Aluminum JK roof armor/rack

[DesertJK]

I should draw a picture to show what I am talking about, maybe later. I am thinking I may try attaching some .125 or even some .090 aluminum sheet to my JK roof. I picture 3 pieces so the Freedom top panels are still removable. I'll spacer the installation with plastic spacers <1/2" off the roof. I don't carry heavy loads up there, but the roof has been used to carry light canoes and kayaks many times. I would like just a little more strength and a surface to attach lengths of logistic track to. I'll mostly use it for an inflatable Kayak/Canoe, sometimes a ladder or a few boards for local travel.
I think I would gain some heat resistance too from the reflective aluminum. I have Yakima bars, they have worked okay up there, but I don't leave them on, way too noisy. I can here them over the exhaust, and tires.

Why don't I get a roof rack? I swore I would never buy another one after 5 years of having an awesome rack on my Discovery. I used it for a ton of stuff. It looked cool, it had lights, a ladder, I could walk around up there. But, I sold it before selling the truck to maximize return on a over built and worn out Rover. When I took it off, I couldn't believe how much better it handled from losing the weight. I think it also gained 2 miles per gallon.

If anyone has done a super stealth roof rack/reinforcement on a JK or other Expo rig, lets see it.

 

[ReconH3]

I also would love to see a "on the roof" roof rack. Center a gravity being the main reason, and garage clearance being the second. I would never use it for heavy stuff either. Maybe occasional canoe or the Maxtraxx.

 

[Haf-E]

How about just a couple of logistic tracks directly mounted to the roof? I think one of the interior roof liner insulation kits would reduce Temps more than a partial safari roof.

 

[Comanche Scott]

Some good options available now.

There are a couple of very low profile racks available for the JK now, with support from the Sport Bar.
The AEV rack and Front Runner are a couple like this:
http://ok4wd.com/ssearch?q=jk+roof+rack#/?_=1&page=2

I did a Yakima Roof Rail Kit with cross bars so that when I needed a "rack basket", or wanted to carry the Rocket Box it would be very quick.
The rails are 42" long, and they also offer shorter rails, that could be mounted to the Freedom panels if needed.
The cross bars come off in less than a minute are are keyed to lock in place.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92024_2010_07.htm

In the picture below, you can just see the rail with the mounting feet & caps. When the bars aren't on it is very low profile.
For what it's worth, The Jeep fits in the garage with the cross bars. This JK has a 3" lift and 315/70R 17 tires. It measures 79" from the floor at the highest point of the cross bars.

Hth,

 

[Goody]

Check out rhino racks new jk backbone system. You can take it off when you don't need it and you can remove your hardtop with it on. They also make just crossbars for the backbone if you don't want a full rack. It supports a good amount of weight. Two of us were on top of mine last trip. It's also aluminum.

 

[DesertJK]

I like some of those options, but none are as light and stealth as what I am thinking.

As far as logistic track mounted directly to the roof, I was considering that. I just think the aluminum, if done right, will look good and add some protection for when I am dragging a boat on and off by my self.

I am an aircraft mechanic, specializing in turbine helicopters. I make pretty good stuff. I am trying to make more stuff for my Jeep rather than buy stuff. I used to try to do everything myself on any vehicle I had. If the tool cost $500 to get it done right, and It would cost $500 to pay someone to do the entire job, I used to just buy the tool without regard to how much of my time it would take to figure it out and do it. I still have most of those tools, and have made money by having them, and the knowledge to use them 10 fold.

Then, for a period of time, I was too busy, making good money, and needed what I was driving to just be drive-able. I would just buy what I wanted, and if it was to involved to do the work myself, I paid someone who could do it. At the time I also had some great mechanics nearby.

Now, I am back to wanting to make and do everything myself. I can pay someone, but I also have the time and want to justify some new metal working tools. I've got my eye on a few old (old is better) sheet metal brakes and shears. I also have the space. My new shop is 110' X 50'. No excuse to buy stuff. Aluminum bumpers to replace the Smitty Bilts are in my plans too.

 

[emkay]

I guess what you talk about was common on old land rovers, mainly for heat protection

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[SoDakSooner]

Teraflex Nebo is reasonably low profile. Not much extra weight up top, but can load it up when needed. Once set up, can lift the roof off with it as well.

 

[Dexter612]

I used the rails from the Teraflex Nebo rack. I like that it is supported by the roll bars. High quality parts. Very good instructions. I ordered a section of 10 series t slot 1" x 2" extruded aluminum bars from McMaster Carr for the cross bars. This stuff is a Erector set for men. Very cool. Lots of mounting options.

 

[SoDakSooner]

I used the rails from the Teraflex Nebo rack. I like that it is supported by the roll bars. High quality parts. Very good instructions. I ordered a section of 10 series t slot 1" x 2" extruded aluminum bars from McMaster Carr for the cross bars. This stuff is a Erector set for men. Very cool. Lots of mounting options.

Yep, cool stuff. I only bought 2 of the crossbars. Couldn't justify more at $108 each. Holds my Rtt just fine. Fits all Yakima and Thule stuff too!

Instructions were abosolutely top notch. All the templates were printed IN COLOR on a plotter and lined up perfectly. My check measurements were spot on the first time.

 

[DesertJK]

I guess what you talk about was common on old land rovers, mainly for heat protection

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Exactly! I'll have to check out the Teraflex Nebo too.
I think I can pull off making something pretty close to this. I also want to look at the possibility of being able to mount it when the top is off for quick shower and sun protection, but I think that would add a lot of hassle to it. I love it when the tops off, but then it turns into a PITA when I want to travel anywhere in it. Where I live, I can get away with not having anything secured, very low crime. Half the locals parked downtown leave their keys in the ignition. But, anywhere else, I like a locked up vehicle.