Anyone ever attempt to build a Roof Rack?

[Buzzzito]

Hey List
  I am just getting my H1 Wagon assembled and thinking I need a roof rack on it, just wondering if anyone has ever custom built one and how much work it is?  They look easy enough to build, just not sure about the side mounts and how they work.  Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks

[Gadgets]

GiverDiesel has built a really nice one.
 
<a href="http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... %2Brack</a>

[priuseater]

Wow time to update that thread
 
Yes i built my own almost from scratch. Roofracks for our trucks look easy to build, but use up a fair ammount of material to make them structrually useable in the center. Mine looks tall in the pictures, and if i were to do it agian, i would probably shorten it about 1-1/2 - 2" but the 2" tubing kinda offsets the proportions, and matches the front bushbar more closely.
 
You can make one out of aluminum, or steel. Keep in mind a steel rack isnt a simple 2 person job when removing or installing. My aluminum one, once off the truck, can be carried by myself no problem, i estimate it weighs around 45-50lbs. I just took mine off the other day  so i could begin welding the tabs for my offroad lights on the front, truck looks completley different when its off. Im 50/50 on the fence if i like a truck with or without a rack. It just grows on me.
 
Overall if you have the fab skills, and tools. The hardest part of the rack fab is finding those pesky gutter brackets. You can make them, but any type of cam bolting system takes a bit of time to fab, especialy when you need to make 8 of them.
 
All thats left for me to do with the rack is weld some hidden slot points on the back side of the tubing so i can attach and remove a side awning for when i go to events or my autocross racing, yet retain the simple tubing look.

[GreenMeanie]

I built mine!! Sort of a work in progress. I wanted low profile, 10 front and rear switchable lights in pairs, video cameras x3, tank storage for my header cooling setup etc. My suitcases fit the rear opening of the rack perfectly and i simply strap the cases to the roofrack but the cases sit on the roof itself. It was a bit of work because i had to design all the wiring and stuff. My deck chairs fit in the spaces on the roof as well. Next i want to include a fold out tarp system.
 
 

[ROADBLOK]

The hardest part of the rack fab is finding those pesky gutter brackets.

You mean <a href="http://www.offroadunlimited.com/orustor ... ">these</a>?

[Autumn Walker]

I built one for my H2 - it takes four people to safely lift it on / off the roof and it is roughly 5' x 8'. The thing is a beast.
 
I had it on the truck for about 5 months and I have since taken it off - it weighs a couple hundred pounds and the one parking garage the truck would fit into without the rack couldn't accommodate me with it on.
 
Anyone wanna buy a super sturdy H2 rack?