Build Your Own Damn Roof Rack - How I Built a $1000 Roof Rack for $300 in half a day.

After this, be sure to watch Part 2 with all part numbers and improved designs: • Build Your Own (Better...
Roof racks are too expensive. In this video, I show you how to build a full-length roof rack with Aluminum T-slot framing for 1/3rd the price of similar racks.
It can act as a basket, support a rooftop tent, hold plywood for a platform, and is as modular as you want it to be.
Good place for extruded aluminum cross-bars: www.tnutz.com/product/ex-1020...
For fasteners, go to McMaster.com and get two packs of 97763A267 (black stainless bolts) and one of 96765A140 (washers). I got the aluminum side aluminum from a local hardware store, but you can also buy them from places like onlinemetals.com
At the very front, I added two rubber bumpers, similar to these (www.mcmaster.com/93115K122/). They just rest on the roof to support the front and keep it from wiggling around. They are not attached to the roof.
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Twitter - / superfast

[@golffit3066]

Instead of buying a $1000 rack, I bought $4000 in tools and materials to build a rack! Well done sir! We all identify with you

[@liamm9400]

My missus particularly found this funny! I keep on telling her we saving money in the long run😂

[@C.Double.]

You could do all of this with a cheap drill, a wrench, some bits and a hand tap... less that $100. Either way though, that 4k in tools will pay for itself time and tiome again.... also, most people interested in DIY'ing either already have tools or have no issue with getting more.

[@petervda85]

That’s the point. The wife doesn’t know and you say you saved 700

[@Gaffed_Up]

This channel is CRIMINALLY underrated.

[@DorisandDaddyOffRoad]

We have been needing a new roof rack. The fact that this design comes with a mill and a bunch of new tools puts it at the top of our list!

[@MrPoppshot]

I love at the end when he shows images of him offroading without anything strapped to the roofrack.

[@xpez9694]

shhh just fer looks.

[@stvargas69]

I saved $700 so I bought a $2000 mill. Makes sense

[@izzimichaels2892]

you've never bought a tool for a project? (tip : you can use the tool again ; )

[@mikegr5773]

That right there is the reason I subscribed. 🙃

[@stufoo]

Now he has the tools to make these for other people and charge 700 each...

[@shaunbags2]

sounds legit, perfect man math.

[@daniel.mcleay]

I can’t stop laughing 😂

[@darrenferguson545]

“I have a lot of questionable ideas about cars”. Just what I’m looking for! Subscribed.

[@onmissionmtb9722]

The goggles on the snorkel was classic… FTW!!!

[@ConnorFXDB]

with all the $$ I saved I invested in proper tools/bits/and more! Now Im at $45,000 over budget! lol but in all seriousness solid video thank you for this! Gonna be giving this a go for my van roof rack! Cheers and thank you for the video

[@henrikm4657]

Great video. There’s a lot of money to be saved with DIY that can be spent on new tools. I too use my projects as an excuse to buy the tools I want/need. One thing I would suggest, is to use butyl rubber for the bolts that go into the factory drilled holes in the roof. If water gets in there, you may get some serious rust issues and potential leaks into the cab. Also, using some sort of thread lock fluid would be a good idea, especially on off road vehicles because of all the added vibrations from driving in rough terrain.

[@pinkskud1]

Pro tip. Get a 'machine tap' with spiral flutes of you're going to use a drill for tapping. The straight flute ones are hand taps and won't evacuate chips well enough.

[@Jenuin]

pinkskud1 I was thinking this aswell.

[@grn9209]

Overlanding and build info, AWESOME 👏🏼. Sense of humor and sarcasm, PRICELESS!👊🏼💪🏼

[@joell439]

These videos are so well edited and narrated. I may not be building a roof rack this week but I was mesmerized by watching you show us how. Thanks!

[@freeidaho-videos]

One of the better DIY roof racks I have seen, and no welding, for those that can't. Looks good.

[@lilshane84]

Thank you so much for this. I've been wondering how to make a rack myself that wasn't A: made from steel and heavy as hell or B: made from aluminum and ending up costing me more than a platform rack I could have bought. These crossbars will be stellar. On top of having access to a waterjet, I should be able to slap together a pretty sick setup

[@jj481012]

I thought it said “how I built a $100 roof rack for $300.” And I thought that made complete sense when I think of all my projects.

[@grn9209]

Loved video👊🏼. Your narration and sarcasm, PRICELESS 👏🏼

[@larrwhy6893]

Spectacular video. Thank you for the specificity of the instructions. Great job on the rack!

[@GGLiEx]

Love your videos. You are by far my favourite youtube channel at the moment! studying mechanical engineering and I find your stuff inspiring as you dont tale yourself too seriously but do the stuff right that has to be done right. keep it up! greetings from Luxembourg

[@SeansLittleBayofHorrors]

This is the best DIY rack I've seen to date. Gonna rock this style build on my old Montero Sport.

[@raulguedeaiii974]

Hell yeah I want to do something similar for my Montero sport

[@zakrichardson4196]

Excellent! Never thought about building my own roof rack. Great video, thank you!

[@SamChou]

Super informative, very entertaining. The math on the tooling all adds up, too. What savings! Came here from imgur, found it very informative, but decided to check YT in case somebody else had a similar build, and you were the first hit. Bravo!

[@danielblanchard4239]

This video is highly rated, and yet still underrated. Thank you for empowering me to spend twice the cost of the project on tools.

[@SkaterStimm]

Just watched this video thinking it was a new episode, damn your production value has increased.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Looks great! I was going to build one and make a video just line this, so you’ve saved me a ton of time!

[@michael001437]

This is one of the best DIY roof racks. Thanks for great tips!

[@mjremy2605]

Love your sense of humor and great DIY projects! I also love this rack! Subscribed. Thank you for no music during the build, hallelujah! Incredibly useful video, and you are a frugal genius. I hate being ripped off with the outrageous extortionary prices 80/20 wants for every nut and bolt. I know darn well they are getting them very cheap from China then reselling at mafia prices. So happy to see you give us some alternatives. Using cheaper side rails is very clever and drops price a lot. Knowing what size 80/20 struts worked for you is also a step closer to my build design. I have a 22 ft Class C so big roof with all sorts of things to trip over like vents, hoods, etc and to design around them. Thanks also for showing us where you bought the supplies, super helpful. My tips to you from the RV world: Use Butyl under anything that you place on roof that could leak. A roll on hand never hurts. Its a rubber compound, so on my RV, I would use it around every light fixture so no water gets into the wood structure behind. If you cut out a hatch in the metal for example, add butyl tape under the hatch ring that sits on your metal. Prior to that, of course, spray Loctite Rust Neutralizer on bare metal right after drilling and vacuuming metal bits off, and then some paint, then your butyl. The Loctite RN bonds rust to metal and acts like a barrier before painting. You probably know all this but ... sharing my favorite spray can. The other thing that you need is Dicor Lap Sealant Self Leveling type. When you drill a hole for a screw, add a dab of that, then screw your nut into the metal roof, then put another dab on top of the screw so its completely protected. Works wonderfully to seal up that screw head. To remove it, scrape it off with a knife and /or Dremel wire wheel. Dicor is the bible of the RV world! They make a non-leveling version too, but I've never used that. Question for you: Do you have to have a drill press or a drill will do? What do you mean by 'tap' on 80/20? Drill a hole? A specific kind for metal screws or ...?? What was that talk about special drill bits for drilling into the 80/20? I use the Dewalt Cordless 20V Drill and Driver. Model 887 is best. Model 885 is cheaper. 3 LED lights in front is a game changer over 1 LED light in front. Small 2 amp batteries for both is easy on the wrist.

[@luigisquigi9946]

As soon as you cracked open the beer I saw the beer caps “teeth” marked on your rack , or was that just me? Great video , very informative and it looks great! Thanks.

[@gasratzcustoms]

Thats awesome!! Love the video.

[@jpkatz1435]

S. M. : You are a perfect combination and balance of snack, cool ideas, + makers lets get it done, oh s... got to do that 2 more times. Love the Mark 5 build. Really look forward to your posts! Much thanks for the huge effort that make the vids SO good!!

[@francowj]

Wow, wish I would have seen this video before I bought my roof rack. I'm subscribed!!

[@Jenuin]

LoL your humour and building / buying tools is spot on.

[@jacksondoughty]

This is the third video from you I’ve ever seen. This one demanded my subscription. Glad to be here- and looking forward to the next projects.

[@edstone1988]

Bravo. This humour has been missing from all the other off-roader videos I've watched. I'm subscribing

[@doublej4965]

I like it! Looks good and sturdy enough for actual use. I think the same way on tools. ROI somewhere around 10 racks, but totally worth it.

[@loganr2841]

The subtle comments on spending way more than a roof rack costed really convinced me I’m going to build my own as well. Lol thanks !

[@SuperfastMatt]

Sure it's more expensive, but it comes with free tools!

[@loganr2841]

@@SuperfastMatt love the thought process lol

[@maxx4944]

love the way this man budgets this project!

[@Therian_catcorgi]

Awesome video thanks so much I was about to start building one for my 4Runner and you answered a bunch of questions I had.

[@SirWilliamGoes]

Awesome work man

[@Rucksack57]

I love it, dirty adventures. I also am cheap, but making your own lets you get the size and design you want or need. Good job!

[@rcarch73]

Awesome Video Man. You just helped me out a ton!!

[@mickenzie5863]

Easiest subscribe for a new channel ever, I can tell it's going to be great. I literally LOLed at the 5:45 mark when I finally noticed the diving mask on the snorkel.

[@aemediainc]

I don’t have a truck or need a DIY roof rack, but I really like watching your videos.

[@DevinGiles]

Love your channel mate!!

[@tornagain]

Was searching for suv roof rack vids and came across this. I will not watch the video only because I’m not looking to build my own, but had to comment and thank you for the needed morning laugh “build your own damn roof rack”!!!. I spit my coffee out and had a good chuckle. Appreciate the humor title and certain the video is helpful for those looking for a DIY solution. ✌️

[@bogotstogoskiing]

Built one for my FJ62 following this guide. I did modify mine a little differently but it's great!

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

This video captures the very essence of DIY. I have ~$50,000 invested in tools and building to save a couple hundred bucks building my own jeep parts. Could have saved a lot just buying the parts and paying a shop to put them in. BUT, the memories. Of cussing things that didn't fit quite right.

[@raymondclark1785]

Something like the lrtime channel. Convert garage to machine shop, install lift in driveway to DIY

[@wongong595]

Thank you for sharing! Very NICE DIY Roof Rack build. I plan to do the same for my Tacoma Camper Shell. Doing this is to save X=$$$+, & knowing the quality for sure. Your vid is very inspiring. Thank you! 👍

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Nice work shop you have, thanks for the tips both ways!

[@Tomm9y]

Well worth 6 minutes of my life. Many channels would spend 26 minutes and still not convey the high quality of information.

[@JesusRamirez-ci2le]

I saved so much money that I went out and bought a 2000$ mill😂

[@built4xploration253]

Great....now I have ANOTHER project I must try! Looks great!

[@mk-jl3zd]

I like your humor man,great job.

[@lsa_mcfly3874]

Rack looks great. Getting ideas for my Sequoia. Enjoyed the pretty much true humor about the tools lol.

[@billwatcher9321]

"Wiggle the drill while cursing liberally " We have all been there !! I just bought a $1,000 flat rack for my 2015 Grand Cherokee that sits 2 3/4" out of level higher in the front. It's useless. The manufacturer says " that's how it's supposed to be" . Now getting ready to build my own.

[@quirin5061]

the "since you saved so much buy this"-parts had me lol in the subway👍

[@Scooopdog]

Good vlog I’m building a full. Sides and cross members from 80/20. Brilliant stuff.

[@eviljoseph101]

I loved this video!! Hahaha absolutely amazing!

[@kristophergarcia5330]

Straight to the action... my type of video

[@David-kp4gx]

“I saved 700, but spend 3000 in tools and 4 weeks building it” yup makes sense.

[@myownschadenfreude]

We've all been in that project ;)

[@dchawk81]

@@myownschadenfreude My life is that project.

[@biggaywizard]

I already have the tools, my problem is that my car has no mount holes so while this video is great, it won't work for me at all.

[@electricdeckhead3083]

@@biggaywizard I used rivnuts. Threaded rivet inserts,

[@biggaywizard]

@@electricdeckhead3083 right into the roof of your car?

[@davidmowser4830]

That was awesome, now I know what I'm going to be building for my rig.

[@drew.blanks]

Ha! Love the style of your video. Wish me luck, im attempting to build my own sprinter van roof rack

[@fullsendEm8076]

Love the video. This is the same diy math my husband and I use. 😂 Now off to build a roof rack.

[@Bagorra]

Thank you Matt . You gave me sone clues to finish my original roof rack .

[@zingymantella590]

Awesome video!

[@jmac7658]

Dude you crack me you. Great video nice job editing! Thanks for not taking yourself too seriously and for sharing such excellent content and ideas. Cheers! :-)

[@SuperfastMatt]

Thanks!

[@Mark-by6en]

Boy, like this guy really saved a ton of money. Like cool. Like like double cool. Like like double cool cool.

[@jeberjaber]

😂 this is the truck I’m trying to make the roof rack for too, your the man

[@kufcio1976]

Thanks for the detailed video very helpful especially vith all the dimmentions and it looks good to 😊👍👍

[@Asian_Connection]

OMG, this is so good!

[@SurlyMike]

Questionable ideas are great. Thanks for sharing them.

[@moedog5087]

I think this is my new favorite channel on KZbin

[@carterjon100]

Thank you sir..I have looking for this video for awhile. Great minds think alike..T4R

[@jovanies9751]

This is awesome.!! Thanks for the vid. Been looking to do something like this to save money

[@dennisfant2620]

Really great build there. I'm wanting to do the same thing on my danger ranger.. good idea on those 1x2 bars..

[@stefan3225]

Great video. Subbed!

[@snowsteds]

Lol Saved $700, so spent $3000, i like your honesty, keep er up.

[@rudetoy8264]

Difficult project made easy by your vid! Your dead pan is priceless! Keep laughing all the way to 6:05. Thx for sharing dude.

[@Sev7noutdoors]

Looks nice man🤙

[@Cooldaddymon]

Whether it makes sense for someone to build their own is up to the builder, however, I found your video detailed and thorough, and very interesting topic. Next, maybe you can devise mounting ideas for 4R as well as Wranglers! New subscriber!

[@mjremy2605]

Are you kidding? Making your own custom rack at 1/3 the price makes absolute sense! You also control the finish, rust proofing, and understand it well. You spend the same amount of time assembling someone else's shoddy work with huge profit margins and cut corners. Sit in your armchair and do nothing! You don't learn by over analyzing, but by doing.

[@JohnLaudun]

I like the cut of our jib, sir. Subscribed.

[@m0t0rsp0rt7]

You inspired me to build my own roof rack for my 2017 Toyota Tacoma off road. I did use tnutz to order all my crossbars. I even installed a 40” led light bar.

[@whitebreadkneegroo]

What were the measuremeants you ordered your cross bars at, same as the prinsu for Tacoma measurements 47"?

[@jwpallett]

That was very interesting, thank you 👍

[@RobDaman]

Great job

[@Jeep79]

Masterpiece thx for sharing bro cheers from tampa

[@evolusd]

Hell yeah - nice build! New sub for you.

[@johannwolf1]

I adore people like this. There are so few left.

[@josetovar7380]

Subscribed....great vid!

[@LonelySpeck]

We did a sort of similar T-slot rail rack for our Ford Transit campervan build!

[@mikedee6974]

Love this video!!!

[@jh4650]

Great video to sag the least! I’ll be building this same thing for my 4runner as well.

[@hannibalgrim]

Great diy vid. 😄

[@AMindInOverdrive]

Was worth watching just for the Bedliner paint tip! nice

[@lvwrx]

Hi Matt thanks for the video, did you experience any lifting of the front portion of the rack since it is not mounted to the roof? Or did those 4 stock mounting points suffice?

[@darleneberger2433]

Thank you for this! Just bought a Promaster 3500 159 WB extended, and I'm totally going to build my own damn roof rack!

[@bolonyponyj]

Same here. Are you using 3x3 feet for the roof mounts? I can't decide whether to use 80/20 and make a box or do it like Superfastmatt here.

[@voidpulsegaming]

This was amazing I want to do this for my car. Do they have off road LED fixtures with an angle? To help with aero?

[@yashaswisharma9064]

This channel is therapy.

[@RecordnMotion]

This is a pretty quality video, Matt! I laughed when you said how you saved money and you should buy a drill... and it was a dam Snap-On 😂

[@RecordnMotion]

By the way, what material did you use for your wind guard or as you call it, the aero shield?

[@SuperfastMatt]

​@@RecordnMotion Aluminum sheet, I think it was 6" wide and around 1/16" thick.

[@RomyFrederick]

I enjoyed the honesty of this. i.e. 'when you mess up your hole spacing a little, just ream that shit out'

[@DerickAguinaldo]

Puts things in perspective. It’s always give and take between time, energy, and money.

[@joeashbubemma]

Thanks for the upload! Not only are these aftermarket racks insanely priced, they don't make them for my truck.