roof Rack feet/stock rail securing

[mc813]

Hey guys,

Possibly going to have a roof rack made by a guy I know locally, and we're in between two routes:

a) remove stock rails and make "feet" ourselves
b) keep stock rails and use t bolts or t nuts to secure rack on rails

My question is: To any of you who have made your own roof rack, do you have any pictures of the "feet" adapters you'e made? Or if anyone has a rack that hey mounted via sliding in the stock rail channels, can you explain/post pics on how you did so?

Thanks guys,
Matt

 

[Lockcuff]

I am going with making feet for mine, I am needing to stay as low as possible on my rack that I am building. I'm building it to fit my rooftop tent. Much cheaper than buying a rack.

 

[mc813]

yeah that's what I'm hoping for too, do you have a template already mocked up that you wouldn't mind sharing?

 

[mbumpus11]

I am going with making feet for mine, I am needing to stay as low as possible on my rack that I am building. I'm building it to fit my rooftop tent. Much cheaper than buying a rack.

This is similar to what I was asking about the other day regarding roof rack side rails. Would love to see what you come up with!

 

[Lockcuff]

I just picked up some steel today, I am hoping to pull the factory rack off tomorrow night and get started. I will make a template and post it in the next day or so. My thought was a price of 1/4" plate bolted to the factory mount and use 1" pipe up to the rack. I have to get it built before this weekend, were planning on heading out camping.

 

[mc813]

I just picked up some steel today, I am hoping to pull the factory rack off tomorrow night and get started. I will make a template and post it in the next day or so. My thought was a price of 1/4" plate bolted to the factory mount and use 1" pipe up to the rack. I have to get it built before this weekend, were planning on heading out camping.

If you could post it up I'd be eternally grateful!

 

[enapa]

Your answer lies in here...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-diy-vehicle-story-lots-pics.html#post1883424

:hatsoff:

 

[High_Country]

Do a search in the search bar for 'my homemade roof rack' for my solution to using the factory rails. (I'm on the cell phone - hard to search and post a link for you).

I tried to document everything well. I'm really happy with how it came out.

 

[Lockcuff]

Ok, I just went out and removed the rack and started measuring and laying out a plan for a template using 1 1/4" x 1/4" bar stock. Wish I would've checked the thread first. What I was planning on building is almost exactly like [MENTION=115941]KneeCaps[/MENTION] build. So, that being said, I don't like to reinvent the wheel so check out that link.http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/185268-kneecaps-build-thread-diy-vehicle-story-lots-pics.html#post1883424 Very easy and very sturdy for building a full size rack. If you want a smaller rack with keeping the stock look [MENTION=23925]highcountry[/MENTION]'s build is really good as well. If there are any photos you want let me know. I will take pics along the way and post too.
Thanks Guys!

 

[Lockcuff]

Just a few more additions, the factory rack has spacers that are equivalent to roughly 21mm of rise from the roof to the bottom of the mount where the rubber seal sits.
The spacer appears to have a 4mm wall thickness, with at least 10mm of inner diameter to go around the plastic inserts. I'm gonna go look at pipe thickness's tomorrow and I'll post what size I am using. I will crush it into an oval like KneeCap did.
I was going to use a 7" plate, but I like how KneeCap did his with the 3 supports.

 

[Apex Overland]

I like what's going on here. I'm planning on making another rack soon, but a flat rack this time. Same basic design with a few changes

 

[mbumpus11]

I like what's going on here. I'm planning on making another rack soon, but a flat rack this time. Same basic design with a few changes

This sounds about right. I'd like to see what you come up with! Something that is direct-mount and low-profile is what I am aiming to figure out how to do.

 

[Bino9905]

Kneecaps..... What do u mean by "flat" rack?

 

[Lockcuff]

I did find some Butyl window flashing at the hardware store to use under the feet, it appears to be exactly like what they used from the factory. It's used around window frames to seal out moisture and wind. Made by seal tite. My RTT is 87" x 48" x 18". I am making my rack as low as possible in hopes that it will cut down on wind resistance and maybe go in the garage. I am hoping to get the feet made tomorrow, possibly start bending the pipe and welding things together.

 

[Apex Overland]

Kneecaps..... What do u mean by "flat" rack?

similar to the Baja flat rack, no sides, full expanded metal floor, as low as possible.

 

[dieck]

I would loVe to see pics of your project

 

[Lockcuff]

I started my own thread for my build if anyone wants to follow. Didn't want to encroach on this thread.
DIY Fullsize RoofRack Build