Notices
JK Write-Ups Bulletin board forum regarding useful installation write-ups, budget fixes and homemade solutions for the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X).

2 Door & Freedom Top Panel Storage Rack - DIY

Thread Tools
 
Old 02-11-2012, 05:48 PM
  #1  
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
 
GreenJK07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Post 2 Door & Freedom Top Panel Storage Rack - DIY

I've been looking around at those super expensive Storage Carts to hold my doors when i remove them so i don't have to lay them on the ground somewhere and scratch them up anymore. After doing some research, I've seen what others have done in the DIY aspect and never saw anyone who actually did a write-up. I then decided to design my own. I was not really looking for a rolling cart because i really have no need for that. After beginning my design, i decided that i would also like storage for my freedom top panels when my soft top is not on, as they have been neglected when they are laying around like my doors on the ground or on towels in my garage or in the dirt at the campsite. This is what i came up with.

** NOTE: This design is for a 2 Door, not a 4 door! **


Tools you will need:
-Rubber Mallet
-Hack Saw
-Sharpy
-Measuring Tape
-Snips or Scissors
-Jack Stands (Optional - it made cutting easier)

Materials Needed:
-30 Feet of 1" PVC
-12, 1" 90 Degree PVC Elbows
-8, 1" T PVC Connections
-12 Feet of 1" Foam Pipe Insulation
-Zip Ties
** All materials cost me $23 at Lowes **

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1144 1.jpg
Views:	751
Size:	61.0 KB
ID:	276897

Step 1:
Measure out your cuts. I used jack stands to support the PVC while i was cutting it to make it easier.

Make cuts as follows:
-4, 10" Cuts (outside base)
-6, 8" Cuts (inside base - bottom door supports)
-6, 20" Cuts (depth of the rack)
-8, 18.5" Cuts (height of the rack)
** See the picture below**

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1143 dimensions.jpg
Views:	1537
Size:	51.7 KB
ID:	276895
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1134 1.jpg
Views:	625
Size:	55.0 KB
ID:	276873


Step 2:
Lay out your cuts and begin assembly with the 90 degree elbows and T connections. Make sure you put everything together before you make the connections solid so you can align everything properly. This is pretty self explanatory, see the picture below:

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1138 1.jpg
Views:	738
Size:	45.0 KB
ID:	276875


Step 3:
Once you have the rack assembled, straighten up all of the connections and use a rubber mallet to drive them home. **Note: I did not use any glue, the connections were more than tight enough without it**

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1139 1.jpg
Views:	648
Size:	53.9 KB
ID:	276876

Last edited by GreenJK07; 02-11-2012 at 06:37 PM.
Old 02-11-2012, 05:49 PM
  #2  
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
 
GreenJK07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Post Continued:

Step 4:
Next, take the foam pipe insulation, measure and make cuts as follows:
-14, 8" cuts (corners and base cuts)
-4, 7.5" cuts (top middle arms)

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1140 1.jpg
Views:	543
Size:	54.5 KB
ID:	276878


Step 5:
-Assemble the 14, 8" cuts on all corners and the base of where the doors and freedom top panels will sit. Use zip ties to secure them along with the adhesive that comes on the pipe insulation. **Note: be careful not to over tighten the zip ties because they will slice through the foam insulation**

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1141 1.jpg
Views:	466
Size:	52.4 KB
ID:	276880


Step 6:
-Assemble the 4, 7.5" cuts in the middle on the top of the rack. **Note: I did not use zip ties on these because i wanted to be able to move them back in forth as needed - The adhesive on the pipe insulation is what secures it**

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1142 1.jpg
Views:	558
Size:	56.5 KB
ID:	276879


Step 7:
Enjoy!! You can use any combination you like, but when i made this design, i planned on putting the doors on the right and left sides of the rack with the freedom top panels in the middle. Since i did not use any glue on the PVC, the rack base can easily be disassembled to put in the back of your jeep to bring out to the camp site or wherever you like!

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1143 1.jpg
Views:	580
Size:	49.3 KB
ID:	276882


Last edited by GreenJK07; 02-11-2012 at 06:31 PM.
Old 02-12-2012, 05:14 AM
  #3  
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
 
GreenJK07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by KY HILTOPR
A great little mod & sooo lightweight, too. Write-up & Pictured detail w/ deminisions are so helpful.
Good Job, bro!
Thank you! It took me a while to measure everything out and search for what others did, so I figured I would make this write up for those like me who just wanted to jump right in a build one. Glad to help!
Old 02-12-2012, 05:19 AM
  #4  
JK Enthusiast
 
KY HILTOPR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In the Hills of KY
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Just a nice Job, Green JK07

This may be a duplicate post - sorry. Computer acting up.

It's a great write up ..and with the detailed pictures, it's worth a thousand word. Simple, Lightweight and best of all: It looks Neat & is Inexpensive !
Old 02-12-2012, 09:01 AM
  #5  
JK Newbie
 
cbrodbeck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Nice write-up!

Charles
Old 02-12-2012, 09:48 AM
  #6  
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
 
GreenJK07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by cbrodbeck
Nice write-up!

Charles
Thanks! Glad to help
Old 03-01-2012, 12:23 PM
  #7  
JK Enthusiast
 
Sirisa0408's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Anderson, sc
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

that looks amazing. i am definately going to add this to my todo list before the summer for my doors. great write up. btw got any pics of it in use?
Old 03-01-2012, 12:30 PM
  #8  
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
 
GreenJK07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Sirisa0408
that looks amazing. i am definately going to add this to my todo list before the summer for my doors. great write up. btw got any pics of it in use?
Thanks! Not yet, it's been rainy and a hot/cold combo. I tested it out after I built it but never took any pictures other than the write up. I will definitely post up when I use it next time! Currently I have my soft top laying across it. Works well .
Old 03-01-2012, 05:41 PM
  #9  
JK Enthusiast
 
Buc Nasty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ChiCaGo IL
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

nice writeup.
Old 03-02-2012, 07:31 PM
  #10  
JK Newbie
 
Destructo607's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Really good idea. Thanks.


Quick Reply: 2 Door & Freedom Top Panel Storage Rack - DIY



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:14 AM.