No Weld Truck Roof Rack

I've always wanted a rack for my pickup buy didn't want to pay the high price and thought I could build my own out of electrical conduit. I've used this material before for lots of things and wanted to give it a shot. I don't own a welder so that was out of the question. I settled on a straight forward design with 2 horizontal rails, uprights and diagonals and a wood slat floor. I also wanted to keep the cost around $100. in materials. It took me several weeks of a few evenings in the shop to fabricate it. Let me know what you think.

Step 1: Step 1 of 6 - Concept and Finished Rack

I wanted a rack that would bolt to my existing roof rack. It's a Dodge accessory and just 2 horizontal bars that run in a track bolted to the roof so it's a good strong base to start with. If you don't have one, get one as your base. THIS RACK IS NOT MEANT FOR SUCTION CUPS.

Comments

[jschultz10]

I don't have an idea if this truck roof rack is better than my roof racks ( from roof racks Direct ). It is not really expensive compare to the quality of other roof racks.

[MrChuck]

This is a really nice no nonsense roof rack, with excellent instruction. I have been looking for a no weld method I can use on my Jeep and will definately give this a go. Do you have a pic of the rack painted you could post? I give this finished project a 10! Great job and thanks for sharing.

[nmh0105]

indeed, it is a really nice roof rack and great instructions. Mr Chuck as you used it already just wonder if it create any wind whistle at high speed. If not i will definitely build one for my VW BayWindows. Besides, i will consider your set-up to build a roof-top tent for camping. it will be really nice on my restoration project. I will share it with both of you soon as i completed it.

[thetoolman]

Thanks MrChuck, Just make sure that you use plenty of rivets. Sorry, no pics of it painted black but it really helps.

Thanks again, Graphicsman/Toolman

[nmh0105]

excellent work!!! but may i ask if it create load wind whistle and additional vibration when you are on road?

[MrClin]

I'm going to make one of these very soon. Thanks graphicsman!

[ogmosic]

I wonder which is better/easier/stronger? The welded pipe bent or the smashed riveted? Either way, yours look really great!

[AronC0816]

I have been looking for a good no weld roof rack build and I just found the best one so far! I am building a roof rack for my Datsun 1200 coupe and I think I will use this method.

[inkblotz]

Very nice solid looking rack. 
Great job.
Mark

[thetoolman]

Thanks. Could you rate it?

[cpotoso]

Very well done, nice looking and seems better than most commercial racks.

[thetoolman]

I wasn't going for taht but it took some of the design ques. Thanks

[CaseyCase]

 Looks quite professional!

[thetoolman]

Thanks.

[SWV1787]

I really like it...

[thetoolman]

Thanks.

[l8nite]

definately looks sturdy. Well thought out project and "ible" . I would think a couple of eyebolts would make tie downs easier but with all the tie off points they're probably not needed. Does it make any whistling noises when your on the hiway?

[thetoolman]

I don't know, I'll get back to you when I use it more often. Thanks.

[ReverendSapp]

Nice Rack! lol, all kidding aside my brother and I came across this conduit about a year ago and love it. I bought a conduit bender and the possibilities are endless. I do have a welder, it really opens up the amount of projects you can make. A real bonus is the fact the conduit is galvynized so it is very rust-resistant.

[thetoolman]

Yeah, I love conduit, I don't have a bender so this is the way for me. Thanks.

[chuckr44]

Neat idea. But the cheapest roof rack I found was $120 new 5 years ago. And they're cheaper if they are used. A $20 difference doesn't seem to be worth 10-15 hours of work.

[thetoolman]

It's not just about the cost but, for me, it's the challange of seeing if I can pull it off.