I'm debating building a new headache rack for my F150 and selling the one that's on there that was actually built to fit on majority of the big 3's trucks but is tall on the 97-03 body style. It would be kinda nice to get some opinions on things like how I should do the backup lights and whether I should use 1/8" plate for louvers, expanded, ect. The current headache rack that I have on it I built more universal than specific for stock show purposes. It has expanded that over time, the welds broke loose in some areas and rattles like crazy on dirt, antenna mounts, and tabs for driving lights I'm using as backup lights. Currently on 1.5" 11 ga tubing and 2" 3/16 flat roll for the runners.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing with 2" 11 ga. square tubing, 2x3 (more than likely 2x4) 11 ga tubing, 4x2x.25 angle, and 2x2x.25 angle. I'm debating using my current lights for back up and just hanging them under the brake lights or going full LED on the rack and cutting out for the backups. Louvers wise I was thinking about going 1.5 tubing turned 45 deg and spaced evenly to give it a slightly different look. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

 

I had a friend that built one for me and it dosent have any lovers but I have six lights mounted on it

 

Helps provide some extra protection and shade...good in hot climates.

 

Nice. Looks similar to products already out there so not sure how cost effective it will be but go for it!

 

ya it would but i live in south dakota and its not a hot climate lol

 

Similar, yes. Most mass produced ones aren't made of as heavy duty as this for 1/2 ton trucks. The last one I made only cost me 110. Good ones cost up to 600. This also uses less but stronger materials than my current one. Plus, by making it lower to the level of the cab instead of 4" above, I think I can gain some mileage back that was lost when I put the first one on.

 

The nice thing about making your own is. That you make it the way that you want it

 

Exactly

 

Yup I just took all of the lights off of mine tonight because they were mounted to low and I can't raise them or I can't get into the garage

 

Had that issue when putting the Jeep in the garage for the spring. Ended up just letting all the air out of the tires since it was just for storage and I didn't want to drive down to the barn a mile away.