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-   -   Aluminum Roof Rack (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/aluminum-roof-rack-233410/)

Ianf406 02-17-2017 12:20 PM

Aluminum Roof Rack
 
I built a steel roof rack two years ago-

http://i64.tinypic.com/2liwhhh.jpg
http://i65.tinypic.com/23kyclz.jpg

Which worked great but had a few problems I didn't like. For one, I did not factor the curve of the roof so it say quite a bit taller than expected. For two, It was heavy (about 80lbs). It held a deer, 3 people at once and was plenty strong but realistically, more beefy than I needed.


So enter version 2.
http://i63.tinypic.com/abgobc.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/34riwzp.jpg

I have not had a chance to weld it yet (hopefully this weekend) But it will arc with the roof (The center is 3" higher than the edges), only weighs 22lbs, will have a light bar mounted in the front and is much more symetrical. Overall, it will be about 4" shorter.

I am going to paint the frame and brush the plate then clear coat it all. I'll post back some more when it is done! It will also mount via gutter mounts

StuckBuck 02-18-2017 04:46 AM

Looks like its got potential! You tiggin it or spool gun? :popcorn:

Ianf406 02-18-2017 09:40 AM

I have access to both but being as it is .125 tubing and .100 plate, I am going to go with the TIG. I just have to grab some argon and fit time in. Shouldn't be long!

We had a 4x8' piece of aluminum expanded laying around at work that I picked up for the bottom as well.

The best part? Being as I get everything at cost and use the equipment for free, the plate cost me 16.75$, all the tubing cost me 22$, and the expanded was 38$. Pretty cheap for an aluminum rack haha.

'00 XJ 02-18-2017 11:47 AM

That is just awesome. Bravo.

StuckBuck 02-19-2017 02:53 AM


Originally Posted by Ianf406 (Post 3360651)
I have access to both but being as it is .125 tubing and .100 plate, I am going to go with the TIG. I just have to grab some argon and fit time in. Shouldn't be long!

We had a 4x8' piece of aluminum expanded laying around at work that I picked up for the bottom as well.

The best part? Being as I get everything at cost and use the equipment for free, the plate cost me 16.75$, all the tubing cost me 22$, and the expanded was 38$. Pretty cheap for an aluminum rack haha.

Right on! Quit typing and burn it out all ready lol:kick:


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