ERMB's D-I-Y Rack System Build

Sorry been a little busy but it is mounted! I drilled through the top and used eye bolts to bolt down with as it would give me an option to put a cargo net across the top inside of my shell. I also mounted "tracks" along the inside to help with weight distribution. A little weather stripping and some sealant took care of the weather issues and she is riding pretty!

 

Disassembly has commenced for painting. What a PITA! Hoping I can put it back together the same way. Truck looks naked right now.

 

Your project came out great and best of all everyone seems to be putting their own spin on their design which is great! Yet again excellent work!

 

It's gone or I would have given it to you.

In other news, my new shell went on last Wednesday. I'm in CO this weekend but plan to get the rack back on with an improved mounting protocol soon.

 

I was surpised that there werent alot of post wanting the windoor, the front sliding window, and other parts that people could have used. I had a pretty good idea that I was asking late, just surprised that no one else asked before me. Thanks for the reply and congradulations on your new shell.

 

It's painted. Don't laugh, I was feeling creative.

 

The art teacher gives you +5pts for going the extra mile!

 

Thanks man. I'm just glad I opted not to paint my truck.

 

Alright guys I made my rack this weekend. I purchased my strut at the local hardware store and had them cut it for me. I then dropped it off to have it all powder coated before I even got started. I bolted everything together with 1/2" stainless steel nuts and bolts. It ended up costing me a little more money but I am happy with the way it turned out. Major props to @ERMB for thinking of this design to begin with. Once it was all bolted together and installed this thing felt rock solid. I'm considering building one for my cab as well. I didn't follow Scott's original design exactly but it's pretty close. The only thing I'd change is I'd cut those 1 5/8" Legs a little shorter.

Here are the tracks installed on my cap. I used 5/16" stainless hardware to bolt it down with rubber seal washers between the cab and the tracks to help seal out any water.


Progress of the build...




And all put together! This thing is stout.


And this morning I put my brand new CVT Mt. Shasta on. I love it.

 

I added four eye bolts on all four corners using 1/4" spring nuts and square washers.

 

Robby, that came out great! Best part about this product is that it's so versatile. Configurationso are limitless so everyone can build to suit their own needs! Glad everything worked out well for you!

 

@ERMB did you ever imagine how this would catch on when you posted your DIY? This is awesome!

Since I sold my 2nd gen, my rack and shell are now being enjoyed by another member. Now I'm thinking about building a cab rack for my xtra cab 1st gen. Im still in the very early R&D stage currently. It's going to require drilling several holes in my roof. I'll also have to figure out how to deal with the bi-level roof design of the xtra cab.

 

Haha, no definitely not. I figure there are quite a few people out there that enjoy the creativity of designing and fabbing their own projects. Its definitely cool to see people drawing inspiration from it for their projects though.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with on the taco. Just wondering but there no pre-tapped rivnuts already in the roof under the rubber moulding? I actually can remember what my 98 had.

 

There is nothing on the roof. No
Gutters. No moldings. Nothing. Just a bunch of bare space begging to be used. Ha ha.

 

I'm back in business. I got the new shell a few weeks ago and put the rack back on with an improved mounting system today. I raised the front rack by half an inch and set the rear to match.

 

Looks great man. I'm love how you got the rack on the cab to match the cap height. I'm thinking a cab rack will be my next project.

 

Any chance you have the measurements of the feet for the cab rack? or product used in your "improved mounting system".

 

Here's a pic of what I did. The feet are all at different heights to account for the curvature of the roof. They are all +/- 2" tall (not counting track height). I welded them up a little long and then pulled a string across the bottom of the front rack and made a mark on each rear foot, then made a cut at the correct height and welded on the top strap. That makes it sound easier than it actually was as getting them all level was difficult.

 

@Bentrodder

I want to do this..

 

V2.0 look awesome man!! Nice job getting them all to line up so well. I think welding is the way to go, that's on my list this year for things I want to learn how to do!!