The $50 roof rack project (on going with pics)

[HerbReal]

Hello all,

I came across a really cheap yakima round bar roof rack for the BMW this weekend. Upon finding this deal from a seller from Burlingame, I decided to come and pick it up despite of the length of the rods (it was about 58", came off the seller's plymouth van) and I had my dad to professionally cut it for me (he's the shot caller for a established machine shop in San Jose). I'm sharing this because I learned a valuable lesson in making the perfect length (at least it's the most minimal) since cutting it down from 58" to 42" was just perfect. As promised, here are some pictures: (sorry for the iPhone quality pictures and the SIZE (for edit) I'm very sorry, I will take more pics tomorrow as I can get my hands the DSLR because I don't have my girl's DSLR and the smiley face next to the gas door lol)

I enclosed the pictures as attachments and I took some close up pictures for reference of the 42" length. IMO, it's the perfect length and please learn from my almost disaster mistake, I'm super lucky I didn't administer my dad to cut it shorter than it is. Please let me know if my mount spots are correct, I tried not to spread it too short and far but not far enough to hit the sloping side towards the hood. Thanks for looking.

Herb
Herb.Real@gmail.com

[TurboJake]

The feet look really tall.

But I dont have one on my e30. sadly.

[Chruby99]

Could be worse. I picked up a thule rectangular set. The end caps cover over 1/2" on the ends so a sawzall worked fine. It did help to install prior to cutting Eyeball one end and measure for the other side and mark the other side. Remove and cut. Look at it this way. I have mine to look like a proper amount of over hang. But have since come close to catching it several on the head while getting in and out.The extra length on the ends are not need to hold the weight.

[audiquattrot]

Nice my stick out way more than urs.....but it gives me something to hold on to....when I'm trying to take my lugs off

[A Sucked Orange]

epic thread is epic

[F34R]

I lol'd hard at "professionally cut". And nice snag on the rack, I paid a lot more for the same one. They look awesome on our cars, roof racks have always been cool in my book.

Here is mine and what I did:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=241501

Edit: you're the kid that PM'd me wanting to know the length of the cross bars. I will take credit for the final size of your rack's bars. Thank you very much ;)

[HerbReal]

As noticed, the mounts are quite tall but in my knowledge most of the gutter mounted yakima's are designed like it (please school me if I'm incorrect). I'm still mixed on the length of the bars since it may be better to have a bit longer bars (44") than a super minimal length like mine (42"). I actually wanted to thank F34R on the input as he gave me some insight on the length of the bars. More pics will come soon.

Herb
Herb.Real@gmail.com

[TurboJake]

I need to continue what I meant.

I don't have one on my E30. Sadly. So I don't have a point of reference.

[HerbReal]

TurboJake,

there's a ton of deals here in my area, just found the same one that I have for $70. If you really want one I can get it and ship it to you (just cover the price of the selling price and shipping, of course). Let me know.

Herb
Herb.Real@gmail.com

[F34R]

I need to continue what I meant.

I don't have one on my E30. Sadly. So I don't have a point of reference.

I got a rack for sale, I can make your dreams come true ;)

[HerbReal]

The one I found was already sold, F34R's roof rack is pretty awesome and a steal. I say go get! =)