Roof basket pics and ideas

Hey guys,
I'm looking to add a roof basket to my truck but I don't like the regular mounting racks that I am finding everywhere. I don't like how tall it makes the basket. Is there any way to mount the basket about an inch or so from the top of the cab? Any fancy maybe four piece hook looking things to attach to the basket and the truck keeping the basket as low as possible?
I thank everyone in advance for their thoughts.

FYI I have a 97 ext cab

 

i'd also be interested in a "between the rails" basket. ...all i've found sit on top of the rails and, as you pointed out, are too high.

 

I made one using 3/4" electrical conduit. I mig welded it, and then sprayed it with Bed Liner (aerosol cans). It turned out good, but I think if I had to do it again I would just buy some cheapo topper, instead of spending the time and money to build it. With a Tacoma, I think I built mine to handle too much weight, and I won't ever put 500 lbs of stuff on top of my truck. But it wasn't too hard, and if you like making your own projects like I do, then it is a good one.
I will try attaching some pictures.
Kyle

 

Tried making this post myself a few months ago. Not alotta luck. Unless you want to mount your rack directly to the roof there arn't alot of options. Even the Yakima rack only mounts to the front door rails, the rear towers just sit up there. Pretty lame. I have a Yakima rack for my 2000 ext cab sitting in my closet because i can't imagine putting weight on just two mounts.

p.s. Google images will show ya all ya need to see!

 

Hmm... Yea that's not very good I would be afraid of it teetering and breaking the mounts . Well I guess I'll keep looking around. Thanks guys

 

Damn, that's pretty good. And I understand what your talking about just buying instead of making next time. But at least you can say that you have at least built your own once.

 

Yeah, I am proud I built it. And my friends like the way it looks, but I don't want it up there if I am not going to use it. So, now it just sits in the garage, collecting dust.

 

Unless you enjoy the sentimental value of the project, that thing would easily sell in the classified here, or on Craigslist....It's a beauty! I'm not sure of it's weight, but even factoring in the shipping cost you could probably make someone a very proud owner of a piece of your handy work.

 

I have thought about selling it, but since I live in Wyoming, there isn't alot of people here. But I think I could throw it on top with a for sale sign (kind of trashy) or craigslist, or something and find a buyer.
What do you think it is worth to someone? I have $50 into materials. It is rhino lined on the outside.

Suggestions?

 

I like the way this one looks, if you don't mind drilling into your roof.

 

I thought the same thing when I got the thule MOAB basket. I did not like how it had to mount onto the bars, after using however I am glad that it sits off the roof a little. That extra room has saved my roofs paint job from getting scratched up. If you are worried about that kinda thing mounting it a little high doesn't hurt. Cheers

 

There are two racks that Yakima sells as direct attachments to their roof rack systems, ranging from about $100 to $250 depending on size, strength and load ratings. That gives you an idea of normal new pricing, even though your material cost was low, only you know the amount of time and labor involved in it's creation. You seem to have created a quality piece of custom work, and the fact that it was created using electrical conduit could easily allow for some minor drilling to create an excellent roof mount light bar. On a side note, I would discourage placing the "For Sale" sign up there, unless you want countless inquires on how much you are selling that sweet truck of yours for! Ha!

 

Scotty - What brand rack is that?

 

Hey! Where did you find this? I been looking for it forever? Isn't this from a complete install someone done? Where is this thread located please?

 

Here's a couple links. Off Road Unlimited Defender rack. The thread is the fifth sticky down on the 1st gen page, DIY mods.
http://www.offroadunlimited.com/oru...asp?year=2002&make=Toyota&model=TACOMA&rack=0
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/defenderroofrack/defenderroofrack.htm

 

Yes. Thats it!. I saw this thread a while back and could never remember where. Thx!

 

Thats true i never really thought abou that. ok the main reason i wanted the rack is to mount more lights on top (on the face of the rack would look better than just a row of lights up there. also adding a little more room to carry stuff).

 

So if you want a badass roof basket check these out. they come in different sizes and are a good price. you will have to make mounts for them though.

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Poly-Performance-Universal-Baja-Basket-p-18726.html

 

Thats some good fab there man!