Those are good ideals ks and would make it easier to get in there and wash the roof when needed. I like the jack mount idea too!

 

I need to take mine and shoot fresh paint on it. When I do I might just redo my brackets.

 

I dont know if you can see it here, but I welded 2"X2" stock to the rack. IT should sit about 2" above the roof. Also, the reason that I used 2" was so when i put the nut on the stud, I could get a wrench in there and tighten it up.

 

jason heres a pic of my brackets maybe another option.

 

sorry alittle late on the post I see your mounting idea! should work great!

 

i put three bolts on each side,one at each end,one in the middle. no measurements were made.
i laid the 2,2x4 on the roof and marked each with a pencil line and drilled 5/8 holes for loose fit. sit the 2x4 on the bolts and assm the cross pieces. no measurements. just mark each piece if/when you take it off.

the entire operation took about one hour,then i took it off and painted it.
another hour!

cost less than 20 bucks for wood and bolts/nuts

oh,can you see how ez it is to adjust each bolt/spacer for any curve in roof. just turn the nuts to fit. then snug them up.

 

I was wondering about a arch on the roof from front to back. is there a big difference? from the looks of the picture, it looks like the middle might be about 1/4" higher..
thanks
jason

 

coulda been my 2x4!,,nuttin critical,ez on ez off

 

Put a stright edge or level on that rail and you will see, then try to put the level across the 2 rails. Major "bump".

Instead of the lag bolt Idea I used Unistrut Nuts. Available at your local Home Depot in a 4 pack in various thred sizes!

They stay in place, grab the rail and slide to aid in the perfect centering and fit of yoru roof rack!

 

I knew that there was an arch from the left to the right, but i wasent sure if the rails had a arch in the leingth of them (from front to back).
Ill be checkin that when i get home today.... If theres a big diference, its back to the drawing board
thanks!
jason