Gauging Interest In My Custom Handcrafted Roof Racks

[CubbyChowder]

I think these are very cool, some excellent craftsmanship. Definitely something more suited for 2002 or Bavaria's, more pre 80's models.

I agree structurally you could use less support bars and still have be strong since the wood slats aren't spaced, instead of having spaces out slats that is more typical. While it's certainly more than I would spend on a rack, I believe the price tag makes sense considering they are hand made. But at $500+ it would be a hard sell for many people so if you make these cheaper by using less material that's a plus, and it makes them lighter.

You could also advertise these for other makes too, these would great on classic Mercs like W114 models or even some VW's.

I didn't even think about Mercedes, that's a great idea! I can also use thinner wall metal tubing to bring weight down as well. I understand the price is a bit high, I am brainstorming on how to make them more affordable.

Regarding weight and rust - can you weld aluminum? That would pretty much take care of both problems.

I can weld aluminum, however that would make my materials cost considerably higher, and they're already pretty high.

[rturbo 930]

Regarding weight and rust - can you weld aluminum? That would pretty much take care of both problems.

[shameson]

I think these are very cool, some excellent craftsmanship. Definitely something more suited for 2002 or Bavaria's, more pre 80's models.

I agree structurally you could use less support bars and still have be strong since the wood slats aren't spaced, instead of having spaces out slats that is more typical. While it's certainly more than I would spend on a rack, I believe the price tag makes sense considering they are hand made. But at $500+ it would be a hard sell for many people so if you make these cheaper by using less material that's a plus, and it makes them lighter.

You could also advertise these for other makes too, these would great on classic Mercs like W114 models or even some VW's.

[CubbyChowder]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, a few points have been brought up that I hadn't even considered yet. What I'm sort of gathering is that these racks are structurally a bit overkill. They are honestly pretty heavy, and I think weight reduction is something I should make a top priority for future racks. That and leaving bigger gaps for water and wind to pass through. Flush sitting wooden inlays on a metal frame is kind of my thing, so I don't really want to eliminate the metal bars between the wood altogether, it's what makes them unique in my opinion.

I do think simplifying them all around is what I should focus on, so I could build them quicker and price them more affordably. The two prototypes have been very time consuming as I'm pretty meticulous and picky with my metal work.

Again, thank you everyone for the useful input so far. I'd love to hear what more of you have to say, so keep the feedback coming!

[lucidy]

I think they look great, fits very well with the whole 2002, e28 and e30 image. Although if there was a way to get a bike on there on top of luggage that would be good.

[88e30is]

What brand are the gutter mounts? Do they fit 1"x1" square tube? I have been wanting to build a light bar and I love the low profile look.

[Sea Aych]

These are fantastic! A dark, almost black stain would look great too

[blunttech]

Im not a roof rack guy but I gotta say you are really an awesome fabricator. Very nice

[flyboyx]

its real purdy! i kind of like the second one with the curved bars. you could mount a sport seat up there and go hunting from that thing.

red oak looks nice. however, its not something you can leave out in the weather for any period of time. also, the ends of the bars being open like that are probably going to promote rust from the inside. you might consider dropping some 90 weight down the holes before you weld everything up.

i really like it however, it isn't something i would personally have a use for.

[E30Gus]

I think they look very nice! Personally I would ditch a majority of the bars in the middle (weight reduction) and have the wood be the main platform with space between them for rain drainage as Joe G was pointing out. This should cut down on cost/time and maybe allow you to offer at a lower price.
Very nice craftsmanship though!

[n3rdy30]

pm'd you

[Joe G]

I would be concerned with standing water on a rainy day.

[bruner]

Not my style for my e30 but that would look bitchin on a vw or older bmw.

This exactly. Thule ftw for e30

[goldfishe666]

I think it looks good. My only concern would be the weight and the reliability of the mounts. Also $500-600 pre shipping is out of many people's price range

[ButtJuice]

Pretty cool.