Build Your Own Custom Headache Rack/Window Cage (For Pick-up Truck)

I've wanted to do this since before I could even drive. This week I built a headache rack for my Ford Ranger, solid as a rock and actually pretty simple to make. Made of square tubing, expanded steel, washers, and rivets.
Song: Every Cloud - Rameses B

[@hacksmith]

1080p or 144p... the quality choices! Awesome upgrade for the truck!

[@dedede8239]

the Hacksmith I love your videos!

[@Cam-jm6xv]

Kanesaka Yoshihito who doesn't

[@joehammond222]

Little Eli is becoming a man. One growed up project at a time. :D

[@everythingoutdoors3707]

the Hacksmith I'm desperate for subscribers And yes it was cool 😎

[@mrineet521]

Аll hоt girls аrе hеrе => twitter.com/f848918c39f74f82a/status/801992405775826944 Build Yоur Own Custom Heаdасhе Rааассk Windoооw Cаgе Fооr РРiсk uр Truсk

[@Heritagepostfarms]

You NEED to tack the metal before welding. Im very surprised it stayed somewhat in place

[@davidkhrystenko]

After I made this, I realized I don't have a truck...

[@fauckitgarage]

Fucking idiot😂

[@9th-Circle]

I need one for my Silverado. Imma build it, bob the builder style.

[@jezusxj8356]

Brilliance 😂😂😂🤙🤙

[@JackMacLupus]

Well then sell it on Ebay or offer other people to custom-build it for their truck. I'm sure there are a lot of people who are not happy with the standart window cages for their trucks.

[@ChristianSalveti]

the amount of people taking this comment seriously

[@ElementalOctopus]

Welding student here. -don't weave -hold the contact tip closer, your stickout is too much/too inconsistent -increase your voltage a little -maybe think about self shielded flux core wire if your machine is capable. it's great, you run it very hot and you need no shielding gas, penetration is also very good (lol) im not perfect and i don't mean to criticize, but just run straight stringers, a little hotter, and hold that gun closer and be consistent. Then again, i've only ever welded in a booth, i might be total garbage outside in the cold and wind :P

[@wyattbertrand8036]

I agree with what you say, I hope Eli saw this 😁

[@JacksNightmares]

can you do a off road bumper or brush guard video?

[@georgew.9663]

Haha December is the first month of summer for Australia, the down side is that the average temperature is 35C (95F).

[@generalnando5722]

do you guys celebrate Christmas?

[@georgew.9663]

Of course we do but it's sunny out and there's nice(ish) weather.

[@richardrooster1174]

just celebrate obn the beach xD

[@georgew.9663]

Yeah pretty much

[@BlackNinja3006]

summer Christmas is the best having Christmas lunch out in the back yard instead of inside makes it so much better

[@ezrawoolf5883]

Why do you buy so many things from your nards?

[@danimurphy5990]

I don't have nards, check your privelege.

[@heavysamuraiguy1050]

are you serious or.....

[@peepeedoodoo8590]

Danielle Murphy chek yor nglish privleg!

[@Itakiki]

if he puts out videos, there's a good chance i think

[@killcharge4451]

+KILL O'WATT (James watt) nope unfortunatly

[@iheelhookday1whitebelts22]

Who's been here since homemade weapons part 2

[@droppedspaghetti8005]

BLUE LxAxPvIzS I remember watching that video and then wondering why there was a like 2 year gap or something like that between his videos. Back in the day fam XD

[@Garri736]

Me

[@ladliam3125]

BLUE LxAxPvIzS I was around part 3 but I subscribed around part 4, then somehow I unsubscribed and realized yesterday, then subbed again...

[@calebturner405]

BLUE LxAxPvIzS I was here since Homemade weapons 2, but didn't know how to subscribe because I was stupid, then I subscribed about the time homemade weapons 3 came out.

[@killcharge4451]

long befor

[@ragingrainbow6151]

Man, id love to see a series of videos where you pimp out a truck or van or something.. with an apocalyptic look obviously

[@Zunoing]

RagingRainbow dude that's exactly what I told him to do! Haha

[@ragingrainbow6151]

Christian Zuno could you imagine how cool it would be for him to pimp out a van with like a bed, a weapon rack for all his builds and armor stand and little traps/anti theft things... either a van or an RV..

[@Zunoing]

RagingRainbow ya he's going to pimp out this ride it's gunna look sweet

[@peterlustig8021]

you need to get tased more often, you cheeky boy. HEHEHEHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ tell him to add some CHAINSAWS (and tasers for if you try to get on board XD) LMAO keep it up

[@Zunoing]

peter lustig haha that'd be sweet!

[@ducknorris9715]

please make some kind of rifle I know ur reading this m8

[@ducknorris9715]

Isaac Clarke just a simple muzzle loader with a smooth bore barrel shouldn't be too hard for this kiddo

[@tensephilly]

Since when is that illegal? In the US, you can build firearms for personal use, as long as they fall within NFA length requirements, and are not a Class 3 firearm or an AOW. You may be thinking of re-loading equipment, which does require licensing(for some reason).

[@peterlustig8021]

check out the slingshot channel ;) air powered can do the deal (either fun or deadly... uhm yeah) he has some air powered rifles. i know the projectile is around and not in the barrel but still... the power of dat shit

[@MrGible]

Isaac Clarke It is not illegal to manufacture a firearm, as long as you don't try to sell it, or make it automatic/suppressed.

[@MrGible]

Isaac Clarke Implication was that owning the tools were, just made this comment to clear out any confusion.

[@justinryan5433]

i ruined an entire project by doing what eli almost did at 4:00

[@justinryan5433]

DaHoboKing! yes i mean 350 when he put the bar on the inside by accident instead of on the outside

[@weaslemin7728]

Justin Ryan what does that matter, not bein a smart-ass im genuinely curious

[@AVerySexuallyDeviantOrange]

weasle min I’m a year late, but it would just make it uneven. It would be like one side is 2 inches shorter, and also doesn’t line up with the truckbed’s walls.

[@allseriousness]

damn son. you should start a business making these

[@ethanapfel90]

Heck son not d*me

[@Countdownsmiles]

lol "Not today Zurg" Eli is Buzz Lightyear confirmed

[@richardrooster1174]

im gonna build it from the ground up not from the top down because then it would be floating hahahahah cant argue with that good sir

[@Yeitsjames]

It took me 5 years but I finally have my own truck to be able to use this. Thank you brother.

[@Los_Morelos]

I'm I the only one who just comes here for the comedy?

[@gregreals7198]

"not today, Zurg!" lol I understand that reference

[@jeffreyvandermeiren9806]

is nobody gonna say anything about how he called his ranger a trailblazer

[@ZNA_Productions]

I did nothing of the sort.

[@jacobturner6646]

You should coat the rack with bedliner. It's way more durable than any kind of paint.

[@DivineAndDemonic]

If you use a big flame that produces a lot of soot over the area you are welding and cleaning it off for the weld, it will help keep spatter away from around your weld. Just remember to clean the soot from the place you want to weld before you weld. haha my wording sucks. its 10am and i've yet to sleep... kinda brain dead.. also i've not eaten anything in like 20 hours haha. About to go eat right now. Nice video btw. :3

[@MrTuts4minecraft]

Hey ZNA, a surefire way to improve your welds is to try actually holding the torch near the thing you are trying to weld. Most people tend to have less than a yard of welding wire between the head and the piece of work, but some people have less than 6 in! I prefer around 1/2 in. of exposed wire.

[@j_stach]

I suck w MIG too, but heres a tip: Gota chase the bead, not run from it. Think like youre feeding it steel; that way its harder to melt a hole thru the weld

[@e.e.gravewalkr]

You'll get a better weld if you take each piece and slather them in a nice coat of any sort of flavored lube, such as strawberry or blueberry flavored.

[@lawrencegoralski3029]

beveling the edges for two pieces you're welding gives you more surface area to lay down more weld, making it stronger

[@destan5568]

Your welds probably "suck" because you're moving your hands too fast and not in a straight enough line. No expert myself but I've got some experience.

[@wyattbertrand8036]

destan5568 you make a good point, just having a small weave in the weld is good but too big can screw it up

[@jesusdanielhernandez6304]

7:27 When you lowkey hate your subscribers (jk for all those who dont understand sarcasm)

[@fearofdark77]

It is better to cut the first metal bars on an 45 degree angle at their ends before you weld them. It makes them sturdier

[@bradb69]

In the "flat bed" must be a northerner thing. Flat beds to me are trucks with flat steel beds.

[@SharpWorks]

Great job man that looks sick. How much did that cost you in material?

[@stormcollins6245]

Sharp Works do the maths

[@SharpWorks]

Storm Collins did he say it in the video?

[@stormcollins6245]

Sharp Works no but he said the materials he used and the measurements. Search it online then work it out

[@ZNA_Productions]

I got my materials from an American company called "Metal Supermarkets" and it all cost me $180.

[@SharpWorks]

ZNA Productions thanks I appreciate the reply. That's pretty cheap and it looks professional. Great job man

[@brunopt2406]

Hi ZNA love your vids i'm 15 years old and i have some tools i can use like a drill a jigsaw a dremel tool and my father recently alowed me to use the angle grinder you inspire to do what i love can you make a mini build series like small things whit metal and some wood whatched the whole video for ZNA profit 😆

[@ll-pr5pl]

I usually don't correct people's grammar, but you should really learn how to use periods and commas.

[@Z800full]

Bruno portela Potatopt Yeah, you suck at english.

[@brunopt2406]

Welfare Warrior Yea i know but english isn't my main language

[@ll-pr5pl]

Bruno portela Potatopt Oh nevermind then.

[@seanmcclaren8581]

do you receive extra money if I ( a youtube red subscriber) watch your videos?

[@stumpymcwhiskey]

I don't even have a truck I just like this type of stuff and I find your vids relaxing

[@Greendove9225]

Don't mind me, just leaving a comment and like so KZbin doesn't unsub me.

[@rileyy78]

I'm the guy that ruined the 666 comment thing, now there's 667

[@airxtriton2.046]

I'm definitely going to do this when I get my first truck

[@DktheWelder]

Good job. Looks mean! With the welder you are using (a small single phase mig running gasless wire) you dont need to have the gas shroud on the end. Makes it easier to see you weld pool, also on that 2inch box tubing your welder should be on full power or around 120amps and no need to grind off the mill scale or put a bevel on the top sides because the corner radius of the box tubing is good enough especially if your running it hot. And your welds will look soooo good that you wont grind them off haha. Sorry about the big rant but try this next time will make it easier

[@sparky00777]

XD I got an advert about migraine tablets before this video.

[@bastianbrandsma2490]

you arent a good welder, because you have the amps wrong, and you are welding the wrong way, you should weld stabbing the material. from right to left. watch some videos if you want to learn more.

[@bastianbrandsma2490]

sorry, from left to right.

[@bigmac4031]

Bastian Brandsma bruh, he said he knows that hes not very good. Stop judging

[@danielbudney7825]

It sounded to me like he was repeating what Eli said about not being a good welder, and then explaining some of the simple things he could do to improve his technique. Helpful critique.

[@tannerlavares4776]

Bastian Brandsma I myself pull and don't push but either way works

[@schoolsout15]

Usually I weld by making a bunch of tiny circles in a line that overlap eachother.

[@taylor5263]

the bevelling on the metal allows for more surface area for the weld to hold onto, theres actually different types of bevels depending on the type of welding and the metal and orientation: J, double J, U, double U, V, double V etc ive only ever used a V though. btw maybe try slowing down the the welding gun and increasing the amperage it loos like the metal isnt pooling up enough which is causing it to be all bumpy and not smooth great video thanks

[@ProfitPioneersRETV]

I don't know if someone already said this but the bevel on the steel allows for deeper penetration of thr metal giving you a stronger weld. there are actually diffrent types of bevels depending on what position/material/and type of welding your doing.

[@antemanduric5220]

Just spray it with undercoating.

[@andrew52163]

awesome build nice job on welding. you inspire me to do stuff like that it's very cool thanks

[@joelottwell7677]

You should do more black smithing

[@Toasty_Britches]

This video really alleviated a lot of the concerns I had about how complicated a rack like this would be to make, and also I'm really glad you explained why it's important for a rack like this to be airtight (which makes me sad knowing the last rack I had and put so much work into was definitely NOT air tight...).

[@BillyBob-ko6lf]

Awesome video man. I would love to see making more custom stuff for your truck.

[@REPLXCVIA]

how do you like the snow we are getting now?

[@leoo4118]

You always come up with badass shit

[@Catrik]

About the rusting. A closed, air tight space will rust faster than open area. Water will condensade inside and it will have no place to go, so there will always be moisture inside. Foam isn't good because it will still leave small air pockets in there. Professional approach would be to have holes on undersides to let any water out and then spray the insides with rust proofing wax, for example Dinitrol ML. You can get them in spray bottles with as long straw as you will need. But you are not going to have any problems in many many many years because you used thick enough metal, so just go with what you have now :) It looks badass!

[@hellgust666]

@ZNA Productions hey man when doing MIG welding try pushing the gun not pulling it (like in this vid) pulling is good for stick welding and it will help with looks and penetration and make them more "air tight", also grinding is a good idea especially when using galvanized steel (rust resistant) like used fences or something like that. Hope this helps :D

[@RealityIsMalleable]

"I bet you feel stupid now" XD

[@charlieprim0]

looks like a good welding job to me, I'm no expert though

[@toggaming2872]

I have been watching you since you made your knife video and subed around 200,000 and you are so close to a million and just looked at you subs good job

[@xavier1964]

10:03. Wow illuminate confirmd

[@wr4393]

go a little slower on your weld

[@alexphelan3737]

Never skip the adds lads! Thanks for the inspiration. Good job showing your full honest mistakes and experience of your build. I love watching you work! Your art inspires me.

[@kieranp4710]

if they're legal please make bull bars on the front

[@jdgamerx]

Protip: tack everything together before you put in your final welds. That way if you make any mistakes with placement or angles you can easily correct them.

[@danielbudney7825]

I don't know how you do it, but kudos to you for keeping these videos interesting throughout. I mean, I don't even OWN a truck, but I watched this one all the way through. You probably have some talent as a writer/director buried under that macho, workbench exterior!

[@priceliam8890]

What’s that onesie called I want one

[@hyxsteric]

Hey really like the videos keep em goin

[@jimbobtheimpaler8403]

I always used engine enamel when painting stuff like that . its a good thick paint

[@rusw4973]

Armor the whole truck now please. You know it needs to be done. 😈

[@spaceboypoogie]

Time to start wrapping the entire truck in packing tape. 📦 😜

[@mintketchup3681]

Fun too see your welding jobs getting better! not half as dreadfully terrible as you were in earlier videos

[@supercariobros]

Nice build! Keep up the good work. Praying for your Success. God Bless.

[@creamtube]

The steel wont be able to rust in sucha bad way that you will ever notice it while u have it. The foam will suck moisture and make it worse. You either keep it open or weld it shut but should always use rustprotection. My language barrier prevents me from naming wtf its called but its.... Whatever you use in beams and hollow spaces. Every wallmart or whatever should have it.

[@prestont4555]

The Chicago life am I roooitttttt

[@morantactical1105]

Right before you injected the foam, I was thinking, "he should object some expanding foam into those tubes to prevent rust". I'm glad to see your thinking these builds through. Have you ever taken a formal welding class? Totally worth it.

[@thebokchoyboy92]

lol the welding job honestly isnt that bad at all

[@goblindart]

Just something I noticed, you're pulling your puddle when you weld. As a Materials Technician in the Canadian Armed Forces we are taught to push the puddle. Now, some people that are probably more educated than myself argue that there's no difference between pushing vs pulling, so do as you see fit. But if you find your welds are not looking nice or that your penetration is lacking, try pushing instead of pulling. Anyway, awesome video as always, thanks!

[@adverseadventures]

A couple welding tips Eli (I'm no pro but I've taken a few classes). Because it is a mig, try pushing the bead rather than pulling it, and weld in a straight line. You don't need any back and fourth action. The more you practice on scrap metal the better you will be. Try different heights and amperages. But anyway the window cage looks really awesome man, good job.

[@moderncraftsman3798]

ZNA, what type of welder is that. Is it a flux-core wire feed welder. That's the type I have, mine is a cheep 100 dollar one. The reason I'm asking is I'm in a welding class and I could do a video on welding tips that might help you.

[@williamnantz5604]

Just a little FYI... for all weather metal projects that require welding, you can purchase weld-thru primer. A coat inside and outside of your tubing both before and after welding, then a final coat of your choice of colored enamel will have that motha' lasting for decades rust free. P.S. your welds looked fine.

[@heathcliffe8446]

Nice truck. I own a '98 that I just had a new engine put into. What was the build cost for the rack? I'm trying to decide if I should make one myself or buy one. Yours looks good. Nice vid.

[@anormalbloodangel843]

Your welds aren't terrible. You just need a little bit of practice. Try weaving the puddle as you weld, it'll help with getting more even welds. Also, I see that you usually drag the puddle, meaning that you keep the torch pointed opposite of the direction of travel, try pushing the puddle more often. Last thing, I understand why you had to weld outside, but that's one of the worst things you can do when trying to MIG or TIG weld anything. If there is any wind what so ever, it'll probably push your shielding gasses away, and you get welds that lack penetration and look like shit. But you're doing pretty good, keep up the great work.

[@NMXP]

better penetration for your weld when you bevel edges its a necessity for thicker gauge metal for 1/4" steel usually you'll have an 1/8" bevel and a 1/8" land |_/ it'd look something like that but it'd be better looking

[@oby-1607]

Nice work. Maybe bolt the rails to the top rail of the bed. Expanded metal should have been on the box side of the rack for more protection. Maybe add some D rings for tie downs. Otherwise, a good job. Every project will make you better. Kind of like sharpening a knife, every stroke makes it sharper.

[@JerryBeatFreak]

For paint: Bedliner!! Also, If you ever need it. You could either weld a piece of pipe to the end, Or cut a hole in the steel and welt it into there (It might be stronger that way) and make a simple frame that's removable (bolted) to use as a ladder rack. I did a similar thing (Out of wood though).

[@MrMrjones333]

great vid. keep em coming thanks 4 sharing. you still making weapons?

[@spacecadet_1850]

I just started to mock up this exact build on my 2000 ranger. How much did you eyeball those angled supports in the back? I'm having a hell of a time trying to figure out that angle

[@jonnusorsa]

I this was my truck, I'd get rid of those handles and buy a few additional work led lights and 2 spotlights. Especially when now it's getting darker. Just my humble opinion.

[@Dislob]

I see many comment saying he welds in the wrong direction. You guys probably never welded flux core. If the weld contains slag (flux core and stick) you have to drag the wire. You can push the wire when using mig (gas protected only, without slag). The only tips I got for this guy would be to weld slower with more heat. (or less wire feed) and weld closer to the metal for a shorter length of wire sticking out.

[@blaise3004]

Sincerely, I love your videos, but please, don't do 10+ mins of video if there is nothing to show. Because of this, I felt like the quality of this video was lower than usual, and way more annoying

[@RC_Trailblazers]

How much does that weigh? I'm curious I wanna build something close to the same for my F250 cause buying a prebuilt one is well over 700$

[@mysticvlogs854]

eli you know that if you slightly drag the tip of the welder at a 45 degree angle at a constant speed then you will have a much better weld. If it helps your welcome it works for me in a MIG (Metal Insert Gas) (urs) and a TIG (Tungston Insert Gas)

[@MrCallOfDuty361]

a bit of advice with mig welding (wire welding) to prevent spatter like what you have, shorten the distance between the tip of the welder and the work piece. and try a zig zag pattern for mig, always works for me. and good luck with future welding (btw in my experience, oxy-acetylene welding was the easiest for me)

[@vittorinopasqlino3019]

now that you're getting married, you should make practical home item. diy challenges: - stroller - his & her armoires - floating kitchen island - diy super soaker for the kids - bike with chariot

[@martinmartinez2992]

I fucking love coming home after school and watching your videos not one bad one! Honestly. I've watched every single one up to date since I first subscribed on my old YT account !!

[@hsadreamerofrlyeh7516]

My brother in harbor freight. A flap disc on an angle grinder makes the best welders out of even the worst welders.

[@rhysgarton3631]

If you are having problems with welding have you tried watching weldingtipsandtrick his videos are very helpful

[@stevesnell8511]

Your welding technique isn’t bad but I’d suggest getting a stick welding setup, mig has too many variables like your stick out, gas flow, wire feed speed etc that will make your welds look like boogers

[@MatthewANash]

Hey dude, nice vid. But just a tip, keep doing voice overs. It makes your videos way better quality. and you need that. Your so funny and random. Keep up the good work

[@IronDruids]

I'd suggest welding with a bit of an angle, as well as slowing wayyy down as you don't want to go so fast the welds don't stick. Another piece of advice is is to move the tip in slight circles as you go, but again very slight movements mostly in your arm not your wrist. But although I have been welding since the age of 12 I'm not a professional by any means, so do take this advice with more than a few grains of salt :p

[@rpoet55]

don't do that zigzag motion when you are welding, it's just extra movement for you too mess up. the only reason to do that is if you want really-really-super strong welds (like Thors hammer strong)

[@WestSideRida420]

At least you admit that you suck at welding. One hint I can give is that you want to "pull the puddle.". Don't just drag the wire. Nice beams bro.

[@tylerlhotta7317]

Eli. I know why you're welds don't appear to turn out satisfactory. I believe that you are using a welder that utilizes Flux core. I started welding the same way and it is honestly a better investment to weld with anything but Flux core. I believe the next best thing is stick welding as it won't kill your wallet.

[@JonathanL-zb6zs]

dam 2,500 likes, 10 dislikes. Nice rating m8

[@shreypatel2920]

do you have the flux core wire in your welder? Because your welds look bad because there is no gas. if you have regular wires you need gas to shield the weld. flux core wire has flux inside to make a gas shield without having a gas line connection and you don't need to buy and refill a tank. But flux core is a little more expensive. But you grind your welds pretty well so you do you. Keep building Eli!

[@WayaWolf]

Zna be careful next week where we live, I live close to west Chicago, there is going to be a polar vortex....

[@Bot_Brad]

very impressed, and way more productive than me when it is freezing outside, you should have added the video of you snowdrifting. if you put that first you probably would have a crap ton more views. but that looks great on the truck.