Homemade Roof Rack - Pirate XJ
08-23-2011 | 07:39 PM
#77
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
08-24-2011 | 07:40 PM
#78
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Southern cali
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It's finally on!!!
I just put it all up on top this morning and it fits perfect. Here's pictures of it:
The tabs in the back are for some back up lights I haven't yet bought
I haven't yet wired the lights up but I will. That's next I just haven't had the time to do that. I am planning on building a rack for 2 kayaks and I will be building up clamps for tools and a Hi-lift on the side. I would also like to put a set of spots in the center and a pair of driving lights on the outside. These lights on there are just weak cheap 5" driving lights, but they work for now. I will also be putting some insulation or something between the roof and the rack so it will be better supported in the center. I also might throw a tire up there. I love this design because I can pretty much mount anything to it.
Thanks for everyone that's kept up on this build. It has been very slow and will continue slow. I like taking my time on it and making sure it's everything I want. This rack is perfect and I can't wait to get some use out of it!
I just put it all up on top this morning and it fits perfect. Here's pictures of it:
The tabs in the back are for some back up lights I haven't yet bought
I haven't yet wired the lights up but I will. That's next I just haven't had the time to do that. I am planning on building a rack for 2 kayaks and I will be building up clamps for tools and a Hi-lift on the side. I would also like to put a set of spots in the center and a pair of driving lights on the outside. These lights on there are just weak cheap 5" driving lights, but they work for now. I will also be putting some insulation or something between the roof and the rack so it will be better supported in the center. I also might throw a tire up there. I love this design because I can pretty much mount anything to it.
Thanks for everyone that's kept up on this build. It has been very slow and will continue slow. I like taking my time on it and making sure it's everything I want. This rack is perfect and I can't wait to get some use out of it!
Im glad you did a baja style light rack with some style, better than most Ive seen good job
Last edited by Gstomp; 08-24-2011 at 07:44 PM.
08-24-2011 | 09:19 PM
#80
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
Thanks again for the comments. I want to do the Kayak mounts but I currently have a motorcycle project going and my junior year of college started today so the progress is going to be on a HUGE delay
but when I do have spare time I will be out in the shop workin on something to keep my sanity
08-28-2011 | 01:34 AM
#83
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Southern cali
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by HawK_Racing
haha actually they are. I started building a VW sand rail when I was 14 and bought those lights cus they were $10 a piece. They worked good for the price I paid for them. It's a shame I never finished the buggy. A friend offered me alot of money for it at the time and he just finished it. If I can find pics of it I'll post, it is beautiful.
Thanks again for the comments. I want to do the Kayak mounts but I currently have a motorcycle project going and my junior year of college started today so the progress is going to be on a HUGE delay
but when I do have spare time I will be out in the shop workin on something to keep my sanity
08-31-2011 | 08:59 PM
#84
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
Arc welding is always difficult to do on light gage material so I wouldn't beat yourself up about it. Beat the slag off next time before you take a picture. Oh and make sure you're wearing a respirator, correct me if I'm wrong but that stuff looks galvanized or aluminzed. Either the case, not something you want to be inhaling. Like the progress, keep us posted!
10-10-2011 | 09:55 AM
#85
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
haha but thanks man
11-07-2011 | 04:27 PM
#87
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
11-20-2011 | 01:45 PM
#89
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Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 185
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From: Southern Indiana
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
I ran them from the lights to the rear hatch. Inside the rear hatch to the drivers side up to through the firewall to the battery. I have the 2 inside lights wired together and the 2 outside lights together, so I only have 2 switches
05-24-2012 | 12:04 AM
#90
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: madison, in
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
nice fab job!
being an second generation electrician for 23 years, i have built just about anything out of EMT conduit.
the problem with the welds on the EMT, is the galvanize coating, it's hard to get a clean weld.... try soldering the conduit using oxygen/acetylene torches and brass rod. less heat, and the rods have a flux coating...when i was a kid, my dad would make and sell dog boxes, made from 1/2" and 3/4" EMT. soldering always provided the best results.
being an second generation electrician for 23 years, i have built just about anything out of EMT conduit.
the problem with the welds on the EMT, is the galvanize coating, it's hard to get a clean weld.... try soldering the conduit using oxygen/acetylene torches and brass rod. less heat, and the rods have a flux coating...when i was a kid, my dad would make and sell dog boxes, made from 1/2" and 3/4" EMT. soldering always provided the best results.