[Mike]

i've seen that calmini make roof racks for a soft top sierra and i wouldn't mind making myself one
has anyone else made one? anyone got any pics of one?

Cheers

[lump_a_charcoal]

I reckon one of those Thule box looking things would be good -

[Damo]

Mike wrote:

i've seen that calmini make roof racks for a soft top sierra and i wouldn't mind making myself one
has anyone else made one? anyone got any pics of one?

Cheers

IMO, the best way to do this would be to make an exo cage and bolt you basket or roof pod etc onto that.

[Mike]

i just thought a set of roof racks would be easier because i wouldn't really be putting much weight on the racks just a couple lights and occasionally fishing rods

[Damo]

Mike wrote:

i just thought a set of roof racks would be easier because i wouldn't really be putting much weight on the racks just a couple lights and occasionally fishing rods

It would be easier if there were somewhere to bolt the racks on. I have seen a little bars that bolts to the top of the windscreen frame and b-pillar, but even then they had a hoop right at the back (off the bumper i think).

[Mike]

i was thinking of mounting it from the where the windscreen bummer stopper things and then at the back on each side of the tailgate

[Damo]

Mike wrote:

i was thinking of mounting it from the where the windscreen bummer stopper things and then at the back on each side of the tailgate

That would work, but I wouldn't put too much weight on it. A few things like you mentioned would be fine though i'm sure.

[Mike]

the main reason would be just for it would be somewhere to mount some spotties and a worklight at the back

[Lokidog]

I've been thinking about the same thing.

I've seen both the Calmini and the Warrior Safari Racks and both are quite pricey (around $410-$430USD).
To me the 'basket' is overkill for my needs as I'd only be using it to transport a couple of longboards. I'm thinking of making one with the same set up but with no basket (basically a ladder rack).

Also, I'm not sure whether the Calmini or Warrior products are 'tech' screwed directly to the body. My thoughts are to use 'nutserts', whether this way of fixing it to the body will be any stronger or weaker, I don't know. My thinking is that if I remove the rack for any reason, I can insert some brass screws to fill the holes.

[lump_a_charcoal]

Nutserts should be stronger than tekscrews anyday - tekscrews will eventually rattle out.

[fordy1]

these are the factory roof racks for a vitara and i would have the basket filled with camping gear and the roof off, it was great.

this type of mount would be good on the sierra and bolting racks to the bumpers is heading to ugly town...

[Lokidog]

lump_a_charcoal wrote:

Nutserts should be stronger than tekscrews anyday - tekscrews will eventually rattle out.

I thought so. I've never inserted/used nutserts before.
Looking at a couple of existing nutserts in my zook, I'd say that they're a better solution than tekscrews.

fordy1's factory racks for the Vitara look the goods. I'd guess they're also expensive and certainly wouldn't fit a Sierra.

From what I can see the Calmini and Warrior Safari Racks (both from the US) are the only ones on the market for a Sierra.

Looks like I'll have to invest in a pipebender, nutserts, nutsert tool, some 1" steel pipe and borrow my BIL's welder. It'll probably cost me a few hundred dollars in tools and materials. But $650 AUD + shipping for the Calmini or Warrior Racks is a bit steep.

[fordy1]

the factory vit rack could be modded to fit but they are to rare to chop up, first rack i saw i bought for $170.00 back in 2000 and the second rack isaw was last week on ebay that sold under $200.

but a custom one made like this setup for a sierra would best be built in 2 or 3 to try and ofset the build cost and they would be shit hot

[fordy1]

the factory vit rack could be modded to fit but they are to rare to chop up, first rack i saw i bought for $170.00 back in 2000 and the second rack isaw was last week on ebay that sold under $200.

but a custom one made like this setup for a sierra would best be built in 2 or 3 to try and ofset the build cost and they would be shit hot

[Lokidog]

Years ago an old mate (plumber) built himself a ladder and pipe rack for his landcruiser (work) ute. He used steam/gas pipe and several different types of pipe joiners. The materials used would have been expensive, but as he was in the trade I guess it cost him bugger all.
I've thought about doing something similar, not necessarily with gas pipe, just steel tube and making a setup that can be pulled apart and reassembled for shipping. My idea was if I made a few racks up I could sell the extra racks to other interested Sierra owners.
It's just a 'pipe dream' There are a lot of factors that have put me off such a legal and liable ramifications, ADR etc
When I get some spare time, I might draw up some plans and post them on here. If there are any soft top Sierra owners interested, perhaps we can organise a group build