Factory Rack Mod---Pipe Dreams

RadoRoo · 05-28-2008, 10:04 AM

I love the beefiness of the factory rack but let's be real ,the dang thing is just too tall. I would love to be able to just do what I am about to recommend and post pictures to shock everyone but I don't have the resources.

So what about taking the factory rack and essentially turning into a "mini rack" (bottom half only) but cutting the 2nd row of feet off and moving them to the front. Then taking the long section of tubing that was the original top bar and cutting it and re welding it into position. Essentially creating a lower profile factory(beefy) rack. I think it would look sweet, just not sure all the proper angles are there. Of course you would have to repaint/powdercoat to finish it out.

So is this feasible, anyone want to cut up a rack and find out?

jamesart86 · 05-28-2008, 10:22 AM

Do a search, maybe for "mini rack" or something close, there is a mod like that but simpler that's been posted before.

**JoeUser** · 05-28-2008, 10:27 AM

Here's an article from the IH8MUD forum (Woodsman also posted a similar article on this forum, as well):

All new Roof Rack Diet... Mine was a bit too big

- IH8MUD™ Forums

**opg4759** · 05-28-2008, 10:28 AM

You mean this The Mini-Rack install write-up

RadoRoo · 05-28-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

jamesart86 previously said:

Do a search, maybe for "mini rack" or something close, there is a mod like that but simpler that's been posted before.

Yeah I have seen that before, but I want the rack to go all the way from front to rear. To me the half rack looks like the FJ is going bald and I already did that at age 20.

**FJ FunJunkie** · 05-28-2008, 10:33 AM

that one on Ih8Mud would be awesome if it was low like that but still extended full length. I'm not a fan of the receding hairline look.

**Sparks Toyota-TRD** · 05-28-2008, 11:07 AM

it's good you can get it to clear that way but, i'm with you on the half rack, looks better all the way up..............ribs are good in half racks but not roof racks..........

Mark

spclays1 · 05-28-2008, 05:39 PM

Dude, that little smilley by your business site looks just like you

. Take a real good pic of your rack from the side and send it to me so I can study it

. Do a photoshop of what you want it to look like also. We might be able to tear something up.....Mark.

spclays1 · 05-28-2008, 05:50 PM

After looking at the complete roof rack comparison thread and studing the way the factory rack is made I don't think it could be done very easily. The back and middle feet are connected to the lower rack. They could be attached to the top but when you cutoff the front feet and remove 3-4 inches it would shorten the overall length of the rack. The front feet would not reach the holes. You could weld in a section to lengthen it, but it would be trial and error. You would need someone with a tig welder that was REAL good with it.

RadoRoo · 05-28-2008, 06:34 PM

I don't have photoshop so I can't do that. You could go about it two ways separate the top pipe of the rack from the bottom and 1) use the whole top piece, front legs would have to be cut to change their angles and then add the back legs or 2) use the bottom half, cutting the middle legs off just past the arches, moving them up to the front then cutting long top tube and using it as a filler to connect where the previous cuts were made.

Wish I had photoshop and skilz to use it.