roof rack pics and questions

[Aaron Coffee]

I converted my teardrop to a toy hauler(hauling my nephews soap box derby car)and have been thinking of building a rook rack and would like to see pics to give me ideas. We have some rusty (surface rust with some pitting)7/8 round 14 gauge(.083 wall, if I remember right)at work that I could buy cheap. Would that be strong enough to carry an ez-up and some lawn chairs? I operate a tube laser and tube bender at work so the fabrication part is no problem.

Thanks
Aaron

[Redneck Teepee]

There are many ways to do one. Here is how I did mine.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=60566 Good Luck!

[Chuckles]

I had my brother bend up some rain gutter clips and bolted them to the trailer. They fit the Yakima A1 towers for round bars.



Chuck

[mary and bob]

Funny about the soap box derby car. When we bought our vintage teardrop (1946) there were four home made brackets on the roof and two odd looking brackets on each side near the top. We were told that a previous owner had hauled a soap box car on top. The wheels sat in the brackets on the roof and the side mounted things were apparently tie downs. Thule sells brackets that are shaped like a car gutter, I put two on my old Blazer.

[Aaron Coffee]

I also have access to sheetmetal in thicknesses from 20 ga to 1/2" and brake presses. Thinking of making my own brackets(probably out of 1/8 steel) to attach at the side and the top(if I can figure out where my roof studs are).
Thanks
Aaron

[len19070]

Heres 2 similar ones I built. Made from 3/4" EMT and Cedar slats.







Happy Trails

Len

[Aaron Coffee]

Len,
Thanks for the pictures. At first I was thinking of making more of a safari basket type roof rack, but after seeing yours it looks to be easier to build. How are the wood strips attached?
Thanks
Aaron

[len19070]

Len,
Thanks for the pictures. At first I was thinking of making more of a safari basket type roof rack, but after seeing yours it looks to be easier to build. How are the wood strips attached?
Thanks
Aaron

I was going more for looks than function so I attached them fro screws from the bottom.

But as it turned out that was the best way to attache them. the slats were 1/2" and the screws went in without popping out of the top (a ruler helped) and as it was situated, the slats didn't fall UP! lol

I've carried a 16'canoe on these racks with no problems.


Happy trails

Len

[123jay]

Lin. How did you weld the EMT?

[len19070]

Lin. How did you weld the EMT?

I have a little welder I got at Harbor Freight.



It was a bit of a PITA.

If you try it though blow a fan on the metal away from you as the EMT is Galvanized.

Happy Trails

Len

[Corwin C]

Lin. How did you weld the EMT?

I have a little welder I got at Harbor Freight.
It was a bit of a PITA.

If you try it though blow a fan on the metal away from you as the EMT is Galvanized.

Happy Trails

Len

You can also weld EMT with an Oxy-Acetylene torch and mild steel filler rod, grind off the zinc coating beforehand to avoid most of the fumes (still error on the safe side and provide plenty of ventilation.)

[48Rob]

Copper is easy to work with if you don't weld...you do have to sweat a little though

Easy enough to dry fit, then sweat (solder) together.
The feet sit over and are screwed to the spars, and the slats are simply screwed to the tubing.

Rob

[Redneck Teepee]

[quote="48Rob"]Copper is easy to work with if you don't weld...you do have to sweat a little though

Easy enough to dry fit, then sweat (solder) together.
The feet sit over and are screwed to the spars, and the slats are simply screwed to the tubing.

Rob




I like it! That design actually fits this little trailer very nicely. Just keep in mind, to preserve that bright shiny copper look, you would have to clear coat it after you are done or you could paint it the color of your choice, other wise it will surface corrode/oxidize.

Also before applying any coating you will have to be sure and completely remove the soldering acid residual with water and a soft brass wire brush


To get the maximum stiffness and support out of it. you would also use type "K" copper, it has a thicker wall and would be more ridged.

[Vedette]

Rob
That is a real work of art!
Well done!
I really do appreciate it, as I am the worlds worst when it comes to soldering......always get things to hot and have the solder running everywhere except where it should go!! Must not have been paying much attention that day in shop class.
Good Roads
Brian

[working on it]

Copper is easy to work with if you don't weld...you do have to sweat a little though

Easy enough to dry fit, then sweat (solder) together.
The feet sit over and are screwed to the spars, and the slats are simply screwed to the tubing.

Rob

Looks great; complements your paint scheme. If anyone is going to try to copy this, be sure to use type K or L pipe, type M will probably bend. I know from limited experience; I use Pex now. Not sure if Pex would be good rack material, though....