Troglodyte

Well when I looked into buying a rack and after cleaning out my underwear I decided to just build one. 110.00 bucks worth of metal and this is how it started out.


Next I found out my chop saw took a crap on me so it made things slightly more difficult. I had to use a cut off wheel and getting that squared up was a PITA.


Next I filled in the supports and cross members.



And then added the expanded metal.


AS it sits now it is 6' x 4'. I just need to build the top ring and the runners between the bottom and top. Not too much more work. Then I'll fab up some light mounts, 4 in the front and two in the rear I think. I expect it to weigh about 80lbs when done. The 1x1 is light, but the expanded metal is the heavy part. I guess I really didn't need the expanded metal but it gives me piece of mind. I just need to wait on the JRC gutter mounts. They must be busy cuz I ordered mine last Thursday and they didn't ship until today.

Troglodyte

Well I got everything else cut to size but as I started to weld I ran out of wire. I should have it built by tomorrow, I hope. Next will be painting.

Mookie

what kind of welder are you using? also where did you get the metal? i checked at lowes and they don't have anything that long i picked up a 125amp flux core wire welder and a 30-295 amp stick welder..

Juan4you

Need to find a local shop that specializes in metal

Troglodyte

Yeah like Juan said, I go to a local shop. And my Mig Welder is just a cheap Harbor Freight special 220 flux core, but I can run gas, which I plan too very soon. I gets the small jobs done. I also have an old 220 stick welders. It powers through the tough stuff until I can drop some cash on a better Mig, but if it aint broke don't fix it.

2000xj5speed

Looks solid as can be. How are you mounting it to the jeep?

Troglodyte

Some JRC gutter mounts. Just waiting for them to get, says they will be here Friday.

Troglodyte

It is finished, that is the rack itself. I need to add light tabs, but that depends on the light I get. Still waiting on the gutter mounts. Once they get here and I decide on lights I'll get it painted. What is a good rattle can paint to use. I plain on primer, paint, and clear.





Sorry I can get better pics, but my garage is messy with the CJ5 in there. When I pull it out for paint I'll get a few good one. I do have to say it came out good. I'm no master welder but I can make it work. The problem I have here is dang city is dirty and non constant electricity. Sometime the welds are beautiful and prefect then I can tell with it gets dirty.

Troglodyte

Almost ready for paint. Got the light mounts made, nothing special just some tabs. Then test fitted the lights. Sorry for the low quality pics, my garage is cramped right now.





For you guys that have lights on the roof, how did you run the wires?

schoony125

Nice build man!

4Birdman

Looks great!

JerrytheJeep

Do a couple coats of rustoleum textured black. Stuff is pretty tough and looks almost like a rough powder coat, then you can save on the clear coat. I did my tire carrier in it and it looks great.


I tried cleaning a spot so you can see Haha, its in need of a bath...

Troglodyte

I read To use the textured or hammered paint. That's how I plan to go. Thanks.

morningstretch87

I like it! how dose it fit compared to the roof?

morningstretch87

and were you using 1in.x1in. box tubing?