I am looking to fab a quick rack system just for carrying surfboards on top of my 4dr softtop when the tops down. Basically I'm wanting to make something similar to the
Olympic Quick Rack.

I was thinking I could use the threads where the plastic slider parts screw down onto the cage as a mount point. I was just going to make a bar with tabs that the stock screw with the big plastic nob would hold down. Sorry if this is a little confusing. I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Here's a pic of what I'm talking about



I'm a little concerned about strength though. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Great idea. I was planning on ratchet strapping things down.

 

I think you would be ok doing something along those lines.

Maybe follow jeeps que & wrap around one sid of the bar so the bolt goes through the top & bottom,

Like this.



(I showed both connections to keep the veiw a little tighter)

 

Thanks for the feedback... the wrap around is a good idea! What did you use to do the 3d layout... I work in Maya and was just about to mock something up there before I saw your design.

I want to be able to leave the plastic rails and pads on the cage so if I do the wrap around I'll have to give it some extra room.

I like the style of bolt that exists with the big plastic knob but the threaded section is a little short. Anyone know a good place to get a similar style bolt?

I'll post pics as soon as it's built.

 

I used google sketchup. It's free & really easy to use. I'm considering using it once In lieu of Autodesk just to prove it can be done.

I was thinking of wrapping both sides, but then it occured to me that you wouldn't be able to getit over the bars. I suppose you could do the wrap style connection with a slip joint. if you could get tubing that was a close slip fit I.D to O.D.

 

Not sure about the knob style, but another alternative would be the cam type quick disconnect like on bike tires & seat posts. I don't guess they would save much time if there wasn't a slot on the rack instead of a through hole.

Well I did find this
http://knobsource.thomasnet.com/item...ed/f2?&seo=110
but it strikes me as the kind of thing where you have to buy a large quantity.

 

I built up knobs just like that. I got them from reid supply. You can order small quantities through them. You just use a socket head screw with them. Works great.