Custom Tacoma headache rack build

I am goinggto be building a headache rack for my '96 5 lug Tacoma. Will use 1.5" square tube for the frame, with heavy duty rock crusher screen in the window, and full length 2" 3/16 thick angle bed rails.

Will be modeled after rack in 2nd pic, with 1.5"x3" tube for top rail, and cut out for brake light.

Will update as I progress.

 

When I built mine I kept the top bar below the brake light

 

But then you can't use the rack to throw lumber and long stuff over the cab. That's a big part of why I'm building this too.

 

Well for that I have a Bar that Fits down over the top tube held in place by 1/2" bolts

Once weight is on it does not move I some times bring 20' steel lengths home.

It comes down to what works for you

 

That's a good idea. I think I'm still gonna go with one that clears the cab a bit. Hoping wind noise will be negligible.

 

Got pics?

 

Just what do you want pictures of ??

I suck at taking pictures it was something I never did because of all the running around back in the day only to get blurred pictures of my thumb.

 

I'm thinking of just bolting the angle to the inner lip on the bed rail. Anyone done this before? I know it's thin but with 6-8 bolts and the load spread over the 6' length I think it should be should enough.

 

@BarnBoy

Maybe you already use this portion of TacomaWorld, but if not:

Just a suggestion, but after you feel you have your design figured out, I'd go over to https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anything-welding.113957/page-568#post-20125409 and show you idea. The guys posting there do a lot of steel projects and may have some good insights.

 

Thanks! Honestly I really only use the 1st Gen forum and classifieds part. I need to get out and see what else is on here lol.