The Truck Rack Project
When I purchased my 2004 Tacoma I knew I would use it for all sorts of heavy hauling and that a rack and sidewall guard was required. I looked at available racks and was not impressed by their design and objected in particular to their cost. I wanted a rack that would protect the cab and tops of the sidewalls of the bed yet also allow a camper shell to be fitted to the bed if necessary. I came up with a design and set about making it and installing it in the spring of 2004.
The rack was constructed of rectangular tubing and flat stock, all of mild steel and painted weather resistant black. I used a Lincoln SP125 MIG welder for the work and it performed adequately. It definitely made me want a bigger welder.
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