Roof rack on pick-up cap

[Law Dawg]

Anybody have any suggestions for a good (but cheap) roof rack system for the top of a fiberglass cap? Thule seems like such a rip off.

I've looked at a couple soft racks, but most straps are only 12'. I need 14' to go around the entire cap. Is it legit to use additional tie down straps to bridge to 2' gap?

Just lookin' for some input before I send my longboard cartwheelin' down 101.

Peace out- The Dawg

[speelyei]

I built my own racks for a fiberglass top, however, it wasn't a very valuable top. It was simply 2x4s raised 2 1/2" by ABS posts. I cut 4ea 2" thick rings out of 3" ABS, and recessed these into the wide aspect of a 2"x4", and counter sunk a 1" paddle bit about 3/8" of an inch on the opposite side. I then marked and drilled corresponding holes in the canopy, and placed a 3/8 plywood backer inside, about 3"x3", and ran 5" long 3/8" pan head bolts all the way through to suck it together tightly. The recess in the 2x4 allowed the pipe to slip in and leave no reveal, so it was self-leveling to some degree. I didn't have to seal it, and it never leaked. It looked a little countrified, but painted it was hardly noticeable, and worked perfectly for a couple years, till I got rid of the canopy. Total cost out of pocket? 0$

[fossilgrom]

I picked up aroof rack for my van from JC Whitney. They usually have decent racks without the brand name price. You might find something there that would work for your application.

[RockyVonTone]

I thought this was a joke at first. like, I'll have a hat for my hat or something. Anyway, craigslist or next adventure , or a second hand sports store would be a good start. Stay the f u c k away from rack attack, they will boil your balls in acid.

[erzats]

I've built racks out of 1/2" gas pipe and various fittings. Flanges with 4" nipple to get the rise, four tees, and various lengths to get the cross bars. You need to drill holes in the roof and reinforce it, but it all worked for me. gets all rusty and is ugly as shite, but makes you look CORE.

[scubetubeular]

I need one too and refuse to pay the crazy amount for a new Yakima or Thule. Even on a pro deal they are too expensive.
Could be a good project for this weekend.

[Law Dawg]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Very helpful. I'll mess around and let you know the end result.

[The Duke]

Try Quick-N-Easy roof racks. They're moderately expensive. You can buy the attachment parts at a number of different places. You'll have to drill holes in your canopy to mount the racks. Try this; http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.as ... ail=146480

I think that they're set up to be fitted with 1" galvanized pipe (electrical conduit can be used). Get some rack pads from your local surf shop and you're set to go.

Properly attached they will not come off.

[squidly]

Check out Rerack on NE Sandy. (503)875-6055 They sell new and used racks at reasonable prices. Hooked me up with a killer deal on some used bike rack parts and made a key for the rack for only $3.00

[Moe]

I second Rerack. When I bought my truck I got ahold of them and they gave me some quotes depending on how much new equipment I wanted. I ended up spending around $160 and got moslty new equipment.
I bought another rack from JC whitney about 5 years ago (different truck but also on canopy) and I think I spent $120 and the quality wasn't very good. I'm sure they sell some good ones but I went the cheaper route.

[speelyei]

i thought they did boob jobs...