20 replies to this topic

[mullet]

Hi all.  Just sharing this project idea, a copper roofrack from left over piping following my house renovation.  It's more for aesthetics, but when used for practical purposes there will be a number of safety additions (patronisers save your breath!).  Yet before finishing off I though let's see what others (productively)say in case there's something I best consider nonetheless....

Attached Files

•  roofrack.jpg   53.39K   25 downloads

[johnR]

Should look good either polished or left to verdigree - might be a bit flimsy though without steel re-inforcing rods inside the tubes

[dyshipfakta]

Same here only reservation is one of strength. It will look quality. How are you going to keep it on the roof?

[Pistonbroke66]

Again, love the design but interested in how you would fix it to the car.

 

keep up the good work

[mullet]

Thanks guys. I agree, copper cannot be better than steel in terms of structure. But for lightweight and irregular use I think fine (and is surprisingly rigid). To show the attachment mechanism please see photo. On the kitchen paper, on the right, are purchased VW camper roofrack brackets.  To get this to 'pull down' on the rack, I had to devise the rest on the left.

The only fear is metal fatigue and eventual snapping of my self built bolts. To counter this, I will install straps front and back. If the metal attachments fail, it's held in place by the back up straps.

 

You can see in the photos the framework isn't dead straight, but well hidden by placement of wooden slats (still to be bolted on but thought I'll see if anyone had ideas before finishing the project entirely).

After my father caused a pile up due to poorly fixed luggage, I don't intend the same here! (Thankfully non fatal!)

 

Again, just for seldom use and the odd tent and sleeping bags.

Attached Files

•  roofrack2.jpg   54.39K   17 downloads

[mini13]

I'm wondering if wooden doweling would slide up the tubes to reinforce.

[mullet]

Hi Mini13.  Wooden doweling is a good idea.  It would be well concealed too.  Any weight should be distributed over both the lower and upper bars, but any sign of sagging when test loading it and I'll be looking at your idea for sure!  Thanks for that.

[THE ANORAK]

nice, but you need some rubber on the "feet" to protect the paintwork of the car. i suggest bicycle inner tubes might work. you could cut a "sock" from one.

[Daz1968]

Trouble is copper has a good scrap value so unless you remove it evertime you use it then it probably be taken by the local tatters

[johnR]

It could be handy if you have a plumbing issue on a bank holiday!

[hhhh]

You could plumb your coolant through it for an auxiliary radiator!

[mullet]

Haha! Love the coolant comment. Agree someone will chav the thing if left on! I'd be taking it off when trips are complete (fairly quick to do).

[hunterg30]

you can buy the rubber feet off ebay

[Vegas superstar]

You could plumb your coolant through it for an auxiliary radiator!

Best. Idea. Ever.

[greenwheels]

I'd weigh  it in. If it caused and accident the police and insurance company would laugh at you.