PrInSu Design Studio Roof Racks BS Thread

I had ran into Aspen Fasteners once before but could never get over the huge quantities they sale. I also asked for some samples but never heard back and didn't dare order such a huge quantity without being able to test them.

I checked there site and the minimum quantities for washers are 4-5 times the number that I have sold total up until now. I will try checking into them again to see what they will do.

 

I calculated that I'll need at least 100, with 12 crossbars on each rack (cab and cap). That's 2 per crossbar per side, so 2 x 24 x 2 = 96. The smallest I found from them for the black zinc machine screw in 5/16-18 x 1" was 1250 for about $260 (free shipping). Even though the black phosphorous bolts are pricier, I like the hex head, and I'm thinking of sucking it up and ordering 100 of them.

 

The stainless do have a cool utilitarian look. I put the RectorSeal Tru-Blue in my Amazon shopping cart when you first posted that a few days ago. That with the nylon washer is probably gonna last 5 years or more without anything too challenging to deal with.

Can you give the link to the stainless bolts again?

 

I subscribed to your build page Chux. I thought the bronze looked very good without looking like the dealer put the package together. It looks like we made several parallel decisions.

I'm finishing a degree in December and may not get to my racks until then, so post yours when you get it on.

 

Most def, I will be opening a flood gate of rack pics

 

Broke mine down for powder coat today. I'll be dropping it off this coming week.

I'm praying I get it back so I can put it back together before my trip

 

Maybe I'll pick it up for you *cough Dakars *cough

 

Officially placed my order with Zach just now! Went for the CabRac but upgraded to the heavy duty version for my RTT! I swear I am like a little girl at work right now!! Thanks a million Zach!

 

Make sure you put the bolts in the crossbars and tighten them down to where only about a 1/4" of thread is showing. If not, you will have to re-tap the threads to get the sand, and such out. I had the problem once myself and a client across the country had the same thing happen. The bonus is that then your bolt heads are black

 

Zach, will you explain this 1/4" thing for us (me)?

I'm not yet sure I'm going to paint the crossbars, but if I do....

Are you suggesting putting the bolts in the crossbars before painting (leaving 1/4" exposed), painting rails and crossbars separately, then unbolting, and then re-assembling with the rails?

Thanks!

 

Thought I would drop in an action shot from the woods. The Rack held up great under the repeated attack from all of the tree branches.

 

Just if you have it powder coated.

The powder coating company here sandblasts all the parts prior to powder coating. The first rack I had them powder coat I just gave them the bars and then they went at it. They plugged the tapped holes when applying the powder but apparently not during the the sandblasting. The sand stuck inside the holes really bad and clogged up the threads. The only way to fix it was by re-tapping the holes. If you are just painting the racks then I wouldn't worry about it as much. Unless you plan to use a really heavy paint.

If you paint the bars, I would put a coat on the side rails and and deflector, then assemble the rack and paint the entire thing to get the bars, screws, etc.

 

I get it - very helpful; thanks!

 

Quick test assembly and fit before I shoot the side rails with some bedliner.

 

I have about 10-15 made. I have been waiting to offer them till I am satisfied they work well. Mine has been on my truck for about a month now and everything seems good. No rattling, sturdy, easy enough to access and so far no successful attempts at theft. I will get some pics, instructions, and pricing up for them this evening for those who are interested.

 

Any more progress on the 4th gen 4runner racks?

 

Unfortunately no. I have been too busy to work on them right now. Hopefully soon as my day job slows down a bit. Fall and winter a typically a bit less time consuming.

 

No worries, saw one of your racks on a truck in seattle yesterday and it reminded me.

 

Done.