I am looking for a roof rack for my 1983 Toyota pickup 4x4. I can't seem to find anyone with one, or any threads on this forum for our first gen pickups. I am even considering fabricating my own up but I want to get some ideas of how others may have got it one mounted to our cabs. I just want one big enough for a spare tire and couple other things. I don't really want to drill holes in the roof to install mounting brackets, but it seems like it may be the only solution.

 

I wonder if Thule makes attachment mounts for that cab?

 

Think that toyospearos first gen has a roof rack.

 

On my phone right now, but it should be easy to find.

 

I wanted to do the same thing had a rack welded and all but just couldn't get myself to drill the roof so mounted mine on the bed rails. Nice if I need to use the bed I can unbolt it in about a minute.

 

There are a lot of old school style racks that attach to rain gutters. Not sure if that would work on your cab.

 

it's on his 3rd gen flatbed


you should be able to find a universal fit roof bar system that clips on the rain gutters if you don't want to drill your roof. I suppose if your rain gutters are in good condition it might work, but i dunno if i'd really trust that system for real-world use other than something light like a snowboard.

drilling is likely your only option if you want something that's actually rated to carry something like a full size spare tire.


btw - i haven't seen too many pics of 1st gen pickups with roof racks....but in the RC world there are many people who put roof racks on their Tamiya Hilux body (1st gen pickup) and you can find a few pics of those floating around for reference.

 

If you didn't mind having a headache rack that might be an option. Might have to drill into the bed though

 

Highonpottery hit it, I used to work at a bike shop back in the 90's and we sold Thule products. They made a gutter fit kit that clamps to your factory drip rail. I wouldn't go putting a bunch of weight on it, but I imagine that it could probably hold 200 lbs without a problem. I also saw on here earlier where somebody was selling a Kargo bed/rook rack for $400 out of Virginia. I know it wasn't for first gen pickups, but there is a chance that it could be modded to fit.

I also did something similar to what 406dru posted on my 92 Ranger when I was 16. I had a tonneau cover that I had a Thule rack clamped to the outside of. Worked out really well, looked clean and removed easily.

 

Yakima also makes "Raingutter Mounts" that work well. I have 4 sets on my F-250 Campershell. They can hold pretty decent weight. I'd say good factory rain gutters on a Toy will do fine, as they are made of metal. I had 2 bars on my 83 for a while, but there isn't much room for a rack since the cab is so small.

Fishhook