I've been busy.......
Some of you may know that I was blessed with the prototype Frontrunner replacement roof rack. I have been sporting the rack for a couple months and I'm in love. It's strong, sleek and just plain BA. I have had a nagging feeling in the back of my head so I took matters into my own hands.
What I did was cut about 2 inches off of the brackets and rewelded them back together. I also purchased 2 extended side bars and one slat (cross bar) to extend the rack about 8 inches on the leading edge.
The rack now sits (at the center of the roof) about 3" above the roof. I also used the extended front end to flush a light bar under the front of the rack. This will keep it safe and any contact with over head obstacles will be taken by the rack and not the light bar.
I think this looks a million times better. I hope the guys at FR agree and offer this modification as an option.
First the removal, measuring and prep. Can't screw this step up. I used masking tape to keep me in check.
Several cuts later and 4 cut off wheels we are ready to weld.
I made about 50 2" beads.
Blew the rack apart and added the slats to extend it.
All buttoned up and mounted
This is the rack FrontRunner should have built us. I hope they like it.