Three dogs roof rack

[threedogs]

Hi again ,time to make a roof rack for Nev the Nissan, Style I want is basically flat aka tradie style.
No front or rear, Will also be incorporating brackets for my awning as well as the 40" light bar up the front. light bar will come forward and down so rack is clear. Going to try something out of the ordinary
so hope it meets with approval at the un veiling lol. So its only so I can pick up steel etc, plus carry the lighter stuff for camping. Haven't got the final design yet needs to fit under carport and to think about wind drag, then off to the powder coaters to finish it. If I didn't start this thread it'd never be done, so step go buy some steel. going to use 25x25x3 for the main frame with 20x20x2 ribs. this will then be bolted to 3 x Rhino areo bars. Without the Rhino bars I think $200 will cover steel easily, $130 for bar.
Also putting a light bar on the back 2 x 36watt led bars I've had lying around for a while. $' across the back would be awesome in spread pattern the over kill in work lights. I'll grab steel tomorrow.

[Stropp]

look forward to seeing it come together.

[Irvs]

Sounds good, my girlfriends dad just built an aluminium roof rack with no sides, front or back section so he can take whatevers on it off and can drive into shopping centre car parks etc.
Hes got a gq with a sagged 2.5inch lift on 31s. Just thought i'd share in case that sort of things is applicable to you.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk 2

[threedogs]

Yeah thats about it ,basically a platform not to heavy, got a real neat idea for the side rails low profile
but Ill need to talk to laser cutter first, pressures on, wont take long but will do in between meds. lol

[threedogs]

Right been shopping or collecting favors around the traps.
I have some M6 eye nuts these will be welded along each side for tie off points
Also picked up a roller, this is the one from Tradesman, the axle is spring loaded
so easy to fit. and the 7" light bars, not 100% I'll use these yet.
Spoke with laser cutter about my idea {secret} Can be done will be done,cant wait to show you.
Not overkill IMO. its "cause I can"

[threedogs]

Went and brought my third Rhino bar this morning, spacing yet to be decided.
Total length is only around 1800 with 200mm overhang each end. Width I
haven't figured out yet that all depends where/how the awning will sit.
More next week,

[Winnie]

What is the roller for?

[threedogs]

Just for loading and unloading 8mt lengths of 50x50 rhs,
save ripping all new powder coating off.

[Winnie]

Oh yeah that's a good idea

[threedogs]

Little bit heavy at 3mm, plus I need to pick up a huge piece of oregon from Mudski, that'll test it. 3.6long x 60thick x 470 wide

[threedogs]

Yeah I know where's the pics?,
Haven't been that flash lately but at least now I have the steel.
size wise it'll be 1550 wide and 2000 long approx. This size will leave no off cuts.
Another good part is I can lift it on and off at will. say I need to Zinc coat it
just drive there and un load. The rear corners I'll 45. I'll cut it all up in the morning
and tack it together, not a high priority job, just a job I want done.

[threedogs]

Nearly finished but having trouble transfering pics, roller has been tacked on in situ.
All eyenuts welded on down each side for tie off points, a few more smaller cross members.
Need to tack mesh floor on as well, the sides are being laser cut and should look trick.
, Pic wth clamp not 45ed for a reason Size is 1800 x 1350 mm.
Plus brackets for LED light bar and awning need to be welded yet as well,
Way too hot doing this ATM

[Stropp]

coming together well mate.

[BigRAWesty]

Looking good mate

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

Yeah coming along nicely, just welding in 37 degrees outside that I dont like, lol Kallen Check those clamps from "ozmestore" on Ebay
No need to Square roof rack , was 1 mm out as is corner to corner , happy with that. Roller off set on purpose, ticked off Laser cutter hasnt finished the sides yet.
Should all be ready for powder coating by end of the week.
Beats paying $1100 for a roof rack, main expense is the roof bars

[megatexture]

Looking good mate looking forward to seeing the sides.how much we're the clamps? They look spot on for welding.

[4 by 4]

Looking good mate looking forward to seeing the sides.how much we're the clamps? They look spot on for welding.

X2 on the clamps, do you have a link as well? They would be so damn helpful and convenient!

[BigRAWesty]

Yea there a top little invention. Just eBay 90 corner clamp.. mainly used in wood working but sweet for welding.. the better ones aint so cheap..

Quick q, would you save more weight by making your own mounts over full width rino bars?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

Not sure I'd save weight as Rhino racks are ABS and alloy, so very light ATM.
Clamps are made from cast iron and clamp material up to 50mm, no idea how to put
up a link but ebay shop was ozmestore in S.A,. search of similar items may see cheaper price

[threedogs]

My bad, the shop with clamps is ozmestore
another seller is salstoolshed

[threedogs]

Have all the cross bars welded in, can still lift it with one arm .
Pic is of the side plates they are 600mm long each,
after powder caoting these will have red perspex
behind to highlight name and number. Its going to be dark charcoal metallic grey
Pain in the butt cold bending that 12mm round but all done now,

[threedogs]

welded the name plates on, now only awning brackets and LED light bar bracket to be welded.
then big job flap dic and wire brush cleaning all the welds,
It's suprising how much steel a roof rack can swallow. just shy of 20mtrs.
Plus need to pick up a sheet of mesh to tie the floor together

[Cbates]

thats coming up a treat! looks great! powder coated wheels in the back look good to ;)

[MEGOMONSTER]

Looks like a heavy duty job, love the advertising.

[threedogs]

Right because some idiot didn't make it wide enough the awning will stay bolted to the racks.
I've mounted front light bar now need thoughts if I should run 2 of these smaller leds out to the side
on the front.

[Winnie]

The more light the merrier... Go for it!


If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[threedogs]

Yeah thanks Winnie Thinking doing tracks at night, Those lights are 36 watts 15 degree spot,
so will throw good beam out sideways. Bit busy tomorrow morning but will
make brackets for both sides, and tack weld mesh on. Taking a little longer
But head down A up its only 6 hrs work I would think. Also picked up the Red perspex
for behind lettering. thhat goes on after powder coating.

[Cbates]

Keen to see this finished! Awesome job! And like Winnie said the more lights the better! Can never be too bright!

[threedogs]

Got a Brand new 4'LED Light bar sitting here, would make either the reverse light from hell. or one hell of a set up light.
Dont tempt me. really 4' light bar on the back nah then again No I'm not ,,,,,,lol

[NP99]

You could weld it to your roof and save on clamps :-)

[BigRAWesty]

Looking tops mate. Love the advertising...

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

Pretty happy so far, looking forwards to seeing it finished with the red perspex behind lettering,
and no I wont be lighting it up with leds although it did cross my mind. lol

[Lieney]

I love the advertising indeed.
A custom rack is the best option for a bloke.
Might have to have a crack at making one some day, instead of modifying my old ally TJM one.

[Clunk]

great work there TD, definitely looks the goods with the ad plates on either side.

Oh and as for those smaller LEDs on the angles...... definitely do it, will light up all the angles you need to see

[threedogs]

Cost wise its cheap as just material so far is $130 thats including the name plates.
I'm still able to lift it with one arm But will weigh it properly later Maybe 30KG tops
I've made it to hold a swag and spare wheel thats all, and maybe cart some steel and timber

[Clunk]

I'm thinking I need to go out and buy some rhino racks, then butcher the ally cage roof rack I've got and turn it in to a platform jobby. Might have half a chance of getting it under the carport then!!!!! lol

[threedogs]

That was my main concern.
Now I'll have to drill some holes for some hidden wiring
1/2 holes and grommets , would prefer glands, but might
just run some 16x16 rhs under the front.

[threedogs]

Bumped, Was at the powder coaters this morning,it will cost me
$80 to powder coat, thats not too bad, as its a prime,top coat and clear.

[NP99]

Bumped, Was at the powder coaters this morning,it will cost me
$80 to powder coat, thats not too bad, as its a prime,top coat and clear.

You could get a job in China making these things :-)

[cossy]

very nice . I will look into is great DYI

[threedogs]

Tack welded some mesh on, another pain in the butt job.
tried the small light bars on the front 45s , but it didn't look right
so I just went with one light bar only. Also welded the tabs to pick up
the roof bars, Basically ready to coat First I'll run a file over everything

[trekster]

:thumbup: Looks great


What happens if you change your phone number :smileyvault-cute-bi

[boots]

Whats the latest John ? update please . We love pics remember .

[threedogs]

Well we were going to take it to the powder coaters at lunch time, BUT the rain beat us
So now waiting for weather to clear .
Redgum sign I picked up for $6.60 on Fleabay very fitting I thought.
Came up a treat after sanding and wax

[threedogs]

I've the oppurunity of some new 10 watt single row light bars in different wattages spot and spread.
going to put a 24" 140 watt spread light bar on the back as a work light or reverse , should brighten
things up, I already have stats and dimentions for brackets.
Really need to get to the coaters as getting some surface rust

[threedogs]

Bumped, was supposed to pick it up from the powder coaters on Friday, but had to leave it as wasn't feeling too flash.
Anyway off to Docs now so I'll swing by and pick it up on the way back. Can't wait to see it coated, colour I chose was
Dark charcoal metallic. Just hope someone is there to put it on my roof with me.

[threedogs]

Right I've picked it up and bolted it on, great when all the holes line up.
The sides look awesome very happy with the effect and no I will not be putting LEDs behind them.
My light bar will be well forward of Driver if that is going to be an issue down the track.
The RED is only perspex I've super glued in position. Heres a few pics now will put more when Light bar installed.
Theres heaps of powder on the rack which cost $80 , so not even $200 in material and powder coating. Who's a happy camper.

[Sir Roofy]

Looks really smart john i like it

[MC97GQ]

Top job, Three Dogs,

Gotta be happy with that price.

Mark

[threedogs]

Thanks mate, still need to bolt awning on and light bar, but its come out pretty good even if I say so my self.
Not really to carry anything more to showcase my work

[Stropp]

well done 3d, looks good

[threedogs]

Might have to use silicon to hold perspex on ,I'll see how it goes.
Peeled backing off as well so they look lighter.
Now just need to wait till another pair of hands arrives
so I can bolt awning and lightbar on........ Waiting....... waiting........waiting

[MC97GQ]

Three Dogs,

Try Fullaprene 303 to hold your perspex on, mate it is a top product and way better than silastic.

And it can be painted

http://hbfuller.com.au/catalog/diy/adhesives/fulaprene-303.html?Itemid=26

Mark

[threedogs]

Thanks for that will do, using thick CA super glue ATM.
Where is that available from???

[MC97GQ]

Mate any good hardware store should stock it.

Mark

[threedogs]

Got the light bar on and looks great about 3/4" lower than rack out of the way.
Hard to see it from this angle but its there I promise

[Bob]

i AM A LITTLE CONFUSED (NOT HARD YOU SAY) BUT YOUR LIGHT BAR DOES NOT SEEM TO BE IN FRONT OF DRIVER !!!!

[threedogs]

Yeah it is not by much but in normal seated position its in front of my head,
Not far from top of windshield.
No big deal if it is or not as not sure of laws yet.
who knows may need an external switch.

[threedogs]

In seated position my head is back near the "B" pillar.
But doesnt matter one bit ATM plus I have about 70mm more I can move the lot forward
if need be.


@ BOB why did it need to be in front of driver???

[Bob]

Thanks for that John. I am a bit Dim LOL

[threedogs]

We seriously need to go fishing lol

[Bob]

We seriously need to go fishing lol
Going with my Wife and Dogs Anzac Weekend but will have to arrange another Carp Catching Comp shortly LOL