What you guys are describing sounds a lot like the initial Calmini prototype rack. Those Hellas on that Rover are huge. I have the 6 3/4 inch 4000 compacts on mine now. They are a little bigger than the old PIAAs and they look perfect.









Lots more pictures here:
http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=73;t=000809;p=3

The difference between out rack and the rover's is that their roof isn't pre-drilled and set up with the rack system we have so they have to use the channels to support it.

That is pretty much what I was thinking.

That is the rack that should have been built for those that do not need or want the ability to open a sunroof.

Near the front it could drop just a bit to allow easier access to place a cooler.

And for astetics. Personaly I dont like the apearence of that rack. Sorry just my taste.

No apology necessary.

I'm not as big fan of the jungle gym sitting on top of the Rover either.

It might not "look" cool, but I think as far as function it's a nice design.

inexpensive, light weight but rugged, and for city parking garages....easily removable.

I think you missed the point of this thread.

That's not a Roofrack, mate!


THAT's a roofrack!

I was wondering when a pic of your Roofrack was going to show up in this thread...

I'd like to see one made with:

Fold over CB mount on one side (well, just a tab/hole designed for it, fold over mounts already exist)
Hi lift mount
Some form of solid flooring (don't care about removable)
A place to mount 4 lights up front, but designed such that the metal framing would surround the lights (I drive alot of brush/thick/small trails and drag tree branches on the top all the time)
Perhaps a small tab at the top front corners to run tree lines/wire?
Don't forget the rear light mounts too

Dealing with my 60" hilift and the need for a fold over CB antenna is the only stuff keeping me from getting a rear tire carrier... if you make a rack that handles both of those issues, I'll order a rack and a rear bumper right today!

What I don't like about that original calmini rack is it looks too tall and smallish... I'd want something that physically covers more of the roof (width) and doesn't stand up so tall... In the pics, it looks like they just strapped a milk crate to the top (a bit exagerrated)

Perhaps something like this?

Tuff,

You nailed the rack design. Especially the bar over the light tabs. I've been asking local fabbers here in AK to do something like that and they laugh. They say there isn't enough demand. But from the looks of this thread I'd say there is.

So, how many pre-orders will it take to get the man from TX to begin production?

Talking about a nice rack...

more "rack" pics

I like some of the land rover ones. They are very functional. The idea of having a bar over the lights is great for us who wheel in areas with low hanging trees.

Looks to me like she got an "aftermarket" rack...

And the interior has been equipped with a coin slot.

Nice!