roof rack problems

[threedogs]

pretty sure it will work where I have it mounted,
I can lift it up about an inch if needed.
It worked out better than I Thought so
thats a plus lol
Awning is supported in 3 areas, after marking and drilling the roof rack clamping plates.
I welded some bolts to the rear, and used single use alloy lock nuts to sercure it.

I'll also be mounting a spot light about 5 watt on either the front
or back of the frame

Note missing cross beam from reversing in last week He He

Next job after this is a shelf in the cargo area.

[threedogs]

Here's a better view ,in this pic you can see how much awning
would be left un supported, and now 3 fixing points.

[threedogs]

If I type in "roof rack problems" this doesn't come up any ideas why.

Still haven't fitted the awning yet or the light bar for that matter.
I liked Clunks idea of welding on tabs for the light bar, but I should
have done that when it was on the ground. Figured out using the OE
light bar brackets I can drill 2 holes in the front of the rack and with some
small rubber washers ,fix it that way, It will waterproof the hole at the
same time.
As for the awning bracket its self on the lower bolt I changed it to an eye nut.
Im thinking it will come in handy for something, I have a 5 watt work light on its way
to light up under the awning that has 400 lm more than enough IMO. There is some
good weather coming up in a weeks time, I'll try to have it all done by then.

[Ibbo]

How do you like your 3/4 chinese roof rack? Does setting it at the back reduce effects of wind drag/increased fuel consumption? I need a rack for mine and working through the options

[threedogs]

if you look at the big picture IMO the complete package is not the most aerodynamic shape
only topped by a Land rover Defender and a Troopy.
I only mounted it towards to back as I welded a roller on the rear.
Havent been able to get away since Ive fitted it. On my last 4x4 I lost 30-40 Ks a tank from fitting
a roof rack,out of a 1200k range this one isnt that heavy IMO, Im not expecting a big loss in terms of
Ks travelled.
Before this I had 4 Rhino bars to support the awning, as you can see Ive modified this rack a fair bit
to suit my needs

[threedogs]

nah no good ,my light bar is too wide so I'll have to weld some tabs on the front.
I'll use my high sided floor mats to catch any sparks, spewing chips but you get
that on the big jobs lol
It needs to be welded past that hole you see, just past that weld on the corner

[threedogs]

Even though I think the rack is isolated from the Patrol,
I'm going to dis-connect the start battery just in case,
just waiting for the brackets to dry abit more, next to the
wood heater, only half is sprayed, hoping it will be welded
by 3.30 today

[threedogs]

yeah finally welded the brackets on, again I have no idea what this steel is made of.
All I did was put my deep dish car mats under to trap all the sparks.
In summer I might weld the other side but its not going anywhere in a hurry.
FYI its about an inch off the roof.

DO NOT RECOMMEND WELDING THESE BARS

I'll do a night shot like BA later on

[Ibbo]

Do you think that you will lose much impact from the light through roof shading by having it set back from the front of the car a bit with the 3/4 rack?

[threedogs]

nah its a double row 30 degree spot beam not like the later ones with flood beam on the outside.
Just went for a spin around the block, and it works very, very well, its 240 watts.
plus 100 watt HID driving lights {spots} and 75 watt HID 6000K headlights.
The long cob DRL will be getting changed for some 9watt bulls eyes DRLs about 8 each side.

FYI from where the light bar is mounted the roof line slope forwards and down

If I was into night driving 4x4 tracks my set up would be completely different, I'd be using more LED bars.
I might do what BA has done and mount some on the sides, got 2x 36 watt light bars spare