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stuzbot
Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2018
Posts: 377
Location: Pining for the Puddles of Yesterday
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 Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2019 12:16 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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One of the few jobs the PO did that actually seems well executed; my van has a Treadplate [I think you lot call it 'Checker Plate'?] roof and, bolted through it, a roof rack made from what looks like thin diameter scaffolding bar.
PO told me he'd intended to use the van as a mobile viewing platform for watching his son Go-Kart racing, hence the weight-bearing Treadplate roof.
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Click to view image
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1992 VW LT35 2,4D [SOLD]
1993 VW LT35 2,4D [SOLD]
1992 VW T3 1,6TD Syncro [SOLD]
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15344
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:08 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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spotted this on a search.
seems this is as good a place to share the pic as any.
Photo by @elsrdelasfurgos
found on this site
https://vanclan.co/van-life-ideas/ |
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Van Go77
Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2019
Posts: 2
Location: Jersey Shore
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| Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 1:13 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| Can share where I could get that rack set up for my t3? Thank you |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8160
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 1:28 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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At this point you're seeing a lot of custom one-off racks and you're not clear on which rack you're asking about. I'm in a similar scenario and and deciding between custom (a good fabricator will cost $$) or seeing if I can make an off the shelf solution by commercial rack problem solvers is where I'm at.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6925
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 4:50 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| stuzbot wrote: |
One of the few jobs the PO did that actually seems well executed; my van has a Treadplate [I think you lot call it 'Checker Plate'?] roof and, bolted through it, a roof rack made from what looks like thin diameter scaffolding bar.
PO told me he'd intended to use the van as a mobile viewing platform for watching his son Go-Kart racing, hence the weight-bearing Treadplate roof. |
In the USA, "Diamond Plate" is used to describe the plate the P.O. used.
50/50 whether I like it! I'm just against the idea of drilling holes in my roof!
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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outcaststudios
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2015
Posts: 1754
Location: Maine
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| Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:35 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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this appeals to my interests...
_________________
'88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791 |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8160
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| outcaststudios wrote: |
this appeals to my interests...
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Winner!
Have you considered having some fun with the hardware? I was thinking button head screws but these look fun too...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/620838984/forged-scre...gLoePD_BwE
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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outcaststudios
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2015
Posts: 1754
Location: Maine
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| Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 8:46 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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oh those are cool, ill have to track some down , im sure MSC has them!
_________________
'88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791 |
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space
Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2017
Posts: 806
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| Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:29 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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Heres mine
Wanted to have the weight on the factory gutters and still be able to lift the top
aluminum Bars are set to my Thule cargo box and my kayaks |
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ragnarhairybreeks
Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2009
Posts: 1933
Location: Sidney B.C. Canada
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| Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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Hi,
Kinda hesitant about posting, it’s unfinished, unpainted, and forward wind deflector needs re do. But it’s a thing I’ve been dicking with for a while just meant to carry my two 80 watt Siemens glass solar panels ( old school, heavy, not as partial shade tolerant as modern panel, but free).
Turns out I could fit one of my fibreglass waffle type bridging ladder in front of panels.
Rear mounts on rear hinge bolts, front support on new holes .
Oh, yes, 1/4” aluminum and 25-50 aluminum extrusion cross bars.
Alistair.
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8160
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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That's a nice rack. Glad you posted it!
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Vanlife Geek
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2014
Posts: 285
Location: CO
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 12:37 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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I have a BajaRack MegaMule that I found on Craig's list for $50, which was a real find. Came with a cargo net, too. I mounted mine towards the rear for easier pop-top lifting and so I could add lights and a camera off the back. I also mounted two LED lights on both sides. Having it mounted to the rear also allows me to open my roof vent all the way and have room for a couple of solar panels. I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough. The Hi Lift Jack mounted up there certainly doesn't help. I purchased a set of GoWesty list assists and will be adding those to augment the Bombay lifts.
_________________
Vanlife Geek
Current:
1986 Syncro Westy
Previous:
1983 Westy
1981 Westy
1972 Bug (Last year you could buy a new one for under $2,000)
1965/66 Bug (2 bugs from a junk yard combined to make 1 functional bug)
1959 Bug (Pre Gas Gauge Era) |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8160
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:59 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| epbiggs wrote: |
| I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough. |
A Hi-lift jack or spare tire on the pop-top are heavy and difficult to lift even with struts. The spare for me was the last straw in going too far in strapping stuff to the roof.
Are you using the heaviest gas springs possible with your Jack Bombay lift?
60 psi = JB regular strut
90 psi = JB HD strut
120 psi = JB extra HD strut
* the above each available from Jack Bombay and I *believe* I have the numbers right.
150 psi = super heavy duty, Jack Bombay sent me to Amazon or McMaster Carr when I needed those to compensate for too much crap on the roof.
My point is you may have an option (s) before drilling the van for the GW struts.
Here's a link to the 150 psi gas spring that works with the Bombay system and may just give you the lift you need:
JR Products GSNI-2300-150 Gas Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF513G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jDub3AlKsyytP
I had a long metal basket and roof-top box when using 150 psi struts:
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Vanlife Geek
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2014
Posts: 285
Location: CO
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| epbiggs wrote: |
| I still needed Jack Bombay lift assists to pop the top easily but when the rack is loaded, that still isn't enough. |
A Hi-lift jack or spare tire on the pop-top are heavy and difficult to lift even with struts. The spare for me was the last straw in going too far in strapping stuff to the roof.
Are you using the heaviest gas springs possible with your Jack Bombay lift?
60 psi = JB regular strut
90 psi = JB HD strut
120 psi = JB extra HD strut
* the above each available from Jack Bombay and I *believe* I have the numbers right.
150 psi = super heavy duty, Jack Bombay sent me to Amazon or McMaster Carr when I needed those to compensate for too much crap on the roof.
My point is you may have an option (s) before drilling the van for the GW struts.
Here's a link to the 150 psi gas spring that works with the Bombay system and may just give you the lift you need:
JR Products GSNI-2300-150 Gas Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LF513G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jDub3AlKsyytP
I had a long metal basket and roof-top box when using 150 psi struts:
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I contacted Bombay and he said he didn't think the stronger struts would cut it in my case and recommended getting the GW struts as an addition. Perhaps he doesn't sell the 150 psi versions you linked on Amazon... I can't remember the details. I've already drilled the holes in the metal, but am not sure I've got the right struts since they line up at the very front of the pop-top and every picture I've seen shows the top mount back from the front a little further. I need to get it sorted out. I wish I had your link before I bought the GW struts to see if they work as it would have been a relatively inexpensive experiment.
Man, that's a rack and a half you have!
_________________
Vanlife Geek
Current:
1986 Syncro Westy
Previous:
1983 Westy
1981 Westy
1972 Bug (Last year you could buy a new one for under $2,000)
1965/66 Bug (2 bugs from a junk yard combined to make 1 functional bug)
1959 Bug (Pre Gas Gauge Era) |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8160
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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He may have determined that you need a full extra set to accommodate your load. It was quite a rack that eventually encouraged packing too much gear up top and was eventually swapped out with a high-top while moving a lot of storage inside or to the rear hitch.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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elizer
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016
Posts: 1501
Location: Northern Virginia
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wolfburger1303
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2015
Posts: 9
Location: Portugal
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| Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 5:43 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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[img]
[/img]
_________________
1974 VW 1303
1974 VW 1303 S
1987 VW Transporter Doka |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5930
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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wolfburger1303
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2015
Posts: 9
Location: Portugal
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| Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| Jake de Villiers wrote: |
| wolfburger1303 wrote: |
[/img] |
That's awesome! If you make that logo in the stock size I'd be happy to buy a pair for the van!  |
I will try .
Where are you from?
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1974 VW 1303
1974 VW 1303 S
1987 VW Transporter Doka |
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vanagonjr
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3620
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:33 am Post subject: Re: Post Your Roof Rack Setup |
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| ragnarhairybreeks wrote: |
Hi,
Kinda hesitant about posting, it’s unfinished, unpainted, and forward wind deflector needs re do. But it’s a thing I’ve been dicking with for a while just meant to carry my two 80 watt Siemens glass solar panels ( old school, heavy, not as partial shade tolerant as modern panel, but free).
Turns out I could fit one of my fibreglass waffle type bridging ladder in front of panels.
Rear mounts on rear hinge bolts, front support on new holes .
Oh, yes, 1/4” aluminum and 25-50 aluminum extrusion cross bars.
Alistair. |
I think it's just awesome! Also, thanks for the links and maintaining your website- I wind up there several times a year.
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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