korn9613

T A C K Y

DJKnightmare

whatever works

warthog

What's tacky
You didn't quote anything

NewXJaddict

I decided to skip trying to build something for a roof rack in the end. I did a search on how to tie a kayak down. I was thinking about the tie down procedure in a completely different way and couldnt wrap my head around how to safely tie it to rails that go across the roof instead of down the sides.

I know silly right? I am not very imaginative when it comes to how to do things other than how I originally learned them lol.

taythegibs

for side to side support you could find some way to put vertical rods on the cross bars for the kayak to rest in between and then rope it down. :shrug:

richiereed

i was thinkin about making a roof rack too. my dad has some skills with metal (welding,bending) we got a break and a bender in our garage. i have a carr light bar and i was wondering what the dimensions for my custom roof rack should be.

WAD357

Its all personal preference Get on the roof and take some measurements!!

DJKnightmare

X2 - it really depends on what you plan to do with your racks. If you are going to carry a lot of stuff, then make it bigger. If not, make it smaller. Your XJ is different from everyone elses, because its yours. Have fun, experiment.

warthog

The best thing about a custom rack is that you can build it however big you want it. But i mounted mine to my stock rack so i couldn't go any wider that 42", i made my length 58"

bigdumbfun

WAD357, Your rack looks great. You know, the conduit bender is only about $20-25 at the same hardware store. This greatly reduces the amount of weld joints you have. And it is only a couple of $ more than (8) corners. Less time, less welding/grinding involved. I made one too (and I thought that I was the first). I like the sloped front on yours.

bigdumbfun

Another tip for fabricating the racks.... When you come to a "T" joint use a hole saw (same dia. as the tubing) in a drill press to perfectly contour the vert. end to match up with the horiz. "T"

ufvj217

i may do this, if i do ill post pics. also, if i do build one out of wood, itll be painted black. not sure yet though.

danimal

Here's another conduit rack. Followed Gonikebounder and Warthog's designs. Added a spare tire, shovel and Hi-lift mount.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...ft-jack-mount/

majshake

I just got done with my roof basket...I made it out of treated wood scraps...Primed it, undercoated it, then painted it flat black...Held with screws and good wood glue, then I added Bondo on the corners...I still have to put my stainless plates on it.. But I think it turned out ok...

88 Ex Jay

I know this thread is old, but I like the idea of a wooden roof rack. If someone can build a wooden supercar, why not a roof rack? check this out.....