| Author |
Message |
Scott Whitney (63.151.68.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 02, 2001 - 1:45 pm: | |
Hi Folks,
I am getting ready to build a roof rack for my partially completed bus conversion so that I can move in to it at the end of the month and put all the building materials and dirty stuff up on the roof.
What is the best way to attach legs for the rack/patio to the roof skin? I've got complete access to both sides. I was thinking of a flat plates about 4"x4" on top and bottom that are bolted toegther on either side of the roof like a sandwich. Then I'll weld the legs of the rack to the flat plate. Should there be some neoprene between the plate and the roof? Or some other material? Should the bolts be gooped up with silicon before insertion?
Or is there some other method for attaching a rack ? I want it to be robust as I will have a small crane and winch in the corner for hoisting up things like an air compressor etc. . .
Thanks,
Scott |
Tim Jones (Torquester) (207.238.113.189)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 03, 2001 - 8:07 am: | |
cott, I welded rod connectors to the ribs on the inside. I pushed them tight against the inside of the skin and burned 'em in. I needed to get them in place so that I could install my insulation. They are now capped with a flange bolt and EPDM washer. When I install my rack (deck), I will use a flanged foot and EPDM gasket. This gives me the option of removing or modifying the installation as needed. hth- Torquester |
MrBill1 (216.78.88.187)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 03, 2001 - 2:26 pm: | |
Scott; make sure you put the leg of your rack ON the ribs of the bus, never between them. There is not enough skin strength to support any real weight. If your plans dictate attachments between ribs, then you must fabricate some reinforcements that run between the ribs.
Bolting directly to skin will lead to skin flexing, cracking, leaking and then ultimate failure.
Good luck.
Bill. |
Scott Whitney (63.151.68.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 03, 2001 - 10:13 pm: | |
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the info. Originally, I was thinking of going between the ribs, but it really does make more sense to attach *to* the ribs as you say.
I picked up 140 feet of 1 1/4 inch square tubing today, so tomorrow, I am going to get to it! I should end up with a rack/deck that is 12x8.
Thanks,
Scott |
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