ladder/lumber racks for 1st Gen: options & or DIY

I've been seeing people on craigslist selling racks for around $300 or so. Not sure if thats a right price or a little high. I'd prefer not to pay that amount

I was curious to see if anyone has done a DIY racks that are more affordable.

 

Anyone?

 

I've spent about $200-$250 on materials (does $30 for a new liner for my welder count too) mostly superstrut, 2 pieces of angle iron, and lots of grade 8 bolts and washers to make a more or less permanent front/headache rack, a mid rise rack ~4ft long, and a yet to be finished removable rear rack to match the front for long lumber/ladder etc... I'll probably spend another $50 in rattle can bed liner spray and paint and misc before I am finished.

In the end I have a much more flexible system that is a bit fuggly, does what I want, and helped advance my welding skills. Its probably stronger than a low to mid price off the shelf, and will have taken many weekends of screwing around instead of an afternoon for a simple instal. I enjoy the learning process and had the tools (mostly... add another $100 for a cheap-o metal saw since I got tired of using my angle grinder to make cuts) so I didn't even consider buying something pre made.

The main consideration for me is whether I have the time, and the minimum level of confidence/skill to end up with something useful. If you are new to design/fab with any material, its possible to get over your head and end up with nothing but used up time/$ and a pile of scrap. So start small.