question for DIY roof rails

[spechuy]

So I've been wanting to replace my current roof rails.. came across a thread on lost, and I would reply there but I've been waiting for months and my account never activated.. I think at one point I was banned, not really sure why but thats besides the point..

so this thread: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=32824&hilit=harbor+freight

Since harbor freight doesn't make the clamp-on tees anymore, people have been buying from:

https://www.teksupply.com/farm/supp...-ts1_quik_klamp_pipe_fittings_5;pg105957.html

My question is: should I go for 1" or 1-1/4"? someone on lost said the teksupply ones were a little bigger than harbor freight so I assume they went with 1-1/4 so I was thinking I can go with 1"...? Also, do they make chain link fences that fit both 1" and 1-1/4" clamps or is it just a standard 1-3/8"?

the thread says to get a 1-3/8" chainlink fence post which equals 1.375"... clamp-on tees 1" OD = 1.315" (slightly smaller), 1-1/4" OD = 1.66" (bigger)..

I'd like to go as small as possible, thinking that the smaller the dia = the smaller pipe I can fit which means I can clear the roof lines easier...? don't want the rails to touch.... makes sense in my head, just don't want it to be stuck with clamps that are too small. Don't have access to a bender so I'm just going with straight pipes.

let me know what you guys think, thanks!

 

[bmrrwolfe]

So I've been wanting to replace my current roof rails.. came across a thread on lost, and I would reply there but I've been waiting for months and my account never activated.. I think at one point I was banned, not really sure why but thats besides the point..

so this thread: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=32824&hilit=harbor+freight

Since harbor freight doesn't make the clamp-on tees anymore, people have been buying from:

https://www.teksupply.com/farm/supp...-ts1_quik_klamp_pipe_fittings_5;pg105957.html

My question is: should I go for 1" or 1-1/4"? someone on lost said the teksupply ones were a little bigger than harbor freight so I assume they went with 1-1/4 so I was thinking I can go with 1"...? Also, do they make chain link fences that fit both 1" and 1-1/4" clamps or is it just a standard 1-3/8"?

the thread says to get a 1-3/8" chainlink fence post which equals 1.375"... clamp-on tees 1" OD = 1.315" (slightly smaller), 1-1/4" OD = 1.66" (bigger)..

I'd like to go as small as possible, thinking that the smaller the dia = the smaller pipe I can fit which means I can clear the roof lines easier...? don't want the rails to touch.... makes sense in my head, just don't want it to be stuck with clamps that are too small. Don't have access to a bender so I'm just going with straight pipes.

let me know what you guys think, thanks!

I just did this a few months ago and bought the exact same clamps am almost positive i got the 1" clamps.
They fit good and the front sits real close but does not touch even without bending the pipes and with added weight up there.
EDIT: i found my old email that confirmed my order and i did use the 1" clamp.
Also Homedepot/lowes has the fence top post in a 10'6" length that can just barely squeeze inside the KJ with the rear glass closed!

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[spechuy]

awesome, thanks!

 

[hyde]

This would be great to add some back up lights on the roof, but too bad I barely clear my garage's door with the way it is now.

 

[spechuy]

This would be great to add some back up lights on the roof, but too bad I barely clear my garage's door with the way it is now.

I can't fit without tilting my KC's I thought about selling the daylighters to buy a rene light bar but its too expensive, too much work and I don't know about drilling a bunch of holes.. so I put that on pause.

my back up lights are on the basket.. just some small walmart specials but they clear no problem

 

[bmrrwolfe]

I can't fit without tilting my KC's I thought about selling the daylighters to buy a rene light bar but its too expensive, too much work and I don't know about drilling a bunch of holes.. so I put that on pause.

my back up lights are on the basket.. just some small walmart specials but they clear no problem

thats what im running the small rectangular wally mart light, and they are pretty bright!! and then just a set of Pilots that were cheap for the front. since i got my Hella 500s on the brush guard

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[hyde]

spechuy,
I think some low profile lights may work for me if I can install them right behind the cross bar.

bmrrwolfe, do you have the list of exact stuff you bought from them, down to the bolts. Yours look good and you didn't have to bend anything which would have been a big inconvenience, and since I won't be doing any loading, I don't mind if it is a bit close to the roof.

http://www.realtruck.com/hella_optilux_2020_dual_driving_fog_lights/R141392P1C1T.html#
http://www.realtruck.com/product/46271/hella_ff50_driving_lights_kit_008283861_complete_kit.html

 

[bmrrwolfe]

spechuy,
I think some low profile lights may work for me if I can install them right behind the cross bar.

bmrrwolfe, do you have the list of exact stuff you bought from them, down to the bolts. Yours look good and you didn't have to bend anything which would have been a big inconvenience, and since I won't be doing any loading, I don't mind if it is a bit close to the roof.

http://www.realtruck.com/hella_optilux_2020_dual_driving_fog_lights/R141392P1C1T.html#
http://www.realtruck.com/product/46271/hella_ff50_driving_lights_kit_008283861_complete_kit.html

I'm pretty sure i got the exact same clamps as your link in 1" that comes with all the bolts and the set screws needed and then just the chain link top post to be cut, and some foam pipe insulation inside the clamp (just the topish area) that lifted it slightly higher and to prevent metal on metal contact.
Its real simple but remember the cross bars will not be the same length as the roof rack spread wider (i think) as it goes back.
Then just some primer and then a coat or two of black spray paint, and i even put a coat of clear on them just because i had some left laying around.
Also not a necessity but stainless bolts are soon in the future!
Any other questions feel free to pm me!

 

[DAGtunes]

Someone posted about this about a month ago.

I searched around back then, and found this:

http://www.hooverfence.com/vinylchainlink/vinylcoatedindustrialpipe.htm

And these:

http://www.hooverfence.com/pipe-fittings/kee-klamp/catalog.htm

I'd give those some serious consideration for your project. Check out some of the application photos for the Kee Klamps.

Good Luck!

 

[DAGtunes]

Here's that previous thread...

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41877&highlight=DAGtunes