Roof Rack Build....
03-01-2018, 09:46 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Buckeye, AZ
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Roof Rack Build....
I decided to build a roof rack for my newly acquired Cherokee. I have NO prior experience welding or fabricating, and actually just received my first welder 2 months ago a Hobart 140. I started practicing welding about 2 weeks ago so my welding skills are limited!
Here are my plans...
1" 16ga square tubing
50"x74" dimensions
Custom brackets from local shop
I picked up the square tubing for $14 per 20 foot piece. So a total of 4 sticks for $56! I paid $60 for a set of 6 brackets and it came with 20 light tabs for that price. So a total of $116 for all the parts needed for my rack. Once again I am VERY NEW to welding so be kind!!
Here are my plans...
1" 16ga square tubing
50"x74" dimensions
Custom brackets from local shop
I picked up the square tubing for $14 per 20 foot piece. So a total of 4 sticks for $56! I paid $60 for a set of 6 brackets and it came with 20 light tabs for that price. So a total of $116 for all the parts needed for my rack. Once again I am VERY NEW to welding so be kind!!
03-02-2018, 06:50 AM
#6
Senior Member
Nice job on your roof rack 
but I couldn't help notice your wheel carrier. Did you make that too? Can you provide some close ups of it?
but I couldn't help notice your wheel carrier. Did you make that too? Can you provide some close ups of it?
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03-02-2018, 08:33 AM
#8
Senior Member
Nice job on the wheel carrier (& wheel caps) too . I never would have thought of mounting it to the body like you did but it makes good sense.
. I never would have thought of mounting it to the body like you did but it makes good sense.
03-02-2018, 11:21 AM
#9
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Location: Glendale, Az
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Cylinder
Can I ask where you picked up the rain gutter tabs? Looking at making my own rack and that is one of the last parts I am missing.
03-02-2018, 09:35 PM
#10
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
03-03-2018, 08:22 AM
#12
Senior Member
It looks like your hinge/pivot bracket is made from 1/8" plate steel and that you welded a tube or pipe of about 1" O.D. to it outside of the body for reinforcement.
Basic question ... is your bracket 1/8" plate and did you have to create a wider gap between your taillight and tailgate to get the bracket between them? The gap on my XJ seems to be way too tight. You obviously made it work!
03-03-2018, 07:18 PM
#13
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Year: 1995 and 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Roof Rack mounts
Where'd you get your roof rack mounts with the JEEP XJ cut out of them? My brother-in-law makes some just like those. They are amazing.
03-04-2018, 08:25 AM
#15
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
I bought the mounts from someone in Phoenix. I actually spoke with him last night and he gave me the approval too give out his contact info. So if anyone wants it just pm me. I am not sure if it is ok to just post his number on my thread?!