Thule Yakima rack feet analog

[dirtanddogfur]

So, I was getting frustrated with the availability . . . and the price of Thule and Yakima rack feet for track mounted rails. I decided to fab a set out of carbon fiber.



Hard part was getting them to look good. Out of 4 protos, 3 are functional and 2 look great. Need to fab the mounting brackets but so far pretty pleased.














((couldnt figure out how to rotate . . . . )

[E-350]

Nice!

How thick are they?
Can you show a pic from the inside to see how the mount to the rail looks like?

[dirtanddogfur]

I need to measure the overall thickness. If I had to guess 0.05"?



I designed a SS bracket to mount it. I currently am fabbing some out of aluminum just for fit.



One drawback with this version is the inability to lock them. Don't think that will be an issue for me but still not ideal.



They are amazingly strong. I can stand on the rail no problem.


It is four plys: two light layers for cosmetics, two heavier layers for strength

[twizad]

Wow those look really good. Are you a hobbyist or do you use carbon fiber by trade? I watch a fair amount of these guys but I've always been curious of expectation versus reality.

[dirtanddogfur]

Hobbyist.



I have watched those Easy Composite videos about 1000x. I became obsessed. Too bad getting their stuff in the states is so expensive.



I have made other composites. I make snowboards and a few carbon fiber fly fishing nets.



These were my most complicated parts, so far. I was really happy how they are turning out. The strength v weight always blows my mind with the CF.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by dirtanddogfur

So, I was getting frustrated with the availability . . . and the price of Thule and Yakima rack feet for track mounted rails. I decided to fab a set out of carbon fiber.

Hard part was getting them to look good. Out of 4 protos, 3 are functional and 2 look great. Need to fab the mounting brackets but so far pretty pleased.

Amazing creativity!


Herb

[dirtanddogfur]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Amazing creativity!


Herb

Thanks!

[doublevan2]

Amazing ! Terrific job ! The talent on this Forum is nothing short of amazing !

[marret]

Yep, agree with all the comments. Super nice and the talent on this forum is amazing.

[carringb]

Nice work on the layup!

Did you include inserts where it mounts to the bars and tracks? Racks can be subject to pretty tremendous uplift forces at freeway speeds, depending on what you mount to the bars (empty cargo carriers are probably the worst). I think that's a bigger challenge than the gravity loads.