'cheap' JK 4dr roof rack

[b1pig]

i decided that if i came across the parts at "the right price", I'd install a non-permanent rack.

After shopping extensively, I couldnt find gutter-mount rack posts less than $75 anywhere commercially. Noting that they are pretty much indestructable, I checked ebay for about 2 weeks. I finally found a set without key locks starting at $15 and $15 shipping. Guess who made the only bid? got lucky. $30 shipped. Got them in a few days as described and in excellent shape.
http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01006.JPG

I then searched ebay for crossbars. Nothing I could find fit the price i wanted to pay. then there was always shipping.

I took the towers to Home Depot. I found that the 3/4" .120 wall black steel was $13 for a 10ft section of pipe... with 58" bars, that would just fit the bill. I got the pipe and came home, fit the pipe in the chop saw and cut it to size. I ended up with one end... just the threaded section... and another peice about 4 inches long as scrap. The ends were dressed with the angle grinder.


http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01005.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01014.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01013.JPG
Using Rustoleum primer and black hammered-finish paint, I primed and painted the bars.

end result?
http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01015.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/b1pig/jk/DSC01016.JPG


gutter mount towers: $30 shipped
3/4" pipe at h.depot: $14
Rustoleum paints: $10

$54.00 isnt too bad... yea, i need to cap the ends... but it is removable if it whistles too much. smile.gif

[jeepin4life]

thats pretty good for 54 bucks, but what happens when you want to take your front section of the top off.

P.S. get that Rubi in the air

[b1pig]

Originally posted by jeepin4life:
thats pretty good for 54 bucks, but what happens when you want to take your front section of the top off.either take off the rack, or slide the front section back. the truth is, if i remove any of the top, i'll remove it all. the only exception may be putting the front panels back on as a mini-bikini.


P.S. get that Rubi in the air ha! $ure wi$h i could. smile.gif
i hope to be in the position to get a budget boost in about 6 months. the 32s will look a little goofy under it, but i cant afford the kind of money alot of others seem to throw at their rigs.

[jeepin4life]

$ure wi$h i could. smile.gif
i hope to be in the position to get a budget boost in about 6 months. the 32s will look a little goofy under it, but i cant afford the kind of money alot of others seem to throw at their rigs. i'm just joking with ya, myself and most others on this board are going through the same situation.
right now i've had my TJ for 1 1/2 years already and mostly stock. thats the main reason why i'm working this summer is to pay for the mods i want to do.

just hang in there it all takes time

[b1pig]

yea, i know...

there are some... no a bunch on another forum with guys who have already thrown money into their rigs.

One guy was talking about how hes waiting on delivery and already has a shopping list of things to do ONCE IT ARRIVES!!!!!!!!

good GOD, man. i WISH i could do that.
Either way, I like my rig. my shopping list consists of 9 things under $500 each that I'd like to do... though some people have urged me not to be too hasty on any particular front bumper and wait on a certain model...

we'll see.. since i'm effectively broke at the moment, i have time on my side. :D

[jeepin4life]

Originally posted by b1pig:
yea, i know...

there are some... no a bunch on another forum with guys who have already thrown money into their rigs.

One guy was talking about how hes waiting on delivery and already has a shopping list of things to do ONCE IT ARRIVES!!!!!!!!

good GOD, man. i WISH i could do that.
Either way, I like my rig. my shopping list consists of 9 things under $500 each that I'd like to do... though some people have urged me not to be too hasty on any particular front bumper and wait on a certain model...

we'll see.. since i'm effectively broke at the moment, i have time on my side. :D same here, broke broke broke

[CMSurfer]

Nice setup. I have a set of Yakima racks for my XJ and they are great.

Their stuff is definitely expensive. I went the Ebay route and pieced together a complete rack for less than half the price it would be new.