Ok so call me crazy, but after searching local classifieds and not finding any Beetle roof racks in time before they got sold, I got to thinking how hard can it really be to make one...
All that's really needed for decent fabrication is a cheap bending jig of sorts (dunno if they come cheap) and some quality metal rods and good wooden slats.
.
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And most importantly, the design and dimensions of a standard roof rack. (viz. curvatures)
Any of you on this forum tackled this and have something which you're proud to show off?
Making a Beetle roof rack?
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Guardian
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Re: Making a Beetle roof rack?
Friday bump for a reply...someone...anyone?
Sick of trolling Gumtree and Junkmail...only find one roof rack for sale at R2k
**starting to think that I should fork out the R2k for it**
Sick of trolling Gumtree and Junkmail...only find one roof rack for sale at R2k
**starting to think that I should fork out the R2k for it**
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Merlin
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Re: Making a Beetle roof rack?
The white rack here has just been copied from one of my original Stirling racks. Clamps inclusive.
I am hoping to get more photos and info' next week, but it looks like you will be able to order one soon.
However, due to the steel price and labour involved, it will more than likely be more than your 2k Junkmail rack...
If any of you would possibly be interested in ordering one of these, please let me know so that I can pass on numbers.
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, and oversteer, the rear.
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
Hp is how fast you hit the wall, and Torque is how far you take the wall with you."
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flatfourfan
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Re: Making a Beetle roof rack?
While I admit the labour is the expensive part, there's not 2k worth of work in one.
I helped weld up one for a friend who supplied the rack to copy and the steel as well. The steel cost us R150 (baldwins metaland) for enough 10mm round bar (2 x 6m lengths) and the smaller 6mm bar as well. He made 1 wooden template to do the bends and the rest was done in a vice by hand. I honestly spent maybe 2-3 hours tacking and doing some grinding for him. Total cost including him buying a pack of welding rods and grinding discs for me was R800-00.
I'd honestly advise anyone to give it a go first..........this was the first one that I've done, but I've already got plans to make a luggage rack for my speedster.
I helped weld up one for a friend who supplied the rack to copy and the steel as well. The steel cost us R150 (baldwins metaland) for enough 10mm round bar (2 x 6m lengths) and the smaller 6mm bar as well. He made 1 wooden template to do the bends and the rest was done in a vice by hand. I honestly spent maybe 2-3 hours tacking and doing some grinding for him. Total cost including him buying a pack of welding rods and grinding discs for me was R800-00.
I'd honestly advise anyone to give it a go first..........this was the first one that I've done, but I've already got plans to make a luggage rack for my speedster.
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calooker
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Re: Making a Beetle roof rack?
If you consider what it will cost to get a EMPI one, about R3000 and you still have to put it together, and not a s solid as a 1 piece item, then R2000 is not too bad.
For what it's worth, ignorance has no limits ......