Pic request: Xcab with roof racks on a cap with kayaks.

[koda6966]

I'm planning on putting some racks of an Explorer (or whatever fits best) on my cap so I can haul two small kayaks. I was wondering if anyone had any photos of this so I can see how it all lines up with the cab and the finished height with the kayaks mounted up. The alternative is I put racks onto my trailer to haul them, which I don't want to do.

I can't just put them in the bed because it's typically full of other gear.

If you have any photos of this please post them up.

 

[koda6966]

Bumpety bump bump.

 

[RollinWOT]

No pics, but I do know that Exploder racks can be adapted for fit onto shells if they have the internal trusses. Just put a few bolts and nuts through the truss and bolt it straight up to the rack. I've done a few of these before. If you have a fiberglass shell it will work, but you will have to use a bolt->washer->rubber grommet->shell->rubber grommet->washer->nut sequence to get the rack to stay.

 

[koda6966]

This is the cap they're going on, an older LEER Knight series.

Yeah, I know it needs new paint. I'm gonna tint the windows too.

 

[RollinWOT]

I need new tint in mine too, lol. That should be able to hold 1 or 2 kayaks, so yeah, just line up the rack where you want it, make sure it's straight and level, drill, then put in a bolt->washer->rubber grommet->rubber grommet->washer->nut sequense. That will make sure it doesn't slip around on the hole and it will keep water out. I don'y have any torque specs, but just make sure it doesn't crack the fiberglass, and it might be a good idea to use some blue Loctite on the bolts. Let's get some pics up and see it when you have it all done. Good luck koda!

 

[koda6966]

Alright, cool. I'm going to the junkyard Wednesday or Thursday probably. I'll let you know what I come up with. If I accidentally crack it I'll just epoxy it and sell it off. I only paid $40 for it with four clamps.

I've sold two just like this for $200.

 

[bilzy7]

Koda, is that a sunroof I see? That wouldn't happen to be a mod you show in a build thread would it? I'd love to see how someone has done this previously.
Awesome CARS sun visor? Hehe

 

[koda6966]

I bought the truck in '07 with the sunroof already installed, but from what I have researched they're not that hard to put in if your good with a cutter.

Just go to youtube and type in "how to install aftermarket sunroof."

I think there's a few members who modified Explorer sun-roofs onto their Rangers. You might be able to find a build thread from one of those as well.

 

[RollinWOT]

I'm actually going to try and weasel a rack off one of my shops Exploders or Heeps(with permission of course) to get on my shell. if not, I'll just cut up some old bedframes and weld them together. Plenty of good angle iron to build a rack right there lol.

 

[koda6966]

I'm taking a trip to the JY thursday to pick some up. I kind of wish I still had my old jeep laying around so I could just yank them off there.

And I got it painted today, it's not good. But it's the best I could do with rattle cans. Besides.. it's a beater.

I'll post pictures in my build thread later tonight. None of it on the truck yet since I have to take the bed off to make my axle swap easier.

 

[RollinWOT]

Hey, like I've said before, scratches and dents add character to the vehicle. Crappy paint is no different!

 

[koda6966]

Got that picture up. Still needs tint.

 

[RollinWOT]

The shell looks damn good! Congrats on the engagement buddy.

 

[RollinWOT]

Oh, and speaking of racks HAHAHA I FOUND THE ONE THAT GOES WITH MY SHELL! I found the exact one, matching company OMP logo on the shell and rack so I know it fits...BUT... the rack was designed for use with the same model of shell that I have, but not the same style. It was designed for use to clamp onto the gutter of a non-window shell, but since mine has windows, the windows only open up about an inch with the clamps tightened down on the gutter, so I marked off the clamps and I'm gonna grind down the excess so I can use the rack AND windows.

 

[mmterrill]

could you send me some pics with your rack on it?