Ok wow, maybe I should check Expo more.. guys thanks for the kind Gamiviti props and Scott, I'm 20 minutes north of you man, you're welcome to check out some racks any time. I've got a full length flat one and a half rack now, both unpainted (and priced accordingly) just need to get the site updated.
I won't say they're the best out there, the extrusion racks probably are IMO (Inti, AO..) but I'll tell you why I made them: I wanted something I could bolt Yakima stuff to, bolt a RTT to, something I could toss firewood onto, and something low enough to get in the garage. Also wanted to keep costs down as much as reasonable, and sized that it would fit 60's, 80's, and 100's. Strong enough that you can stand on it if you have to, but light enough to not make you flop. I also hate expanded metal, it always rattles and rubs on stuff and causes rips in camping chairs. At least in my experience. I was in a fortunate position last year to buy a bender, and have a good friend who welds awesome who is also a mechanical engineer want to get into this with me... we did about a 6 month collaboration on these, then launched a production run. I haven't exactly retired on these- truth be told I still have half of that first run, but also have made a couple more styles in the interim, I've got a full length flat one and a half rack now, both unpainted (will be priced accordingly, just need to get the site updated). I think next up will be a 3/4 rack that will stop just before the sunroof. And that one, may be the best 100 series rack.. for whatever reason I like the one with the basket on the 100 but the flat one seems a little too long. I seem to be addicted to the R&D effort here..
I guess to answer the question the best rack is the one that gets you stoked every time you walk up to your truck. Just like the 'best' set of tires, or best front bumper. Because for me that's what excites me the most about building up these Land Cruisers, it's not the random run where I spank some huge thing with both lockers on, it's the rest of the time when I park 8 spaces away from everyone else.. so again, open invite to come check them out then report back what you think.
couple pics, I'm still looking for a 1/18th scale 60 if anyone knows of one... :sombrero:
