Roof racks on '86 4runner with canopy.
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 17:31
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Finito
I have a fibreglass canopy on my 1986 4runner, meaning there are no hard gutters to attach roof racks to. They have weak fibreglass gutters which you wouldn't risk a coathanger on. I have seen people drill holes through the canopy and put plates on either side, and i would like to know if anybody has done this, and if so, how? I would prefer not to spend too much money (obvious, i know) to get some decent racks, and any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Reply By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:11
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:11
Why not build a frame underneath the canopy,bolting it to the floor,then bolting the roof rack through the fibreglass into the inside frame.I believe this is how roof racks are mounted to canopys on Hilux's.
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Follow Up By: Utemad - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:16
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:16
geez........check out the time we submitted very similar replies. Spooky.
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Follow Up By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:23
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:23
You know what they say,Great minds think alike!!
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Reply By: Utemad - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:11
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 18:11
On ARB canopies they also put a steel bar that goes from the floor up and over to the other side and down to the floor to take the weight. Then bolt the racks through the canopy to the bar.
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Reply By: Finito - Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 12:11
Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 12:11
I know that people usually do put a hole in the canopy to connect the racks to the floor, but i want to be able to take the canopy on and off without removing the roof racks as
well. I have seen a sandwich effect where there is a plate on the inner and outer side of the canopy for strength, and the roof racks connect to the outer plate. Has anybody else seen this, or done it? Is it strong enough to hold a kayak?
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Follow Up By: Utemad - Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 15:57
Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 15:57
You could just sandwich the canopy to get added strength but you would be very limited in weight IMHO. Having seen my friends TJM canopy almost fall off a couple of times I would be very reserved about putting anything on like that. Better check the strength of your canopy and what bolts it down before you do that. (I think TJM canopies are crap by the way, my ARB one is held far more securely than a TJM one)
You could always just sandwich it in a position that you could put a bar in later if need be or have the bar as a cool looking roll over type bar that you would leave in place when you remove the canopy and just bolt the roofracks through the canopy into threaded holes in the roll bar.
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