Racks are pretty popular in the vintage import scene and I've been looking for options for a while. The Yakima and Thule baskets are pretty pricey and so are the towers and bars for that matter. I ran across these universal cast aluminum stands on CL and picked them up for $40. I really like the idea of a platform for a DIY or custom rack. Since I'm not really into biking, snowboarding or kayaking, I went the basket route. These stands make it pretty easy to create whatever you want. It's something I can throw on for a trip or show then take it off and hang it on the wall when not in use. Here's a link with more info and specs.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1379
Since I had some plywood and steel hanging around, I was only into the whole shebang around $60. Kind of a fun way to kill a Sunday afternoon.
Starting with the towers, I played with placement and took some base measurements. I settled on a 40"X48"X4" overall dimension.
I grabbed 2 sticks of 1" square tubing and started cutting and welding.
A couple quick coats of hammered finish paint. The color is pretty close to the wheels.
Phase two started out as a half-sheet of 3/4" plywood. This particular piece has been leaning in the corner of the shop for 8 years and is a furniture grade cherry finish. FANCY! I beveled all the edges and put a 45* edge on the front. To add some interest and give some hook points for bungees or rope, I put 12 2" holes in it. Then I sanded it up nice and purdy.
Three coats of spar varnish:
All assembled and on the car...
Finally got around to putting a cowl/deflector on my roof rack. I used an old, rough, rusty tailgate for my letter source. It was originally on my brother's green 521 but was sold to Jayden with a huge pile of parts a few years ago. I called to see if I could buy it back and he just donated it to the project. Anyway, I cut the tailgate into pieces, trimmed around the letters and riveted them to a strip of sheet metal. The sheet metal was then riveted to the frame of the rack. I wanted the rusty letters to "float" so I used some MagnaMask letters to save me from having to tape it all off, then shot it with flat black. The flash makes it look glossier than it really is.
Build a Safari Rack
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All advice given here is advice from persons using these forums,these opinions are not of the websites owners,and must be used at own discretion.
nwdatsuns does not verify the accuracy of given advice
This section is for informational How to's
Including, how to on datsuns, general technical, fabrication, electrical etc. Not limited to those, but for real information.
The how to make eggs and sammiches should go under General Discussion, as those topics aren't indexed for searches.
- DRIVEN
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Build a Safari Rack
When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem starts to look like a hippy.
- jayden71
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'79 Patina KC 620 - Location: Land of Po ta toes
Re: Build a Safari Rack
Nice write up dude!!
That will help me with my 521 rack.
My mounts are the same type!
That will help me with my 521 rack.
My mounts are the same type!
DRIVEN » Tue Nov 04, 2014 6:30 pm wrote:I think Bill might be gettin laid.
Ni10 » Wed Nov 19, 2014 7:56 am wrote: all Datsuns ran when parked.
- 510freak
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Re: Build a Safari Rack
I remember this!
I was impressed(still am) on how it came out...Props
I was impressed(still am) on how it came out...Props
Taterhead » Tue Dec 08, 2015 6:35 am wrote:[quote="Taterhead » Mon Dec 07, 2015 2:41 pm
Sorry, I was channeling my inner flatcat.
- DRIVEN
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Re: Build a Safari Rack
Thanks guys. Thought I'd posted it before but it must have been on some other forum.
When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem starts to look like a hippy.
- jayden71
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'79 Patina KC 620 - Location: Land of Po ta toes
Re: Build a Safari Rack
More than happy to donate to the project man.
Now you know what would make it even better??
Put "NW" above DATSUN
Now you know what would make it even better??
Put "NW" above DATSUN
DRIVEN » Tue Nov 04, 2014 6:30 pm wrote:I think Bill might be gettin laid.
Ni10 » Wed Nov 19, 2014 7:56 am wrote: all Datsuns ran when parked.