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Post by commercialair on Sept 27, 2006 19:35:19 GMT -5
OK, as some of you already know, I'm trying very hard to produce roof racks for TII's. The pipe bender I bought in Winnipeg isn't going to work as well as I hoped and I should be able to get a new one in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, this one is going to give me the quality of bends that I need. So while I wait for the new one to arrive, I thought I'd start a thread to get some feedback and possibly some fresh ideas. I am combining both HWE and BeKoWa rack styles in my design without trying to copy either.
Here's what I have planned so far:
-commercial 1/2, 3/4, and full length racks for kombis and panels
-DC and SC racks
-possibly a westy rack with square tube and wood slats
-ladders
I've arranged for powdercoating and I'm currently researching clamp styles. I plan on using stainless hardware only and I'm thinking the clamps should be as well.
Does anyone think I should offer a painted version or just stick to powdercoat? Also, what colour(s) should they be? Silver? White?
and for anyone that's interested(Shane and Doug) I'm working on a few other designs for TI based cars....
Let me know what everybody thinks.
Chris
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Post by riffraff on Sept 27, 2006 21:04:12 GMT -5
I took the roof rack off of my Beetle to wash it and just stuck it on top of the bus to get it out of the way. It looked pretty good up there! It looked like it belonged so much that I forgot about it and drove over to my parents place like that Damned lucky to still have a rack (and no lawsuits pending). I think my preference would be for a Westy style rack with the wood slats. It would not have be square tubing as far as I am concerned. I like the idea of ladders as well. I am among the 2% that actually carries stuff on my roof rack, so i would need to be able to access the top of the bus. Have you considered aluminum tubing instead of powdercoating? I agree with stainless for the hardware and clamps. I'm sure you have considered this, but there is a fair number of suppliers who market Chinese "stainless steel" that tends to rust
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Post by karmann57 on Sept 27, 2006 22:12:33 GMT -5
If it will fit the '68 then I would love a 1/2 size. Like Keith, I would intend on actually using it, and I have thought about a ladder as well. As far as colours go my personal preference would be white for the type 2 (it'll go with the white bumpers/wheels/roof) and silver for the type 1 (more original from what I have seen). I'm no help at all I know . Any idea on prices yet? How much do you think it would save to paint versus powder? Could you just offer them bare so the new owner can paint to their liking? Shane
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coronabus
NUTTIER than a fruitcake
NUTS Member
What Happens In The Bus...
Posts: 191
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Post by coronabus on Sept 28, 2006 9:08:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the update Chris. I am definitely interested in a westy style powder-coated white with wood slats. Would the entire unit be square tubing? A ladder would be cool as well. I think stick to powdercoating only or bare. Would it look something like this?
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Post by commercialair on Sept 28, 2006 10:27:43 GMT -5
Thanks for the input guys! Keith, I have first hand experience with "stainress" steel hardware. It's the same stuff they use on Flat4 racks and it rusts after you take it out of the pack. I'm having the clamps fabbed by the same company that builds our countertops and custom sinks and they understand my need for quality. Shane, no idea on price yet. Lets just say they will be less than an original in perfect condition I'm really trying to keep the prices down. In fact, that's why I'm bending all the parts myself and not sourcing out. I can recover the costs of the machinery much faster than having to pay someone to do it. It also lets me control the quality and tweak the design as I go. Powdercoat is really the best finish for this application. however, I think a slightly cheaper primed version might do well. Paul, that's the look I'm after for the westy style. I'm not sure about the cast connectors on the top rails though. I think a solid upper rail would still look really nice and help keep the elements out. I think it would help keep wind noise down too...not that you can hear anything but the engine anyway. Well, the new improved tubing bender will arrive in a couple of weeks and I'll get right on my first prototype. I have bending templates made already and all the measurements worked out. I'll see if I can come up with a proper drawing for you guys can see. Chris
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Post by bluejay on Sept 28, 2006 10:50:23 GMT -5
I would defiantly buy one too.
I would say if you offered them in a silver powder coat and a primer version that would be the way to go.
Because racks came silver and if you want to paint your rack some other color, then you have the option to paint it what ever color you wish.
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Post by riffraff on Sept 28, 2006 10:55:54 GMT -5
And don't forget the numbered and signed ID tags!
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Post by Shan Simpson on Sept 29, 2006 11:43:03 GMT -5
I'd be all over a full length for my panel and I agree with Jason primer or silver. BUT who cares I'd just love a rack for the bus!!!! Oh also a ladder is super cool
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Post by commercialair on Sept 29, 2006 12:10:20 GMT -5
Shan, the full length rack will be my first prototype. I've wanted one forever and they are just too much to ship from the States. I'll get to building a few soon and NUTS members can have first crack at them. I'll be building standard models and I'll gladly custom build them(paint,no paint,custom colours etc.) for anyone on this site.
And Keith, I'm going to label them as COMMERCIAL-AIR RACKS. I'll number and mark them based on the model. I've sourced aluminum tags that can be rivetted on. Also, aluminum tube would be the best material for weather. I'm concerned about strength and the added cost of welding. They would have to be assembled at the welder's shop because I don't own a feed gun to tack them myself. I'll do some more research.
Chris
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Post by Shan Simpson on Sept 29, 2006 12:23:48 GMT -5
carma for a cool guy
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Post by bretto on Oct 1, 2006 11:09:54 GMT -5
full length commercial racks!? definatly start making those! design a rack clamp that doesn't suck too. mine always loosen off when i carry stuff. i vote silver.
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Post by commercialair on Oct 1, 2006 11:30:46 GMT -5
design a rack clamp that doesn't suck too. mine always loosen off when i carry stuff. That's what I'm working on now. I can keep moving ahead on those without the new pipe bender. I'm going to try out a stainless wing nut and threaded rod combo and see how it looks. We have that set-up on Shayna's VWOA rack and it locks down really well. Of course, you could always double nut it for a little theft protection. A locking flange would probably be a good feature. I'm really trying to keep the design simple and problem free. I think in the end they will be a little "over built", but atleast they'll last. With all the cheap aftermarket junk out there I'd like these things to stand out for their quality. BTW, how's you bus running Brett?? Did you get the trans problems worked out?? Chris
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Post by commercialair on Dec 9, 2006 23:47:46 GMT -5
Just a quick update. I have finally been able to confirm delivery of my new bender. I ended up canceling my order with the first tool company, after a long and drawn out ordering process, and purchased a really nice set up from a Hot VWs' ad. The company I bought from is owned by a couple of VW owners and they build each one. Looks like I'll get it for the middle of January and have the first racks out by the end of February. Stay tuned I'll keep everyone posted.
Chris
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Post by karmann57 on Dec 10, 2006 10:07:03 GMT -5
Excellent news! Let me know when I can put my order in...
Shane
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Post by dpeters81westy on Dec 10, 2006 13:12:42 GMT -5
There will be some prototypes and lots of trial fitting going on before they become available for sale... I'm sure photos will be posted of the progress.
Those harp mirror arms sure turned out nice...I'm sure these will too.
- Doug
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