Safari Rack Basket

[JMPDIV82]

I heading to the beach soon and will need to utilize my Safari Rack to transport all my stuff. I need to put in a floor inside the basket that will keep all the stuff from falling through… I remember seeing a solution on “The Source” that used Chicken Coop interlocking flooring. I have had no luck finding it in NOVA.

Any ideas?

[shawnpalmer]

I put 2 sheets of aluminum flooring in. The back half is screwed down directly into the rack using bolts and nuts that were welded onto the the rack (very sturdy). The other half was attached using the small quickfists. The half that uses the quickfists is removable and works very well. You can get the aluminum sheets cut for you at a sign shop. They don't weigh much at all. I found this better than using wood because it won't warp, chip, or make the truck top heavy.

[JMPDIV82]

Any Pictures??

[rmuller]

Chicken Coop flooring -- http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/prod1;;pgha2215_HA2217.html

Then I got some HD zip ties from www.buycableties.com

Have had it on my discovery now for 3 years or so, works great! Lightweight, cheap, strong, etc..

[cgalpin]

Greg, give me a call. I have some extruded aluminum sheeting that Neil got for me that would probably be perfect for ya. And I can return your jack stands!

[shawnpalmer]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n312/shawnpalmer/rooftop.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n312/shawnpalmer/sidetop.jpg

Follow-up Post:

You'll have to excuse the fact that it is white. White is the only color that the baked on enamel comes in, and my patience for my powder coater has grown thin. Plus, nobody but me ever sees it. Another bonus of this solid aluminum roof is that it keeps the truck cooler, much like a safari roof on an old series truck.

Follow-up Post:

One day I might put a big Land Rover logo up there.

[NashvilleRover]

Shawn:
Can you snap pictures of how you have the sheets secured with the quick-fists?

Also, where did you get the sheets. I had considered two sheets of 5 bar, however, I am using this on a NAS 110 and like the quick-fist idea so I don't have to drill the rack, and like the white as it would double as a safari top!! Thanks,

Dendy

Follow-up Post:

Shawn:

Perhaps you could run a dozen of these across the top of the white sheet to keep damage of the finish down and add some rigidity. These are ABS extruded strips.

I have thought of simply using these as a floor system— much in a marine type of application, however, I do like the reflective quality of the sheets you have used.

Dendy

link:

http://www.greenstreak.com/SubPacks/ABS_Rustication_Strips_Flyer.pdf

[shawnpalmer]

Dendy,
It is really easy.
I used hex head stainless screws from Ace. Drill through the aluminum sheet, insert screw. Place quick fist on other side, then use washer and nut. Done.
Now do this 20 more times. The hard part was lining up all the holes, but that only took me a few minutes with a tape and pencil and long straight edge.

I got the sheets of aluminum at a sign supply shop called AlumaPanel in Cumming, Ga. I am sure there is a place that has the material near you.

http://www.alumapanel.com/

They have a place in SC as well.

Follow-up Post:

Those would work great to add strength and protection.
Another good thing about the rubber clamps is that they are silent and shock absorbing. Order the quickfists on ebay for less than $1 dollar each. You can make the entire flooring for less than $100 dollars and a couple hours. And it is removable and "no drilling". If you really want to be able to abuse it, order some thicker aluminum. The rear floor on mine is thick, the removable white part is thinner. I forget the numbers, but I could find out. Alumapanel can tell you too.

[Chaucer]

Pretty good thread on it here: http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9125&highlight=farmtek