Roof Racks - Baskets
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Roof Racks - Baskets
Anyone out there construct their own version of a roof rack or basket? I thought about purchasing one of those full size contractor types as a shell and welding a basket and floor on to it...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I have welded my own up in the past.
The store ones are usually aluminum. For what they charge ($400+) I think you would be better off making your own. I make a lot of things from steel (spring) bed frames including trailers. I usually get the frames for free on CL. Only drawback is trying to drill the frames as most store bought drill bits are good for 2-3 holes if that before they are totally dull even with liberal oil use.
The store ones are usually aluminum. For what they charge ($400+) I think you would be better off making your own. I make a lot of things from steel (spring) bed frames including trailers. I usually get the frames for free on CL. Only drawback is trying to drill the frames as most store bought drill bits are good for 2-3 holes if that before they are totally dull even with liberal oil use.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
Depends on how much weight. my factory (MARK III) aluminum rack will only hold about 60lbs and that is pushing it - it really sucks. If I ever change out I will use steel or of if the wife lets me spend $$$ I will go the stainless route. The store ones I have seen are not much better - either do one up yourself or any welding shop can do it a lot cheaper than $400.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
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I might buy a custom made rack from this guy:
http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm
The cost is up there, but I want one that is 5'x9' with light bars at each end. I might check craigslist to see if any welders on there could make it for cheaper locally before making the purchase.
http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm
The cost is up there, but I want one that is 5'x9' with light bars at each end. I might check craigslist to see if any welders on there could make it for cheaper locally before making the purchase.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Originally Posted by Randy8876
I might buy a custom made rack from this guy:
http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm
The cost is up there, but I want one that is 5'x9' with light bars at each end. I might check craigslist to see if any welders on there could make it for cheaper locally before making the purchase.
http://www.blackoutaz.com/racks.htm
The cost is up there, but I want one that is 5'x9' with light bars at each end. I might check craigslist to see if any welders on there could make it for cheaper locally before making the purchase.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 3
From: Berkeley
i found mine in a junkyard (bolted to the roof of another van) for ~$50. It was originally for a pickup. I sawed off all the mounting feet and re-mounted it on Con-Ferr gutter-clamp brackets (~$150 for 10 at the time, good for 200lbs each) , then slapped a sheet of 3/4" 5x9' plywood up there. I've carried a LOT of stuff up there. Built myself a ladder out of wood on the side to get up there, since i have a Tommy lift on the back. After 6 years, the ladder is getting a little rickety and i should replace the plywood, but still serviceable...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=24090&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=24090&width=0
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 8
Was impressed by a custom made "roof rack" that kind of reminded me of the old LandRover desert double roof, at a racing event, where the owners sat ontop for a good view. It was made from another Econoline roof panel cut out of a wreck & attached about an inch over the existing roof with enough reinforcements & foam insulation that it could support more weight than you'd ever plan to put up there or want to drive with. Folding chairs nested right in the gullies & they had a low railing like many boats for safety grab & tying down freight. Forget how the edge was finished, but remember it looking good.
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Originally Posted by packlet
i found mine in a junkyard (bolted to the roof of another van) for ~$50. It was originally for a pickup. I sawed off all the mounting feet and re-mounted it on Con-Ferr gutter-clamp brackets (~$150 for 10 at the time, good for 200lbs each) , then slapped a sheet of 3/4" 5x9' plywood up there. I've carried a LOT of stuff up there. Built myself a ladder out of wood on the side to get up there, since i have a Tommy lift on the back. After 6 years, the ladder is getting a little rickety and i should replace the plywood, but still serviceable...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=24090&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=24090&width=0
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