Hi everyone, I have been searching the forum looking for info/threads on interior crossbars to store surfboards and other large lightweight items overhead. I saw a few other windsurfer/surfer realted people/posts but no actual follow up on this type of project.
I have already welded up my own aluminum custom sheleves in the rear and they were easy to find attachment points for....up front the options seem more limited
I have a pretty good idea on how I will do it, but just curious if anyone has already done it or similar and had any good advice before I start doing things that can't be undone.
Bar locations will be mounted to the "bulkeheads" below where the roof rack bars are on the exterior, seems to be the best "balance point" and the strongest part of the roof with a nice 3' bar spread front to back. (and will fit my kiteboards/surfboards 5'6"- 6'3") Height will be same as the headache rack which at 5'11" gives me still 8" of headroom while sitting. I know I am comfortable with this heaight bc I made a floor mounted interior "cage" rack in my van transit that has an overhead shelf at the same height which works great for 8' 2x4" boards aand other pvc etc anything up to about 8'2"
The idea with this newer van is to have celing mounted bars like maybe a dry cleaner van might have but oriented for surfboards and mounted up to the roof/sidewalls NOT a free standing floor system like ive made before, this way the cabin stays open in the rear for the passengers/dogs
Anybody know why the one clip in this area of the headliner has an allen screw look to it instead of being a simple push clip? I removed it and tried to see if it was drilled and tapped to receieve a bolt but I could not quite tell? Hole seemed very close to 1/4" but I know everything is metric...
In the rear one I was going to do a single thru-bolt in the side of the bulkhead where the metal is articulated in and the head of the carriage bolt will be hidden in the sliding rear door "pocket" below the trim/weatherstripping with no interference to the doors motion. I suppose water COULD get to it but its going to be one 1/4" hole and I'm going to silicone/5200 sealant the hole before the bolt goes through so I'm not worried about that. plus it stays mostly dry bc the door covers this when closed anyway
Crossbars will be welded aluminum, and removable from their brackets affixed to the interiors celing/sides
I know this description might be a little hard to follow if you arent right there looking at what I'm pointitng to, but any possible advice or insight or info on factory existing attachment points that I might be missing/hiding somewhere would be awesome. ..just trying to do one last look before I start drilling holes. Thanks!
