overhead rack/extender combo

tweety · 07-11-2005, 05:39 PM

Some time ago I thought that it should be possible to use the rack and the sliding extender at the same time. In my case, I carry motorcycle crap to the track and need to put stuff overhead at the same time. This bed is just 3" too short for the gate to close.
So I came up with some light modification and viola'! A new design was made.

37L1 · 07-11-2005, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweety

Some time ago I thought that it should be possible to use the rack and the sliding extender at the same time. In my case, I carry motorcycle crap to the track and need to put stuff overhead at the same time. This bed is just 3" too short for the gate to close.
So I came up with some light modification and viola'! A new design was made.

Very nice and good thinking. Now tell everyone what you did!!!

tweety · 07-11-2005, 09:55 PM

Take the frame leg for the extension apart. This is made up of the frame, the frame guide, 2 springs, knobs, and screws.
Take the rear most rack and lay it down. Dismantle the spring loaded knobs and bits. Take the 2 center screws off that hold the guide to the backing plate.
2 of the holes on the extender frame will line up with 2 of the holes on the rack plate. The rear most edge of the extender plate will come flush with the rack plate, pure luck!
Notice at this time that the front most edge of the extender plate has a rolled lip that needs to be cut away. I won't give measurements to this as it may be different each time by just a little. A dremmel will not cut it. You need a cut off wheel and a compressor.
Once the leading edge has been cut off the extender plate, smooth it down and put black touch up on it. It will not be seen but it will still rust.
Mate up the extender plate holes with the rack backing plate again. Put the 2 screws in and snug them down using the rack guide as it was before you took this all apart. No need to mount the knobs at this time.
Notice the rear most hole for the knob. It is blocked from the extender plate. Drill a hole large enough for the knob bolt.
Touch up paint to this hole when burrs are chased off.
Re-assemble.
The right side with the wiring for the light is the same with the exception that you will have to carefully grind off the wire guide, go purchase a new grommet for the wire, and drill a hole in the rack plate for the grommet. Touch up paint all ground or cut surfaces to prevent rusting.
This is a 2 on a 5 scale for difficulty.

One side note:
The extender on my set up hits the knobs a bit when flipped back and forth. It did the same thing before I got the rack so maybe it's my extender itself that's out of shape a bit.
Also, pulling the end cap for the wire tray helps if you are going to be taking this on/off a lot. Without the wire guide to keep the wire in the tray, you need to pay a bit more attention.

37L1 · 07-11-2005, 10:58 PM

Wow and photos too, you Da Man, tweety!

Thanks!!

tweety · 07-12-2005, 06:26 AM

I didn't take as many as I should have. Hopefully what I have described and with the pics that it will be enough. I didn't put anything in there about grommet size. Take the grommet out of the guide as best as you can. It's glued in place. Go to your local Sears Hardware store and get 2. 1 to use, 1 as a spare. They are .30 each. Make the hole for the wire no larger than the terminal end to go past. The gromment will be difficult to pass over the terminal end but it does and won't rip.
Notice in the first pic where the cut is on the extender plate. Notice also the extra hole compared to your piece, once you do the mod.
Also notice on the 3rd pic how the extender plate comes flush with the rear most edge of the rack backing plate. And finally, the hole for the wire to pass through was not a measured hole but mearly an eyeball based on where the center of the guide lines up. Dress it up with the grommet and nobody will know the difference anyway!
I think that about covers it. It wasn't hard at all aside from the excess heat in the garage. Being out in Cali you should have no issue. Get to work!!!

**gr8titan** · 07-16-2005, 04:00 AM

Thanks for the great idea!!

parrothead · 07-24-2005, 06:43 PM

I started this mod last night and finished today, letting touch up paint dry & such. It works great!.

The extender tubing rubs against the knobs when you flip over the extender on mine, too, but it's not that big a deal. I put a small bolt in over the cradle on each extender bracket that the plastic "pin" fits in, to avoid easy removal by thieves without much time on their hands. As people have said before about these extenders, and utili-track doodads, If someone wants it enough and has time and the right tools, they can get it... but at least we can slow 'em down.

That was a fantastic idea, tweety!

Now, what to do with all those extra parts?

gchu · 07-25-2005, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrothead

I started this mod last night and finished today, letting touch up paint dry & such. It works great!.

The extender tubing rubs against the knobs when you flip over the extender on mine, too, but it's not that big a deal. I put a small bolt in over the cradle on each extender bracket that the plastic "pin" fits in, to avoid easy removal by thieves without much time on their hands. As people have said before about these extenders, and utili-track doodads, If someone wants it enough and has time and the right tools, they can get it... but at least we can slow 'em down.

That was a fantastic idea, tweety!

Now, what to do with all those extra parts?

If you are looking at getting rid of the extender pieces that slide into the utilitrack (it's the long rectangular piece that has the 3 bolts/screws that go into it - that that part slides on the utilitrack), I would be interested in them. One of mine had cracked.

Let me know how much you want for them shipped to zip 19438.

Thanks,

George

parrothead · 07-25-2005, 11:31 PM

I'm somewhat of a packrat, myself and I intend to hold onto the parts "just in case." I've wondered about some of those utilitrack parts such as the plastic guides. Someday soon someone will need to offer replacement parts for those things.

I hope you can find something.

tweety · 07-26-2005, 10:48 AM

I keep dropping the ball in getting this stuff out to him.

gchu · 07-26-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweety

I keep dropping the ball in getting this stuff out to him.

Tweety,

No problem - I for one can definitely understand how busy people's lives can be. I do appreciate your desire to help me out with the parts. If you do get a chance to send them out, I would appreciate it. Just let me know how much it is so I can send you payment.

Take care,

George

MantAscona · 09-29-2005, 06:28 PM

Just want to let everyone know that I just did this modification after someone was kind enough to direct me to this thread. I was looking for a set of the non sliding mounts but I like this idea much better. It was very simple, still allows the bed extender to slide (now as part of the rack) and no drilling holes in the truck. What more could you ask for? As a side note, for those who do not want to cut the wire guide off of the rack, I cut a slot in the extender bracket for the guide to fit through. That way the rack is not modified if you ever wish to do away with the bed extender. Thanks for a great idea Tweety!

Duane

**DeadRiver** · 08-31-2007, 08:33 PM

ah, i knew this had to be done before.. i did mine a little different, how do you like it on the inside?