Custom Roof Rack

Ducky · 11-27-2003, 08:48 AM

Jowie and I have been fabbing up a roof rack... its almost done, need to grind a bit, get misc. bolts, and paint it...

Just wanted to know your opinion....

Are the lights too close? should I space em out a bit? or does it look good as is?

***Corey*** · 11-27-2003, 09:29 AM

Looks good.
I'd put a little extra space between the lights though, I think it would just look a bit better.

Dang, you got some bucks tied up into 4 Lightforce lights

Those the 170s?

Ducky · 11-27-2003, 09:45 AM

Yea... 170's... When I bought the Viair 450c I just ponied up the bones for a pairs... lol.

Yea Jowie thinks they look fine... I kinda think they need to be even from edge to edge...

RobT2k · 11-27-2003, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ducky
When I bought the Viair 450c

Where are you mounting this? Under the hood? Or is it the portable model?

Ducky · 11-27-2003, 10:57 AM

Under the hood.. got the best place for it...

RobT2k · 11-27-2003, 11:05 AM

Well where is that? Got pics?
I like the look of your lift, how much do you have your SAWs cranked?
I've got 1 3/4" of thread showing on the bottom of mine, can I go up more without causing CV damage? How long have you had yours cranked that high?
Oh yeah mine are the newer SAWs with the stiffer springs(675ppi) are yours newer or older style?

outdoorfever · 11-27-2003, 11:06 AM

that looks awesome, but i agree with corey and space out the lights a little, good work ~kyle

914runner · 11-27-2003, 11:10 AM

looks good!

Ducky · 11-27-2003, 12:08 PM

thx all... I prolley will space them out a bit.

Robt2k... not sure... but as far as the mounting, unlike most ppl with the 3rd gens, my antilock brakes (I think thats what they are) are not on the passenger side wheel fender... mines integrated with my brake master cylinder... so my passenger fender is pretty much clear... it will go right there... I dont have pics, but I will when I install it...

smr4runner · 11-27-2003, 12:53 PM

Hey Ducky,
That looks sweet.
I like the way the rack sits tight with the roof line. Thats what bugs me about my Yakima rack.

I do agree that the lights need to be spread out more.
What is holding the black handle of your highlift jack. That could easily be caught by a branch.

The tire up there will change your center of gravity a bit.

Can't wait to see it in person.

Mike

Ducky · 11-27-2003, 12:59 PM

Mike... Currently... a couple of zip ties... but im wanting a rubber holder like jowies..

***midiwall*** · 11-27-2003, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobT2k
Well where is that?

I run a 450C under the hood as well... I moved my cruise control (I have an auto) and mounted it up on the passenger side fender:

(click the pics for larger versions)

BajaTaco · 11-27-2003, 09:20 PM

That is a sweet looking 4runner!

Nice lights! It does look like they are almost touching? A little more space would probably be good.

RobT2k · 11-28-2003, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by midiwall
I run a 450C under the hood as well... I moved my cruise control (I have an auto) and mounted it up on the passenger side fender:

What did you do with the cruise control? Just move it a few inches? Did you have to make another mounting bracket for it?
Where does that line coming out of your compressor go to?

***midiwall*** · 11-28-2003, 08:48 AM

(sorry for hijacking the thread Ducky... I think we'll be quick)

Quote:

Originally posted by RobT2k
What did you do with the cruise control? Just move it a few inches? Did you have to make another mounting bracket for it? Where does that line coming out of your compressor go to?

The cruise control got moved straight forward (straight in terms of "towards the engine") about 10" and then rotated it 90 degrees so that the cable points straight up. You can see it in the middle picture, #2: http://www.midiwall.com/4Runner/pics/viair450c_2.jpg

I used the stock mounting bracket, and just drilled a hole in the fender to mount it to. It's self-calibrating so there's no need to futz around after moving it. Just be sure that the cable isn't kinked.

The 450C comes with a 12"(ish) steel braided leader that terminates in a 1/4" NPT fitting. I attached that to a barbed nipple, and clamped on a 3/8" hose (the orange one that you can see). The hose runs along the passenger fender well, under the electric fans to a 1 x 3 manifold. The manifold supports 1) a line to a tank, 2) a pressure cutoff switch, and 3) a feeder line for plugging in an air hose: (http://www.midiwall.com/4Runner/pics/viair450c_3.jpg)

Hope that helps! If youo have other questions, we should probably move out of Ducky's thread.

***midiwall*** · 11-28-2003, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ducky
Are the lights too close? should I space em out a bit? or does it look good as is?

I had a thought about this...

Outside of spacing them out, I would wire the outside pair separate from the inside pair so that they're on different switches. Aim the outsides out farther in front of the hood (and since they're LifghtForces, set them to a wide pattern), then aim the inner pair in closer, and set them to a narrower pattern. That would give you a good range of possibilities for lighting up the road in front of you.

phatride4ever · 11-28-2003, 10:58 AM

this is going to sound stupid but oh well. How do you wire those lights on the roof to a realy switch and a battery? Do you go through the celling liner or what?

Ducky · 11-28-2003, 12:04 PM

Mark: Ill for sure space them out... going today to pick up the longer bolts I need... hopefully that will solve my mounting problems... but thinking ahead unless i put switches somewhere else I only got room for 1 switch for all 4... (ill have room for an compressor switch and a locker switch)

phatride4ever: Good question... I haven't gotten that far yet... lol... at least it will look cool... heh... but yea ill have to figgure that out after I get everything secured the way I want it.

Robt2k: I think ill try to get pics of mine before i mount the compressor... alot of people are amazed that theres nothing over on that fender on my 01... I prolley wont even have to move anything...

***midiwall*** · 11-28-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ducky
but thinking ahead unless i put switches somewhere else I only got room for 1 switch for all 4... (ill have room for an compressor switch and a locker switch)

Hmmm... 'k. You may wanna look into a switch panel, even if you don't use it fro the lamps, I'd bet that you're not done with switches.

For example, "when" you add a winch (you know you will!) it's handy to have a kill switch inside the truck. That way you can kill power to the winch when you leave the truck, lest someone hotwire the winch and use it to bend the bejeezus out of your frame.

You can buy "standard" panels blister packed at Schucks, or you can fun with stuff like this:

http://www.painlessperformance.com/switchcc.htm

Whatever you do, run a _couple_ of relays in parallel to support the load. Those 170's will draw a good amount of current, don't try to pass it all through a switch. David did that with the initial install of his rocklights and realized that he could feel the heat off of the switch after them being on for just a minute. "not good".

Ducky · 11-28-2003, 04:57 PM

Already got a pair of relays, Im running a relay per pair of lights...

Just started to primer it... not going to grind down the welds too much, it will be all out of view anyhow... besides I think it looks ok and thats all that matters....

moved the lights out and spaced them out.. we will see when its all said and done....

the bolts... the only thing i hate is finding metric bolts... lol... I couldnt find longer bolts in the size i need so I may have to goto tacoma screw or something to get the ones I need.

11-27-2003, 08:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Custom Roof Rack Jowie and I have been fabbing up a roof rack... its almost done, need to grind a bit, get misc. bolts, and paint it... Just wanted to know your opinion.... Are the lights too close? should I space em out a bit? or does it look good as is? __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

11-27-2003, 09:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,832	Looks good. I'd put a little extra space between the lights though, I think it would just look a bit better. Dang, you got some bucks tied up into 4 Lightforce lights Those the 170s? __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

11-27-2003, 09:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Yea... 170's... When I bought the Viair 450c I just ponied up the bones for a pairs... lol. Yea Jowie thinks they look fine... I kinda think they need to be even from edge to edge... __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

11-27-2003, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Under the hood.. got the best place for it... __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

11-27-2003, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
RobT2k Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 927	Well where is that? Got pics? I like the look of your lift, how much do you have your SAWs cranked? I've got 1 3/4" of thread showing on the bottom of mine, can I go up more without causing CV damage? How long have you had yours cranked that high? Oh yeah mine are the newer SAWs with the stiffer springs(675ppi) are yours newer or older style? __________________ '99 3.4L Limited Trail pics

11-27-2003, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
outdoorfever Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Concord NC Posts: 1,059	that looks awesome, but i agree with corey and space out the lights a little, good work ~kyle __________________ -Kyle Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE!!

11-27-2003, 11:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
914runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tigard, Oregon Posts: 2,086	looks good! __________________ 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1998 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4 Door, 3.4l (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 32's, 4.10's

11-27-2003, 12:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	thx all... I prolley will space them out a bit. Robt2k... not sure... but as far as the mounting, unlike most ppl with the 3rd gens, my antilock brakes (I think thats what they are) are not on the passenger side wheel fender... mines integrated with my brake master cylinder... so my passenger fender is pretty much clear... it will go right there... I dont have pics, but I will when I install it... __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

11-27-2003, 12:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
smr4runner Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kent, Washington Posts: 648	Hey Ducky, That looks sweet. I like the way the rack sits tight with the roof line. Thats what bugs me about my Yakima rack. I do agree that the lights need to be spread out more. What is holding the black handle of your highlift jack. That could easily be caught by a branch. The tire up there will change your center of gravity a bit. Can't wait to see it in person. Mike __________________ 1997 3.4L V6 4Runner SR5 http://smregal.com/smr4runner.htm

11-27-2003, 12:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Mike... Currently... a couple of zip ties... but im wanting a rubber holder like jowies.. __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

11-27-2003, 09:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
BajaTaco Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 638	That is a sweet looking 4runner! Nice lights! It does look like they are almost touching? A little more space would probably be good. __________________ Chris Marzonie BAJATACO.COM Toyota light expedition vehicle Adventure reports Lots of Photos OVERLAND JOURNAL North America's first vehicle-dependent expedition magazine

11-28-2003, 10:58 AM	#17 (permalink)
phatride4ever Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nor-cal Posts: 65	this is going to sound stupid but oh well. How do you wire those lights on the roof to a realy switch and a battery? Do you go through the celling liner or what?

11-28-2003, 12:04 PM	#18 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Mark: Ill for sure space them out... going today to pick up the longer bolts I need... hopefully that will solve my mounting problems... but thinking ahead unless i put switches somewhere else I only got room for 1 switch for all 4... (ill have room for an compressor switch and a locker switch) phatride4ever: Good question... I haven't gotten that far yet... lol... at least it will look cool... heh... but yea ill have to figgure that out after I get everything secured the way I want it. Robt2k: I think ill try to get pics of mine before i mount the compressor... alot of people are amazed that theres nothing over on that fender on my 01... I prolley wont even have to move anything... __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H Last edited by Ducky : 11-28-2003 at 12:06 PM.

11-28-2003, 04:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	Already got a pair of relays, Im running a relay per pair of lights... Just started to primer it... not going to grind down the welds too much, it will be all out of view anyhow... besides I think it looks ok and thats all that matters.... moved the lights out and spaced them out.. we will see when its all said and done.... the bolts... the only thing i hate is finding metric bolts... lol... I couldnt find longer bolts in the size i need so I may have to goto tacoma screw or something to get the ones I need. __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H