DIY Car Rack

mattsmith · Post by **mattsmith** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:09 am

Thought the third-party racks were way too expensive - especially since I only need to use it once a year.I decided to make my own. Sketchup file is attached in case you want it. I used 1"x1"x0.065" square tubing and it feels solid as a rock.Got a welding shop to make it for $150 out the door. You can probably have it done for less if you know the person. I had no time to shop it around.The screws that hold it down are metric. I think they're M10 screws but they might have been M8.

Attached files VibeRack.skp (311.5 KB)

mattsmith · Post by **mattsmith** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:12 am

Here's a pic.

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:51 am

Quote, originally posted by mattsmith Â»Thought the third-party racks were way too expensive - especially since I only need to use it once a year.I decided to make my own. Sketchup file is attached in case you want it. I used 1"x1"x0.065" square tubing and it feels solid as a rock.The screws that hold it down are metric. I think they're M10 screws but they might have been M8.Higher in the back than the front for roof slope... well done! Now about those metric screws that hold it down... where or better yet, what did you tap them into?

mattsmith · Post by **mattsmith** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:53 am

I screwed into the existing holes. You remove the slide caps to expose them.

epcIII · Post by **epcIII** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:35 am

Hey--that looks great! You can probably carry more weight with yours too then the factory ones.Gotta admit, when I first saw the title of your post, I was expecting something made out of 2x4's or pvc pipes... but I think it looks really good.

epcIII · Post by **epcIII** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:36 am

What kind of file is that (the dimensions)? I opened it up and it's all gibberish Chinese stuff...

mattsmith · Post by **mattsmith** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:41 am

Google "sketchup". It's free from google. Easy to use 3d cad tool.

epcIII · Post by **epcIII** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:44 am

Quote, originally posted by mattsmith Â»Google "sketchup". It's free from google. Easy to use 3d cad tool.Ok thanks. I already have it actually (used it to design a layout for our game room) but never really looked at what the files were saved as.

onespeedgreg · Post by **onespeedgreg** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:43 am

Matt, do you get much wind noise from it when there is nothing up there?? nice looking design.. Im gonna have a friend that welds copy it and modify it for bikes and kayaks.. Nice post

mattsmith · Post by **mattsmith** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:54 am

When there's nothing up there except the rack, I can hear a low rumble when I get to 80mph. I don't notice it after a minute or two, it's not very noticeable.When I travel at the same speed with it loaded as shown in the picture, I don't hear anything at all.

cq358 · Post by **cq358** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:47 am

That is a very robust solid roof rack.I put a queen size bed and box spring on top that is 200 lbs , I drove for 20 km with 80km/hr still no dent or anything damage. I guess the roof strength is pretty high for vibe..thanks to NHTSABut if you can use some round tubing like what the FJ cruiser then it will be super good

DIY Car Rack

DIY Car Rack

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