StumpXJ
SE Expedition Society
Ok, finally got some time today and finished up the roof rack. Its not 100% finished, but close enough that I could go ahead and mount it and the RTT. This is mostly the same rack I had on my taco, except I lengthened it so it could accomodate my RTT, 6 jerry cans (or whatever), and my lights on the front. Needless to say, it takes up my ENTIRE roof length. I was able to put the rack up on the roof by myself, so I would guess it weighs 75 pounds with the lights? The lights are pretty heavy, so the rack itself is fairly light. I removed the "side" portion from the old rack, so zipping my RTT cover on should be a breeze now that there are no steel bars in the way.
I also had to change the mouting system, as this was mounted on my old ARE camper shell on the taco. I wanted to use the gutter rail's, as thats what most use. I was going to buy some gutter mounts, but at over 100 bucks per set ( I wanted 3 sets) I couldnt justify the money on such simple bracketry. I made my own, and I am quite pleased with how they turned out. I was honestly a little skeptical to do this myself, but I saw a Defender 110 here locally, and checked out their gutter mounts. This is basically a copy of what I saw on the Defender, and they worked out very well. That 300+ bucks will go towards something a little cooler than brackets now!
I used 1/4 thick, by 1 1/2 wide flat steel for the mounts, bent them in my vise, and then welded short peices of tubing for the bolts to go through. I used 1/8 thick steel plate for the clamps, Cut them to shape, and bent the "hook" for the bottom of the gutter, then welded long bolts to the backside of them to complete the clamping system. About 2 hours worth of cutting and welding, and viola!
I got TOTALLY lucky on the rear lights. I completely forgot about them when I was doing my measurements/clearancing for the rack and the rear hatch, but it worked out. I have about 1/4" between the light mounting bolt and the hatch when its full opened.
Didnt have any time today to run the wiring, but will get to it soon enough.
I am hoping the color of the Jeep will grow on me, but for now, I have to use my imagination and pretend its another color (ANY other color). It all looks a little wierd as the rest of the truck is still bone stock, but it will come around soon enough. Waiting for my tires and wheels to get here, and starting to peice together the suspension. I think I will get the suspension/tires and wheels done first, then work ont he front bumper and interior.
Thanks, James
I also had to change the mouting system, as this was mounted on my old ARE camper shell on the taco. I wanted to use the gutter rail's, as thats what most use. I was going to buy some gutter mounts, but at over 100 bucks per set ( I wanted 3 sets) I couldnt justify the money on such simple bracketry. I made my own, and I am quite pleased with how they turned out. I was honestly a little skeptical to do this myself, but I saw a Defender 110 here locally, and checked out their gutter mounts. This is basically a copy of what I saw on the Defender, and they worked out very well. That 300+ bucks will go towards something a little cooler than brackets now!
I used 1/4 thick, by 1 1/2 wide flat steel for the mounts, bent them in my vise, and then welded short peices of tubing for the bolts to go through. I used 1/8 thick steel plate for the clamps, Cut them to shape, and bent the "hook" for the bottom of the gutter, then welded long bolts to the backside of them to complete the clamping system. About 2 hours worth of cutting and welding, and viola!
I got TOTALLY lucky on the rear lights. I completely forgot about them when I was doing my measurements/clearancing for the rack and the rear hatch, but it worked out. I have about 1/4" between the light mounting bolt and the hatch when its full opened.
Didnt have any time today to run the wiring, but will get to it soon enough.
I am hoping the color of the Jeep will grow on me, but for now, I have to use my imagination and pretend its another color (ANY other color). It all looks a little wierd as the rest of the truck is still bone stock, but it will come around soon enough. Waiting for my tires and wheels to get here, and starting to peice together the suspension. I think I will get the suspension/tires and wheels done first, then work ont he front bumper and interior.
Thanks, James
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