I am going to do this on my 2 doors.. how many TB60 rails do I need? I am shopping online and got confused the rail has a price tag of $100, so that is for one piece or two? I am assuming I need 2 pieces.

And, do the rails come with screws?

 

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Great write up. Teh pictures are excellent.

 

Thats for 2 pieces. On a 2 door is the rear top the same size? You might want to go smaller. Take a measurement and see- then measure the rack you want to put on.

 

2 doors roof is smaller I think...

Thule has 3 size rails, the 42 inch and 54 inch are for metal and aluminum surfaces only, the 60 inch is for fiberglass surface only according to the instruction I doubt the rails are different but some install parts that come with DO different.

 

Thanks for the write up... I'm thinking of doing the same to my Rubicon. I see that Yakima has a similar setup:

It's almost the same... the mounting hardware is different though... They use nylon bolts instead of the metal bolts and washers that Thule uses... Still not sure which would be better with our hard tops... Nylon bolts might flex better? Not sure... I like the Thule square bars better than Yakima's round... but I like Yakima's basket better (mega warrior):


I think I'm leaning more towards the Yakima... due to the basket...

At any rate, your write up is awesome... Thanks again.
D.

 

I went with Yakima, installed the tracks a few days ago. The 60'' tracks come with bolts, but they are too short, you will need at least 10-24X1 1/2.

 

Anybody built this rack with the intent of hauling a kayak?
We have an 18' touring kayak, and I'm concerned about the force of the wind on the hull transferring to the top, and on to the eight bolts attaching it to the rest of the Jeep.
Hate the idea of meeting a semi and having the wind blast rip the top off!

 

I toted my canoe a couple of times, but never at high speeds (I've since sold it.)

I did travel with the hard plastic cargo carrier, recently. I did up to 75 mph, and got 18.1 mpg throughout the week long trip. Would have been higher, but had the top off most of the time at the beach, which kills my mileage!

I didn't experience any lift at all, but the "clam shell" is fairly aerodynamic. My front towers were behind the third bolts, which seems extremely strong, but I'm not willing to test it to the breaking point!

My Thule set-up is solid as a rock, and Yakima is the same concept. I think you'd be good-to-go, but it's your top!

 

Great write up and photos! Both of those racks look great, I am leaning towards the Thule. Now that the racks have been installed for a while, how is the top holding up to the load?

While I was reading the write up, it reminded me of installing hardware on a fiberglass boat. When ever I did this, I put a backing plate on the inside to help spread the load. On cars they call them fender washers.