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Roof Rack

FordFarmer

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Jan 20, 2014
Messages
309
I'm in the market for a roof rack. Originally wanted a NOS dealer installed type bit I'm not sure I want to commit to drilling holes in the roof yet. Now I'm thinking a drip rail mount. I've got a sport with the drip rail moulding so if possible I'd like a chrome or polished aluminum/stainless unit to match the other bright work. Any recommendations? Thanks!
 

MarsChariot

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Oct 12, 2004
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Here it is. One problem though is that I bought that rack back in the late 70's. It was initially just galvanized steel, so I had the side pieces and clamps chromed for long term durability. I had it off and stored on end in a spare bedroom for a few years and the cats loved climbing it like a ladder!

It is of European make and I have not seen it or anything like it since then. Nor can I find the manufacturer's name (DMF) anywhere. There were many sold at the time, so they have got to be out there.
 

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Rob1962

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Farmer, the PO of my EB put a roof rack mounted on the top of the hard top, and I strongly recommend against doing the same. The rack itself was fairly cheap plastic, mounted by two rails that were screwed into the hardtop. What I found is that the hardtop isn't sufficiently strong to support any kind or weight, and flexes very easily. I removed it, welded up the screw holes and repainted the top.

If you really want to carry something, any weight would cause damage. If you're going to go with a roof rack, try the type Mars mentions above.

Here's a pic of mine with the Roof Rack before I removed it for perspective compared to the pic Mars posted.
 

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DirtDonk

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Company in Southern CA called Surco makes (or used to make) some very nice aluminum racks that can clamp to the drip rail. I think they might even make some stainless types too.
I haven't searched to see if they're still around, but I used to like dealing with them and they had some very nice products.

Paul
 

MarsChariot

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Those are all good choices. Definitely stay away from the Country Squire type roof rails that were all the rage in the seventies. As said, these are not serious cargo carriers. But I have to say that the recent crop of basket-shaped, rounded edged carriers are not my favorites either for several reasons:
(1.) The basket length limits the length of the item you can carry. I cannot recall the number of times I have had something longer than the roof to carry, like a simple piece or pieces of lumber or a long tent pole. On the version I have, the top cross-bar is removable. So I can carry something longer than the basket without draping it over the end of a basket. In fact the version I have is completely configurable, and even disassembles into a box the width of the roof. I have used that to my advantage on several occasions.
(2.) The basket shape with its rounded corners and fixed sides, in my opinion, does not match up with the angular design of the Bronco. A matter of aesthetic opinion no doubt. But, a basket does stick out like a sore thumb more than a grill type. And few items that you will carry are round. Most often I have strapped on something long and quite square to the side bars and a rounded interior would have just defeated the purpose. Like an appliance box.
(3.) The baskets are all black and look like some sort of wrought iron grate stuck on the top. Again aesthetics, but, I don't know, just not agreeable to the metallic oragami of the Bronco. I would think that someone could get a set of the usual cross bars and design something more in keeping with the Bronco width and length.

Anyway, these are some of the things I had noticed over the years using the old, pre-basket design.
 

DirtDonk

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You seem to have a pretty narrow choice then. Seems to me like a simple squared-off steel rack is EXACTLY what would look good on a Bronco. And I bet there are some with some slight aero-looking angles that would also look good. Well, to me at least.
Maybe something as simple as the different heights of the baskets can make a big difference in looks.

And regarding baskets, what's the objection to strapping things to the side or top rails? Is it that the strapped items might bend in the middle? Like long wood or metal strips would? Maybe another crossmember (moveable or otherwise) would take care of that.

Seen plenty of Broncos with your typical Yakima/Thule-style ski rack cross-bars clamped to the rail. Also seems pretty EB-like in it's simplicity and looks when I see them drive by. Very natural.
Have you thought of something like that? Seems like it would be strong enough, and simple-looking enough for an EB. And keep things low enough so that the roof, or a folded blanket or something would hold the loads from bending too much in the middle.

Paul
 

half cab

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Dec 8, 2010
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16,311
I put the Country Squire on mine back in the day just for the look ,but in the early 80's I was into all sorts of construction and did find myself tying an aluminium ladder and or step ladder on it with no issues .

Would not put heavy luggage on there though!
 
OP
OP
FordFarmer

FordFarmer

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Jan 20, 2014
Messages
309
Mars, I agree with you completely. You've pretty much outlined most of my thoughts on the racks I've been able to find. I actually really like the "Country Squire" style racks some of you have mentioned. Likely never going to carry much more than a Christmas tree but if it's up there I could be tempted to stack stuff on it. And then there is my hesitation to punch holes in the roof. Don't suppose you want to sell that rack do you? ;) No? well then let me just say you've got a really sharp rig there and I've enjoyed checking out your pictures.

Paul, I checked out Surco and it looks like they make a nice product. They have one in aluminum too which would look better than black but it seems a little bulky for my taste. And really I guess that's what this is coming down to, taste. If I was building a trail rig it would be different but I'm trying to keep it looking period. If I had any welding talent whatsoever I would buy a bender and start building one but I just don't have those skills.

Thanks for all the input guys!
 
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