As my family grew, we needed more space in our Toyota 4Runner. Originally I was going to buy a Gobi Roof Rack but as soon as I found out about the estimated 58 months lead time I had to find an alternative. This led me to design and build my own custom roof rack to fit my needs.

Place to buy raw materials online (make sure to search for discount codes to save more $$$)
onlinemetals.com

Links of products/tools used in the video:

Tube Notcher: https://amzn.to/3xZruen
Lenox 1" Hole Saw: https://amzn.to/3fQy2F7
Lenox Hole Saw Kit: https://amzn.to/3plrrpk
SEM Hot Rod Black Paint: https://amzn.to/3vS2PXi
Self Etch Primer: https://amzn.to/3vMiMye
Seal for Wind Fairing: https://amzn.to/3uA4UXE

The Process:
00:00 | Why I DIY my own roofrack
00:30 | Cargo storage alternatives
01:08 | Roofrack has three main essential components
01:36 | 20032009 Toyota 4runner factory roofrack measurements
02:17 | Design and modeling roof rack in SolidWorks
03:13 | Roofrack SolidWorks Cutlist or Bill of Materials (BOM)
03:22 | Where to buy steel material locally in Washington State
03:31 | Getting tubes bent on JD Squared tube bender
03:43 | Designing and building jig/fixture to keep roofrack in place during welding
04:00 | Fabrication, cutting, welding, and notching
04:36 | Roofrack mount mockup
05:27 | Cutting the expanded metal for roofrack base
05:48 | Building the wind fairing
06:17 | Getting the rack ready for primer and paint.
07:19 | The SEM hot rod black finish after painting
07:00 | Final roof rack installation onto 4runner
08:00 | The final result / finish!
08:20 | Roofrack storage and getting ready to go camping
08:32 | Conclusion and what I would like and what I would change.

You can find me on many platforms:
Instagram:   / ratha.sochenda  
Kit: https://kit.co/ratha.sochenda
LinkedIn:   / rathasochenda  
Behance: https://www.behance.net/rathasochenda

*Just a small note for the product links provided: I’ll get a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me immensely to continue to make videos like this.

Music by Chinsaku Blossom https://thmatc.co/?l=68319E6

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By using some of the affiliate links above, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This is the easiest way to support me and helps me continue making content like this for you. Thank you

Due to factors out of my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assume no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Be safe!

#DIY #roofrack #SolidWorks #Gobi #4runner #CAD #engineer #RathaSochenda #overland