By Stephen on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 09:53 am: Edit

I'm thinking of making a roof rack myself - modelling it after the 'adventure' rack.
I was thinking of using either 1/2" or 3/4" copper plumbing tubing and fittings for it.
I was previously looking into a bamboo rack but that didn't look terribly strong.
I don't have access to welding equipment - so I was thinking copper plumbing fittings and pipe would be easy because I could simply braze it together, and eventually spray bomb it.
It would be a lot cheaper than buying the OEM part.
The copper pipe appears to be quite sturdy under stress and strain.
Any thoughts/opinions/comments on this plan?

By Robert Mann (Oldscout) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 09:59 am: Edit

If you go this way I would pop rivet the joints I would hate to see it come apart at 75MPH. You can buy a small bender that will do 1/2" thru 5/8"or 5/8 thru 1.25" from Harbor freight. I think as few joints as possible will make it look more professional. I think the bender is about 12.00 and will save you money as 90 and 45 degree joints are not cheap.

By Ron on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 10:04 am: Edit

Cooper pipe is $$$$

If you use regular steel channel and are creative about it you can bolt/screw one together fairly well. Seen a few series set up like that.

Tubing is more of a pain. And for the amount you spend on copper pipes and fittings you could probably by a cheap MIG and the habour freight crap bender.

Ron

By Stephen on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 10:15 am: Edit

Rivets! Excellent idea! (i wonder if they would rust against the copper though...)
And the bender is a good thought too.
Also - this may be asking a bit much, but:
All I have are pictures of the rack. Anyone know where I could get something showing some actual measurements or dimensions?
Ron - I worked it out to about $120 cdn in materials using copper pipe - which is not too bad - considering the rack sells for $1500 cdn up here in Calgary!

By Steve (Steve2) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:00 am: Edit

bamboo?!? - i gotta see that - a rattan roof rack!

best of luck either way
steve

By Robert Mann (Oldscout) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:06 am: Edit

Just buy aluminum or copper or stainless pop rivets, no rust.

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 04:51 am: Edit

talk about a plumbers rack....

i guess you could put a nipple on one end of that tubing and use it as an air storage device.. hehe

i dont belive this man to be serious,, and i like it.

rd

By Chris Merritt (Smokinbro) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 08:09 am: Edit

Why don't you just buy a tube bender and then use 3/4" steel pipe. You could reasonably easily bend the pieces to shape, trim with a hacksaw.

Then, grab a few 20's and a case of beer and head to some little hole in the wall welding outfit.

Catch a guy on a Saturday afternoon when the boss is away - I've had plently of weldign done for the cost of a few beers.