leaky10

awesome idea, been trying to figure out an alternative to the $$$$ racks out there.

Rushmore4

Thanks "Levosgien", that's exactly what I was looking for.

levosgien

Hey sorry, quick correctly which I'm sure you found out with some measurements, but my bars are actually 25 1/2 inches.

YellowToy

Can you post some photos of yours?

levosgien

Yes, I will as soon as it is done. I have come to the realization that a hammer drill is a must, but I'm running into issues drilling the 3/4 holes so I'm figuring that out.

Here's an updated driagram with the hole sizes required for the screws. Will post pictures when holes are done.

JoKer1050

im looking into gettin a rack for my kayaks..that looks good

ukjonese

That is an awesome rack!! I am making notes to do the same thing.. plus add horizontal bars with a roll back & quick connect

levosgien

Ok guys, finally got done with my rack, powder-coated them and here's the end result. Not problem getting the soft-top off (no rub). Only downside is the noise in the wind, will have to address but pretty minor until I hit 45-50.

The wholes facing out are about 5/8, and I found some caps that cover them, i don't want water going through if I can help it. Also got some gasket scrap from a friend, which was perfect to hold the bar firm against the car without scratching it.


Cut the front bar as short as I could to keep things clean.


Used gasket between the metal bar and the car, worked out well.


Here are the 5/8 holes without caps.


Dry-dock at the back can be used for the height adjustment, here the kayak almost touch but are still clear off the roof.




Without top, without saddles.

Foppafan

DO you still have the specs of the work you did with the 1" x 2" steel tubing? I would like to make these and or have someone make them for my 2012 JKU

levosgien

Don't have the images anymore but one of my previous posts had some info, see below, looks like the two side rectangular tubings were around 16" but again you may want that further up away from your windshield based on clearance.

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1) Hole for the yakima bar is going to be 1 3/8 HERE

2) To make the holes you'll need a hole saw drill bit. However, I used it with a hand drill and that hole was a little wider because it was impossible to keep it perfectly straight. Best way to do it easily? -> I'm doing it at the place which is already cutting the bars, otherwise you'll want a table drill.

3) I don't remember but it's something that can be custom based on how much clearange you'll want. I think it's probably around 16" for my part.

Some lessons learned:

1) When drilling the 1 3/8 whole for the bar, make sure you drill it through the bar as opposed to make two separate holes. Mine were done independently and ended up being a little misaligned (not much but better without)

2) Go on the safe side in terms of the wholes that hole the bar to the windshield side bar. Better be safe and leave some space between the bar and the door, and also watch out for the angle. My bar got closer to the door as the bar when up because the two holes in my bar were not parallel.

3) You're absolutely going to need to get your metal bar painted on power coated, otherwise it'll rust.

4) The bar from the drydock is TOO SHORT, I hadn't realized, and although it is only about 3-4 inches too short it's enough to prevent you from adding the plugs in the holes.