Great to know, thanks. If I weld it outside with a breeze, should I be ok? I've heard the nasty flu-like symptoms that follow those who weld galvanized steel, just wondering if that'd do the trick.
Outside, you'll be fine, just weld from the windward side
!
I built one for my XJ using 3/4 for the upper & lower hoops tied together with 3" long pieces of 1/2 verticly positioned 10-12" apart. I think I ended up with 4 on the sides & 3 on the front & back. Whatever looks good to you
!
The bottom was also 1/2" runners side to side spaced 6" apart. Attached it to the existing factory rails with 1/4 X 1 1/4 U bolts.
I carried a 32" spare, Hi-Lift jack, & shovel all the time & lots of camping gear whenever needed
! I even stood in it to reach stuff in the garage, & +200 #
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I didn't try to fish-mouth my joints, I just pinnched them in a vise on either end & welded them in
! I did sleave the 3/4 butt joints with 1/2 pieces though.
The whole rack weighed less than 30# & cost about $25 & a couple of evenings to build. It worked great untill I rolled the Jeep over on it
, even though it was bent pretty bad only 1 weld broke:busted: !
Bottom line.....EMT = Good build material:thumbs: