Build a Safari Rack

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DRIVEN
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Build a Safari Rack

#1

Post by DRIVEN » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:12 am

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
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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.
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I grabbed 2 sticks of 1" square tubing and started cutting and welding.
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A couple quick coats of hammered finish paint. The color is pretty close to the wheels.
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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.
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Three coats of spar varnish:
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All assembled and on the car...
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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.
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When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem starts to look like a hippy.

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jayden71
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Re: Build a Safari Rack

#2

Post by jayden71 » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:43 am

Nice write up dude!!
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.

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K_trip
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Re: Build a Safari Rack

#3

Post by K_trip » Thu Sep 04, 2014 9:22 am

THAT THING IS BOSS

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Re: Build a Safari Rack

#4

Post by 510freak » Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:05 pm

I remember this!

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.

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Re: Build a Safari Rack

#5

Post by DRIVEN » Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:31 pm

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.

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jayden71
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Re: Build a Safari Rack

#6

Post by jayden71 » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:12 pm

More than happy to donate to the project man.

Now you know what would make it even better??

Put "NW" above DATSUN

:fyea:
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.

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