Roof Rack. Wood. Functional. DIY

[blitz355]

Being around BFC for awhile I know that many many members think that racks on a bimmer is something that should never be done. I respectfully disagree. Functionality is important to many. :cool

In this mini write up I will show you the things I used to make my wooden rack. So far I have carried wheels/tires/mountain bike/wood on the rack and it is handy. I'd image the snow freaks could use this for snowboards very easily. :redspot

Supplies/Machines used:

Planer
Jointer
Miter Saw/Radial Arm (you could get away with a circ saw, but it will take longer)
Table Saw
Electric Drill
Palm Sander
MinWax Polyurethane
Deck Screws (any screws really)
Stain (optional)
U-Bolts

I may be missing a few things but, I'm sure you can all figure it out ;)

I'll apologize right now, I didn't document the whole process. Didn't think I would get so much interest. I only have after pictures.

For this project I used Red Oak ( I think I ordered ~15 board feet, I had a decent bit left over so use your own judgement). You can use any other wood you want, Id strongly advise against softwoods though.

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/Maverick--/6.jpg

There are 14 slats total. Each 2 inches wide.
So, if you want your rack to taper like mine you will have 7 pairs. The longest pair on my rack measures 40.5 inches long, and the following smaller pairs are 1/4 of an inch smaller than the one before.

Holding together the slats are two runners that go on either side of the roof rack rail:

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/Maverick--/wood%20rack/PB180050.jpg

These runners are 41 inches long (the whole rack is 41inches wide)
Between each slat is 1 inch of space. I cut up two one inch blocks of wood to use as spacers while screwing them all together.

Finishing:

I sanded all of my pieces in this increment of sandpaper: 80, 100, 150 (if you are really going for it go to 220).

I opted to use some stain on my pieces for a nice color. (I cant reveal my secret blend for the color i have though, so go get your own!) Lowes and Home Depot has a great selection of stains, experiment on your scrap wood to achieve desired color.

After the stain is all dried up (assuming that you did stain the wood) its time for some protective clear coat. I would strongly recommend using polyurethane because it is strong and easy to apply. Just follow the instructions and you should turn out with a great end result. This is what I used:

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/Maverick--/wood%20rack/PB180046.jpg

I applied 3 coats with this:

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/Maverick--/wood%20rack/PB180055.jpg

Thats a foam brush if you cant tell. Pay careful atteniton to the width of the brush in the picture. 2 inches. I craftily made each slat 2 inches as well. On purpose. :shifty

Assembly:

Now that all your protective finish is on and dried you are ready for assembly. Now, at this point I could tell you exactly how i aligned everything to keep it all straight and square.

but.

I can't.

It is difficult to explain without the pictures that i did not take during the process. :( It really isn't that tricky, just think about it, and keep in mind where the runners are going to go, so the rail runs between them.

I'm sure everyone will be able to figure it out with alittle thought. I don't know about Coco though, hes hopeless. (he will probably never do this DIY though lol) :devillook

While screwing them all together don't forget to drill pilot holes, so the wood doesn't split. If you do not know what that is, google it. :D
I'd also counter sink the screws as well.

I would recommend that you start by attaching a slat on each end to give yourself a frame (more stable). As you go along make sure that after the holes for each slat are made, attach them as you go that way you do not run into alignment issues by putting them all on at the last minute

After the first few slats you will have a system down and its just cruising after that. (it may be handy to have two drills: one equipped with the pilot hole drill bit, and the other with the screw attachment {philips, square thing, or hex bit} it makes things so much easier)

After assembly take her out to the car and set it up there to see if you will need any modifications.

If all is well you are ready for mounting.
I used U-Bolts from lowes and little blocks of wood so the rail wouldn't get deformed. Turns out I needed these blocks anyway because without them there wouldn't be any threads to tighten the rack down enough. You do not have to crank these things down too much. Mine is attached very firmly.

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/Maverick--/wood%20rack/PB180051.jpg

I may add to this thread some more details over the next few days or weeks.
and if you were wondering I have not noticed any increase of wind noise compared to just having the load bars on. But if you have the sunroof open, forget it.

Anyhow, I put this up for the people who expressed interest. Not to ask how good/bad it looks. So move along to another thread with your negativity, unless you have a witty comment. I enjoy those :D

Enjoy. :alright

[joey79]

You could also put some bar stools around your car and use it as a picnic table

[slocar]

^hahahahahaha for that comment sir, I award you a thousand internets.

lmao, I like roof racks ... as in ones you purchase that have 2 crossbars and that's it. I don't think I'd like having the home depot lumber section on my roof.

If you like it though, that's all that matters.

[mchkc240]

That is pretty crazy! The rack matches the background too!

[Jaws]

I think it's original and unique. looks good

[illmatik]

Looks kinda cool in a Tim Taylor kind of way...

Just curious, what are you ummm....putting on it? lol

[wbarfels]

And you guys though my Bra was a bad accessory

[mchkc240]

I need to say this again; this rack is INSANE!!

[The Ripe Punani]

You could also put some bar stools around your car and use it as a picnic table

It really does look like a picnic table.

Eh, not really my thing. I prefer my roof racks to be functional and actually used as intended by the manufacturer.

[blitz355]

You could also put some bar stools around your car and use it as a picnic table

LOL :lol



lmao, I like roof racks ... as in ones you purchase that have 2 crossbars and that's it. I don't think I'd like having the home depot lumber section on my roof.

If you like it though, that's all that matters.

You don't find that kind of lumber at home depot ;)


That is pretty crazy! The rack matches the background too!

Yep, I suppose haha.


I think it's original and unique. looks good

Thanks.


And you guys though my Bra was a bad accessory

Thats because it is. :confused


I need to say this again; this rack is INSANE!!

So does that mean you like it? Or you just think its crazy? haha



Just curious, what are you ummm....putting on it? lol

Well if you read the thread, within the first paragraph or so, So far i've had my mountain bike up there, and a few other things.


It really does look like a picnic table.

Eh, not really my thing. I prefer my roof racks to be functional and actually used as intended by the manufacturer.

Just wondering, but how is this not functional? Intended use by the manufacturer? I suppose you read the manual to everything you buy don't you. who does that.....
I get where you are coming from though. to each his own

[abbot555]

Looks good, but might look better painted black, like your car.

[Qwikk]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h171/cliffordbienko/883.gif

[The Ripe Punani]

Just wondering, but how is this not functional? Intended use by the manufacturer? I suppose you read the manual to everything you buy don't you. who does that.....
I get where you are coming from though. to each his own

I meant functional as in using a rack system to carry luggage, skis, snowboards, bikes, cargo, kayaks etc. This just looks like something made for aesthetics.

Don't get me wrong though...if that's what you're going for I have absolutely nothing against it. I just prefer to use my roof rack differently.

[Kevwa451]

I personally wouldn't have used red-oak, from a weight standpoint, beautiful wood but extremely heavy. I used to work at a hardwood saw mill and that stuff and Hickory were the two heaviest species we sawed. A nice alternative would be some Birds-eye hard maple or Cherry. Probably a bit more expensive but it won't hurt you're quarter mile times as much hahah. I like it though, it's different and if it works for you then it's as good as gold.

[jmo69]

Not my thing, but you did a beautiful job on it, are you a finish carpenter or cabinet maker by trade? I can see where it would come in handy and probably a lot cheaper than one made for the car. I built my own luggage rack for a motorcycle back in the 80's out of aluminum angle and red oak slats.

[blitz355]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h171/cliffordbienko/883.gif

Yea, it is pretty awesome. :rolleyes


I meant functional as in using a rack system to carry luggage, skis, snowboards, bikes, cargo, kayaks etc. This just looks like something made for aesthetics.

Don't get me wrong though...if that's what you're going for I have absolutely nothing against it. I just prefer to use my roof rack differently.

Exactly, Its definitely been used, had my mountain bike up there, wood for my dads house, and a few other bits. Bungie cords and straps in the trunk. And it sure is better looking than those other cargo deals. I get the best of both worlds. :redspot


I personally wouldn't have used red-oak, from a weight standpoint, beautiful wood but extremely heavy. I used to work at a hardwood saw mill and that stuff and Hickory were the two heaviest species we sawed. A nice alternative would be some Birds-eye hard maple or Cherry. Probably a bit more expensive but it won't hurt you're quarter mile times as much hahah. I like it though, it's different and if it works for you then it's as good as gold.

I agree, red oak is pretty heavy but even if its +or - a few pounds I didn't think it would make much of a difference. Cherry is too damn expensive around me. 4+ per board foot. I don't drag race btw :stickoutt


Not my thing, but you did a beautiful job on it, are you a finish carpenter or cabinet maker by trade? I can see where it would come in handy and probably a lot cheaper than one made for the car. I built my own luggage rack for a motorcycle back in the 80's out of aluminum angle and red oak slats.

Well I wasn't even born in the 80's :stickoutt
I'm a sophmore in college and spent a fair bit of time in the woodshop at my high school. No actual professional experience.


Looks good, but might look better painted black, like your car.

Not really sure what to say to this. Besides you don't paint over nice wood. I like the contrast.

[stradguy93]

To be honest, when I read the title I thought it was going to look like crap but you pulled it off. It looks pretty cool.

[The Ripe Punani]

Exactly, Its definitely been used, had my mountain bike up there, wood for my dads house, and a few other bits. Bungie cords and straps in the trunk. And it sure is better looking than those other cargo deals. I get the best of both worlds. :redspot

Oh yeah, I know you use the rack system, I was just talking about the wooden rack. Good to see you're actually going to use it. ;) It bothers me when people just have stuff like that for the sake of looking good.

[blitz355]

Oh yeah, I know you use the rack system, I was just talking about the wooden rack. Good to see you're actually going to use it. ;) It bothers me when people just have stuff like that for the sake of looking good.

I know the feeling. I'll have to get some pictures of it 'in use'

[Stealthyfish]

:rofl I love it.

[wbarfels]

Everyone with the Bra! But Seriously If you like it, more power too ya! There is a reason they call it Customizing YOUR car.

[blitz355]

Everyone with the Bra! But Seriously If you like it, more power too ya! There is a reason they call it Customizing YOUR car.

just giving ya a hard time dude. I'm not attacking you

[peelsbimmer]

Didn't read the thread, sorry if you already said this. But, what are you part numbers for your foot and fit kit?

[das borgen]

And you guys though my Bra was a bad accessory
it s pretty garish

[tejawxyz]

Pulled it off rather well....Nice work

[philip77o]

Nice work but i'm not sure if I dig this on a e36... Maybe on a VW ? :dunno

[sunbrn]

I'm sure ya'll have seen this one but this BMW has a wood roof rack also.
http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10970
http://***************.com/Pictures/Mike/E28-%20Black/Redefined/Rackdone2.jpg

[blitz355]

Didn't read the thread, sorry if you already said this. But, what are you part numbers for your foot and fit kit?

The feet are thule 400 models, and the fit kit is #145


Nice work but i'm not sure if I dig this on a e36... Maybe on a VW ? :dunno

Thanks, and yea i'm not totally sure about the look yet. It was more of a keeping myself busy project. Experiment.


I'm sure ya'll have seen this one but this BMW has a wood roof rack also.


Yes I have seen mikes wood rack but was aiming for a more fit and finished look, his has a bunch of bolts sticking out everywhere :stickoutt

[mamzak]

Personally...I think that looks like shit as a package (car + rack)

The rack is beautiful, but it doesn't suit an E36 AT ALL. MAAAYYYYBEEEEEE on a good day, it would look good on an E30....

[DStein]

Did you just build a deck on top of your car?

Yes.













...wtf lol

[myblackcar]

Picnic table, gazebo, come to mind. Really nice craftsmanship, though.

[Windsma]

I got wood ;)

[blitz355]

Did you just build a deck on top of your car?



Picnic table, gazebo, come to mind. Really nice craftsmanship, though.

Function over form :stickoutt

thankss lol

[CMPi]

do you have a more zoomed out shot of your car with this roof rack?

[Blitanicle99]

Good craftsmanship work.

[tlamm]

Very nice work there.
I like the look but don't see me getting on or making me one.

Very nice though.

[JE BMW]

nice work..
i could picture that on a vw bus

[shaferbm]

Did you just build a deck on top of your car?

Yes.




...wtf lol

Hahah funny.
But I really like it. Now you just need an e30 or e28 to go with it. And post a thread like this on some vw site, they'll love it.

[silvabmdub]

i think it looks pretty sick

[blitz355]

Thanks for the compliments guys.

I have removed it for now as i haven't really been mountain biking at all so i thought it sort of pointless to keep it on. Just sitting in the basement until i feel like going for a ride at a few trails.