New Roof Rack

[BMONTES]

So today my neighbor and I compared the Hooke Rack on his Tacoma to the A.R.E Roof Rack on my cap. The Hooke metal stock is actually thicker than my A.R.E. thus theoretically could be sturdier(?). I liked what I saw up close however the coating and hardware is crap. While we were at it, I sold him a Yakima Rooftop storage box for $400. Not sure how Ive ended up with three coffins...

Given what Ive learned the past few days I pulled the trigger on the Hooke Rack. But I also ordered better quality installation hardware and channeled weather stripping (for the edges of the rack against the truck body). All in... less than $340.

Worse case it will be a failed experiment and I netted $60. Best case it will work out and I never came out of pocket for it.

Wow man, thanks for being the first to take a leap of faith. Keep us posted. Glad to hear it seems sturdy (minus the hardware). I guess I know where my stimulus check is going, if it works out. Are you installing yourself?

 

[BigH2OChief]

If I didn’t come into the unexpected cash I wouldn’t have done it. Ha-ha! I plan to install it myself. But not before I study it all very carefully... before poking holes into my baby. Then again, those wont be the only holes I’ll be drilling into the truck. I plan to permanently mount my VHF/UHF and Repeater antennas as well. Delivery is estimated middle of the month. It will take some time as l have to prep and re-paint it then go for broke. I’ll let you know how it works out. If you get down to San Diego hit me up for a drive-by or meet up.

 

[BMONTES]

If I didn’t come into the unexpected cash I wouldn’t have done it. Ha-ha! I plan to install it myself. But not before I study it all very carefully... before poking holes into my baby. Then again, those wont be the only holes I’ll be drilling into the truck. I plan to permanently mount my VHF/UHF and Repeater antennas as well. Delivery is estimated middle of the month. It will take some time as l have to prep and re-paint it then go for broke. I’ll let you know how it works out. If you get down to San Diego hit me up for a drive-by or meet up.

Nice, I’ll def hit you up if I’m in the area. Do the same if your in the LA area.

 

[BigH2OChief]

Update on my test of the budget Hooke Rack. Shipping was super quick. Package arrived in only 4 days. No damage and carton(s) were intact. All parts were there... however the nuts for the Rivnuts were the incorrect size (too small). No big to me as I swapped all the hardware with SS hex heads and nylock nuts. The powder coat was actually pretty good however my youngest can lay better welds. Still All OK for the price though and its well worth the cheap ass price. I pulled off the gaudy logo on the front and replaced it with something respectable. I laid 3 coats of paint to everything followed by 2 coats of bedliner spray. It rained this weekend which paused progress but I was able to run PVC Bulb trim on the edges nearest the truck, back and front fairing. Then I mounted for two re-purposed Plano Gun Cases and moved my Traction Pads to the rack. It works perfect as it leaves a wedge at the PAX rear which will fit my WaterPORT. This week I'll solder up a wire harness for the front light bar and alley lights and run it to the engine bay. And lay a final coat of paint on the fully assembled rack . Plan is to punch holes in the truck and mount it next weekend. Here's some photos for reference.

 

[BMONTES]

Update on my test of the budget Hooke Rack. Shipping was super quick. Package arrived in only 4 days. No damage and carton(s) were intact. All parts were there... however the nuts for the Rivnuts were the incorrect size (too small). No big to me as I swapped all the hardware with SS hex heads and nylock nuts. The powder coat was actually pretty good however my youngest can lay better welds. Still All OK for the price though and its well worth the cheap ass price. I pulled off the gaudy logo on the front and replaced it with something respectable. I laid 3 coats of paint to everything followed by 2 coats of bedliner spray. It rained this weekend which paused progress but I was able to run PVC Bulb trim on the edges nearest the truck, back and front fairing. Then I mounted for two re-purposed Plano Gun Cases and moved my Traction Pads to the rack. It works perfect as it leaves a wedge at the PAX rear which will fit my WaterPORT. This week I'll solder up a wire harness for the front light bar and alley lights and run it to the engine bay. And lay a final coat of paint on the fully assembled rack . Plan is to punch holes in the truck and mount it next weekend. Here's some photos for reference.View attachment 160505 View attachment 160506 View attachment 160507 View attachment 160508 View attachment 160509

Wow looks good. For the bed liner paint did you have to scuff up all the fresh paint? That light bar is perfect

 

[BigH2OChief]

I steel wool-ed all the parts which basically took down the powder coat overspray. It honestly was treated pretty good. Better than my ARE rack on the cap.

 

[JefeAZ]

That looks awesome, wish they made a SuperCab version. Could also mount any sort of 3rd brake light you wanted on the back. Cap off the stock hole and paint it body color but not sure how to get the wires back inside.

 

[Viperi]

I'm looking to get one too. How's the wind noise on it, I'm thinking of getting some thule racks and modifying jt I don't have to drill into the body any chnace I could get some measurements from the roof to the top of the rack

 

[Cody Templeton]

Looking into one myself but don't wanna drill into the roof. What's the options?

 

[FiveOsvt]

I imagine the mounting solution is also pirated from existing Ford racks. So regardless we are drilling holes for rivnuts. For my build, ultimately I need the additional storage capacity so I’m seriously thinking about it. If the Hooke Rack’s mounted height was the same (or close) to my ARE Ascent rack on my Cap... I’d do it. I’ll try and attach some photos so you can see what I’m thinking here. I’m going to send the seller on Amazon an email regarding installation method and mounted dimensions and see what they say.

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I just have to say, your truck looks great.