Home-brew roof rack
12-15-2008, 12:59 PM
#1
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Year: 1997
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Home-brew roof rack
Hey guys,
It was a slower weekend so I decided to make the roof rack I always wanted. So with no welding skills and without having 300-400 dollars to spend on a premade rack, I went to OSH and spent about $50 (you can spend less since I had lots leftover).
It has yet to be painted black and isn't for HUGE loads, but the extra camping gear like chairs, tent, whatever...I think it would hold about 50lbs of crap without sagging to the roof.
Comment away! yes...it's PVC pipe, but it's damn sturdy. I was on the side of the Jeep trying to shake it off with my body weight and it wouldn't budge!
It was a slower weekend so I decided to make the roof rack I always wanted. So with no welding skills and without having 300-400 dollars to spend on a premade rack, I went to OSH and spent about $50 (you can spend less since I had lots leftover).
It has yet to be painted black and isn't for HUGE loads, but the extra camping gear like chairs, tent, whatever...I think it would hold about 50lbs of crap without sagging to the roof.
Comment away! yes...it's PVC pipe, but it's damn sturdy. I was on the side of the Jeep trying to shake it off with my body weight and it wouldn't budge!
Last edited by HeepSpeed; 12-15-2008 at 01:04 PM.
12-15-2008, 01:08 PM
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Year: 1992, 2- 1998 (All 3, 4 Doors)
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I'm totally lovin it!!! How you have that thing attached? I see something going onto the fact. roof rack, but I cant focus on it...got up-close pics?
12-15-2008, 01:10 PM
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well it isnt probably where i would have gone with it but i seems to suit you. look at it this way. you have one now and it is a good form to go by for when you do try to pick up welding. now you have...a template. but good on ya for the engeneering. 
12-15-2008, 01:15 PM
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No close up pics but they are U-shaped double bolt thingies...like the threaded end of a bolt on either end of the U. Then a cross plate and to nuts to hold it.
here's a random photo of some:
Keep in mind it's long/wide enough to go around the PVC and the rack too.
here's a random photo of some:
Keep in mind it's long/wide enough to go around the PVC and the rack too.
12-15-2008, 01:16 PM
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yea, I got a lot of crap from my buddy who builds hot rods. He says for about $100 or less of metal he can fab the same thing. Like he said and you too...I have a blueprint now. So we'll test it's functionality and see if maybe I'd want a larger safari/gobi type rack for when I get a custom welded one from him.
12-15-2008, 01:17 PM
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Year: 1992, 2- 1998 (All 3, 4 Doors)
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Cool! Thanks! Although now I'm gonna be really preoccupied at work... Plumbing Aisle here I come!!!
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12-15-2008, 04:01 PM
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It's going to be painted and will look a lot better afterwards. Yes, it's a temporary solution, but if it works for $50 carrying the stuff I need...function over beauty.
12-15-2008, 04:04 PM
#11
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not all of us have metal working skills and machines at home nor do we have unlimited funds for a "rich" XJ
It's going to be painted and will look a lot better afterwards. Yes, it's a temporary solution, but if it works for $50 carrying the stuff I need...function over beauty.
It's going to be painted and will look a lot better afterwards. Yes, it's a temporary solution, but if it works for $50 carrying the stuff I need...function over beauty.
12-15-2008, 06:22 PM
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not all of us have metal working skills and machines at home nor do we have unlimited funds for a "rich" XJ
It's going to be painted and will look a lot better afterwards. Yes, it's a temporary solution, but if it works for $50 carrying the stuff I need...function over beauty.
It's going to be painted and will look a lot better afterwards. Yes, it's a temporary solution, but if it works for $50 carrying the stuff I need...function over beauty.
u should look into investing in a small welder and chop box. i got a Lincoln flux core welder off craigslist for 250 and i love it. u may not think you have metal working skills but seeing what u did with that pvc i bet you could make a lot of nice things for your jeep.
and Rich is my name and in no way do i have unlimited funds for my xj
12-15-2008, 06:57 PM
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Seriously, I would have never considered it...But true if you are only carrying light loads it should be sturdy enough...did you use tees to cross member the bottom??
However, I went onto eBay and picked up my Yakima Mega Warrior with extension for 200...the cross bars and rain gutter mounts were extra though...had to save another 2 months to get those, then I paid less than 100 total for both off eBay...
However, I went onto eBay and picked up my Yakima Mega Warrior with extension for 200...the cross bars and rain gutter mounts were extra though...had to save another 2 months to get those, then I paid less than 100 total for both off eBay...
