Almost every driver faced such a problem as a lack of space in the trunk of a car. And this applies not only to connoisseurs of outdoor activities, who regularly go out into the countryside and carry bicycles, tents and household items with them. In everyday life, the problem of transporting bulky items from place to place often appears.

An additional cargo area on the roof would be a good option for solving such problems. If the manufacturer does not expect this element in the standard equipment of the car, a do-it-yourself car roof rack will be a good alternative. It is a removable structure that can be easily mounted on a car and just as easily removed.

The most common types of homemade roof racks are a car box and a welded structure consisting of aluminum or steel profiles.

The box on the roof of the car has a rather attractive appearance and, most importantly, does not violate the aerodynamic performance of the car. But making it yourself is quite difficult and costly. It is included in the factory equipment, which is developed for a specific car brand, most often for SUVs.

The rack and pinion roof rack is a more functional design. The volume of the rack and pinion compartment on the roof of any VAZ model is two to three times the volume of an autobox on a Toyota SUV.

The advantages are obvious:

• the structure can be installed temporarily;
• ease of transportation of bulky items: pipes, bicycles, boards, etc.;
• car roof protection;
• increase in the volume of the cargo compartment two to three times.

Disadvantages:

• decrease in vehicle aerodynamics;
• if the weight of the cargo on the roof is from 50 kg, the stability of the car decreases by 10-20% in case of side wind gusts;
• car driving becomes more difficult.

The main disadvantage is that fuel consumption increases to 1-2 liters per 100 km with a load of 50 kg.

The average speed of a car with a load of 50 kg on the roof should not exceed 70-75 km / h.

How to make a trunk

If the car is equipped with roof rails - standard metal railings on the roof - it is recommended to make aluminum or steel crossbars that will serve as the bottom of the trunk.

If roof rails are not provided in the standard equipment of the car, you can make a welded structure of the trunk with the bottom and sides. It is impractical to do it yourself, the cost of work and materials will cost 50-60% higher than buying a ready-made trunk.

The process of manufacturing the trunk is conventionally divided into the following stages:

1. Material selection, tool preparation.
2. Taking measurements, drawing drawing.
3. Making the perimeter and fasteners of the trunk with your own hands.
4. Welding.
5. Installation of the trunk on the car.

Materials and tools

One of the main stages of production in self-production is the correct calculation of the weight of the finished structure and the creation of a drawing. The ideal material for a car trunk will be aluminum profiles. Aluminum is highly durable, flexible and lightweight.

Shaped pipes can become an alternative material. The weight of the material is relatively small, the thin-walled profile pipes are resistant to corrosion, high strength and low cost. The cost of a profile pipe is half that of a similar aluminum pipe.

Strips of stainless steel sheet should be used as a roof rack material in extreme cases as the material is heavy and expensive.

For the manufacture of fasteners, prepared industrial steel plates can be used.

Of the tools you will need:

• bulgarian;
• welding machine;
• sander;
• primer;
• car paint.

Construction measurements and drawing up a drawing

If you need to make your own roof rack, where standard roof rails are installed, you just need to measure the distance between them. Fasteners. If these elements are absent in the car, then it is required to measure the length and width of the roof. Based on these numbers, a design drawing is created, where the following parameters are calculated:

• length and width of the frame;
• a place for reinforcing jumpers is determined;
• the height of the sides is calculated;
• the number of fasteners is determined.

While drawing the drawing, streamline the headboard, and install an aluminum arch in the front of the structure. If the roof is longer than 2.5 meters, six support points are required, if less, four fasteners are sufficient.

According to the drawing, blanks are cut from the selected material, then the frame is welded.

Welding works

The correct manufacture of the trunk with your own hands depends on the accuracy of preliminary measurements and the design drawing. Welding works are carried out in the following sequence:

1. The perimeter of the structure is welded from a profile pipe or sheet of steel, depending on the selected material.
2. Jumpers are welded to strengthen the bottom. Considering the weight of the cargo that is supposed to be carried on the roof, you can weld on the lintels with a grid.
3. An aluminum bow is welded to the front of the platform to ensure optimal aerodynamics of the vehicle.
4. For the sides, racks with a length of 6-15 cm are cut. The side racks are welded to the upper part of the frame, which coincides with the base, the bottom.
5. The sander removes the beads of material that remained after welding. The cross member fastenings are ground and primed.
6. Painting of the structure. A primer is made before painting.
7. Installation of roof rails or roof racks. To install the roof rack, brackets are mounted directly on the roof, on which the cargo compartment will be installed.

Tool steel is heavy, do not use more than three strips of steel to reinforce the bottom of the boot.

Ensuring aerodynamics and fixing the sides

In order to minimize the decrease in the aerodynamic performance of the car due to the installation of a homemade roof rack, it is recommended to use an inclined mount of the struts on the front and rear of the structure.

To do this, the upper side tubes should be slightly smaller than similar lower ones. Therefore, the posts on the front and rear of the bottom of the structure are welded at an angle. The angle of inclination and the length of the upper side parts are calculated in the process of drawing up the design drawing.

Aesthetic touches

After all welding work, the structure of the machine is carefully polished, primed and painted. Before priming, the parts are degreased.

Using a primer with a high zinc content will maximally protect the metal rack from corrosion and facilitate painting.

A few days after the structure is primed, painting is done.

As an additional aesthetic touch, decorative nuts can be installed that completely cover the mounting bolts.

Additional devices and devices

The expedition roof rack can be equipped with automotive equipment that will provide the driver with additional comfort:

• installation of fog lights is allowed;
• you can make and install a windbreak: if you intend to travel to the forest, this will help protect windshield;
• the second antenna on the trunk can come in handy when traveling to distant places.

According to the traffic police rules, the installation of the trunk is not a re-equipment of the car and does not require registration, if, according to the design of a particular car model, for an additional luggage compartment.

Top rack - what is it? Functional element modern car or an unnecessary detail, from which there is more harm than good? You can argue about this endlessly, because each driver has his own needs and methods of operating the car. Someone uses a vehicle only to get to work in the morning and home in the evening. Others cannot imagine their life without active sports: cycling, skiing and snowboarding. The last category of people, perhaps most of all, needs to install additional space for attaching large-sized items. By the way, it is quite possible to make an expeditionary trunk in the garage with your own hands.

Do you need a roof rack

Not at all modern machines an additional expeditionary trunk is installed, however, this is a very important and useful part of the car. Usually they remember about it when it is required to transport a large-sized object. Owners of cars with a “coupe” or “sedan” body type will be forced to hire carriers if they need to buy building materials for a summer cottage or a garage, because boards and pipes simply will not fit into the trunk. Even an ordinary bicycle can be stowed in the regular luggage compartment of not every car. Someone might argue that there is a trailer for these purposes. But management is vehicle requires certain driving skills, and not everyone has a trailer. The way out of such situations will be the acquisition or self-production roof rack.

These racks can be divided into two categories:

• boxes;
• arcs-crossbars.

The former are more compact and have an attractive appearance... Plus, they protect your belongings from dust, rain, snow and even bright sun. However, they are able to accommodate much less things than arcs-crossbars, and it is almost impossible to make them yourself.

But the second option is more functional, besides, it is not difficult to do it yourself.

Modern manufacturers are increasingly producing combined types of roof racks. So, for example, a box and a holder for bicycles and other sports equipment can be combined in one design. If you wish, you can purchase such devices in specialized stores, but making them yourself is almost impossible.

Pros and cons of expeditionary trunks

If you are still not sure if you need a roof rack in a location like this, check out the advantages and disadvantages of this part. The positives of the Expedition Rack are pretty obvious:

• it allows you to carry more things;
• protects the roof and its paintwork from external damage from above;
• it becomes possible to transport bulky items;
• with reliable fixation, the load will not fall;
• transported items do not obstruct the driver's view;
• free space in the car;
• for some body structures, it becomes possible to increase the volume of the cabin due to the empty luggage compartment;
• you can install LPG equipment in the vacated regular trunk;
• such a detail is easy to do with your own hands

Unfortunately, such a trunk also has negative qualities:

• the weight of the transported items is limited by the carrying capacity of the vehicle;
• fuel consumption increases by 2 liters per thousand kilometers with an empty trunk installed;
• you will have to apply certain physical efforts, lifting the load to the height of the machine;
• with excessive filling of the trunk or poor fixation, you can lose some of the things;
• improperly fixed structures rattle and interfere with the driver;
• the aerodynamics of the car is reduced, due to which the possibilities for acceleration and maneuvers are reduced;
• the machine becomes less resistant to crosswind;
• the vehicle's height increases, which means you need to be more careful when driving through tunnels or under low arches.

The need to install an expeditionary luggage rack directly depends on the features of vehicle operation. If you travel often, like to ride bicycles with your family and friends, or do summer cottage work, then such an element of the car will be indispensable for you. In all other cases, having a similar trunk will also not be superfluous, besides, it can always be dismantled and left in the garage, and, if necessary, installed back.

How to make a trunk with your own hands

Expedition rack can be made in two ways:

• weld a metal structure with sides and bottom;
• make crossbars for roof rails.

Roof rails are a kind of railings installed on the roof of a car. Simple weights can be tied directly to them, but this can damage the paintwork. Unfortunately, roof rails are not available on some car models, so sometimes it may be necessary to manufacture a complete structure.

If you plan to stay on the method of attaching crossbars to rails, then the whole process can be conditionally divided into several stages:

• selection and purchase necessary materials and tools;
• measurement of car roof parameters;
• drawing up a design drawing;
• production of crossbars;
• manufacture of fasteners;
• assembly of the structure;
• installation of the trunk in its place.

In the event that the roof rails are not provided for in the design of the car, welding of a more complex shape of the trunk may be necessary. However, with a responsible approach to the situation, from the beginning of measurements to the installation of a finished structure on a car, it can take no more than one day.

Choice of material and tools

The choice of material for the manufacture of expeditionary luggage should be taken with full responsibility. Heavy materials will significantly increase the vehicle's weight, which will affect agility and acceleration. In addition, such materials are quite difficult to work with. Give preference to light and soft metals and structures. The best solution would be to choose aluminum, since it is lightweight, but strong enough. It is a flexible and soft metal, so it shouldn't be too difficult to work with. Moreover, aluminum is not afraid of corrosion.

Of course, the price for this metal is slightly higher than for many others. If aluminum is too expensive for you, pay attention to the profile thin-walled tube. It can also serve as a good material for a future product. But sheet stainless steel should be used only as a last resort, since it has a fairly large weight.

In addition to the metal itself, you will need other materials and tools. These include:

• welding machine
• grinder for cutting metal;
• clamps for car mufflers;
• polyurethane foam;
• equipment for grinding;
• fiberglass with a density of at least 300 g / m2;
• car paint (optional).

As for the paint, you can choose it in the color of the car body, or you can stay at the classic black or silver color.

Construction measurements and drawing up a drawing

In order to make cross members, you just need to measure the distance between the rails. But for the manufacture of a more complex structure, it is necessary to determine the size and weight of the future trunk, and at the same time draw up a project. The amount of materials you need depends on this. To prepare a drawing of a future product, you need to accurately measure the length and width of the roof.

After that, create a drawing on which the following elements of the trunk will be taken into account:

• parameters of the structure frame;
• the length and location of the bridges reinforcing the product;
• the bottom of the trunk;
• the height of the sides of the structure.

When designing a structure, pay attention to the following point: rectangular roof racks negatively affect the aerodynamics of the car. Therefore, it is recommended to make the headboard more streamlined.

Method one: making crossbars and fasteners

First of all, we will deal with the manufacture of crossbars. Decide on their length in accordance with the drawing, and then get to work.

1. Using a grinder, cut two crossbars of the required length. Make sure they are the same size.
2. Apply polyurethane foam generously to the inside and outside of the metal.
3. Wait for the foam to harden.
4. Now, using a grinder, grind off all unnecessary and give the crossbars the desired shape.
5. Cover the resulting products with fiberglass in two or three layers.
6. Paint the item in your chosen color.

Photo instructions for the manufacture of crossbars

After that, you need to start making fasteners. They are equipped with muffler clamps. In this case, all unnecessary elements of the clamp are cut off to leave only a flat plate. With its help, the crossbars can be securely attached to the rails.

To assemble such a structure, symmetrical holes are drilled in the rails on both sides. The distance between the holes must be the same as on the prepared mounting plates. The cross members are then easily installed in their places.

If the cross members do not fit snugly against the mountings, you can seal these places with rubber washers.

Video: making crossbars and attaching them to rails

Method Two: Making a More Complex Expeditionary Trunk

The second method is more suitable for making roof racks for off-road vehicles. It has a slightly different procedure, thanks to which it is possible to create a more complex structure with a bottom, stiffening ribs and sides.

This method is best used if you are transporting really bulky items or if your car does not have roof rails to which you can attach crossbars.

1. Carefully study the previously prepared drawing. Decide on the length of all structural elements.
2. Using a grinder, cut the metal to make the frame of the structure. You should have two longitudinal and two transverse metal segments for the bottom and top of the structure.
3. Weld the metal pipes together in such a way that you get two rectangles corresponding to the parameters of the roof.
4. The lower rectangle should be reinforced with stiffening ribs, placing them across the structure at the same distance from each other. If desired, a construction mesh can be added to the bottom frame.
5. Now it is necessary to connect the upper and lower rectangle, thus forming the sides of the trunk. To do this, you need metal pipes with a smaller diameter.
6. Prepare an even number of metal pieces from 7 to 15 cm long, depending on the estimated depth of the trunk.
7. Place them symmetrically on all sides of the rectangle, and then weld the top and bottom of the trunk.

Photo instructions for the manufacture of expeditionary luggage rack with bottom and sides

Weld four crossbars in the shape of a rectangle (you will need 2 of these blanks) Connect the upper and lower rectangles Add stiffeners to the structure Apply anti-corrosion primer to the metal

Please note that to improve the aerodynamic properties, it is better to make the front and rear boards not from a straight line, but from an arcuate segment.

If you have worked with a material that is not resistant to rust, be sure to treat it with a special anti-corrosion compound. If you wish, you can also foam the resulting structure, strengthen it with fiberglass, and then paint it in the desired color.

Video: making an expeditionary rack with a frame and sides

If you do not have roof rails, you will need to drill the roof and fix it with special brackets to install such a rack. Unfortunately, this can cause rust in the holes when moisture gets on the metal, so it is better to contact a special auto repair shop to resolve the issue.

Expedition Rack Accessories

Interestingly, some additional devices can be installed on the roof rack to make life easier for the driver. So, for example, if you often visit the country and carry special equipment with you, the structure can be equipped with a special mount for a shovel. This same mount can be used on fishing trips to secure fishing rods.

Also, you can easily install a mount for the radio antenna on the trunk, which will significantly improve signal reception. If you often ride outside the city, in places with a large congestion of trees, then you need such a thing as windbreakers. On one of the sides, they can be fixed on the frame of the expeditionary luggage carrier, and thereby protect the windshield from damage.

But the most popular additional equipment for this element of the car is lighting elements, the so-called chandeliers. They are a series of headlights that illuminate more space in front of the vehicle than conventional near and far lamps. Many install on the trunk fog lights, however, the principle of supply and diffusion of light in them is not very well suited for lighting from above. Today, you can easily find special lamps for overhead light sources on sale.

As you can see, making a trunk yourself is far from the most difficult procedure. Of course, when making a complete structure with bottom and sides, you need to have certain skills in welding metal structures, as well as special equipment... Therefore, in some cases it may be advisable to consider the option of purchasing and installing a ready-made part.

For people who prefer to travel with their family on own car, and have to take a lot of things with them, a roof rack is a necessary accessory. It can be easily placed on it oversized cargothat does not fit in the rear compartment of the car and carry sports equipment such as skis, snowboards or bicycles. Usually the trunk is not included with the car, but it can be purchased or made by hand.

Ready box

There are four main types of car roof racks:

1. Classic. Otherwise, they are called universal or basic. They are a structure of metal bars and cross bars fixed to the roof of the vehicle. Their main advantage is the ease of fastening and the possibility of modification of the structure for the transport of sports equipment or the installation of a car box.
2. Expeditionary. This view is designed for fans of outdoor activities, tourists, as well as hunters and fishermen. Such a cargo compartment is more like a basket. In addition to the base, it has sides to which you can attach lighting fixtures, bump stops and spare wheels.
3. Cycling. The design is a system of fasteners that fix the sports equipment.
4. Autoboxes. They are hard and soft. Hard trunks on the roof are made of impact-resistant plastic, and soft ones are made of fiberglass and look like large travel bags. Autobox made of fiberglass - the best option for the experienced traveler, because the things carried in such a trunk are reliably protected from dirt, wind and precipitation. In addition, the design has a good aerodynamic shape and does not increase fuel consumption too much when fully loaded.

The manufacture of roof racks in the form of boxes is a new, but very promising direction. The cheapest models russian production cost from 20,000 rubles, but you can make an autobox on the roof of a car with your own hands.

DIY roof rack

To make a roof rack for a car with your own hands, certain skills and equipment are required. The work takes place in several stages:

• Preparation: determining the design of the roof rack for a car, measuring and drawing up a drawing of the future product, purchasing materials.
• Manufacturing: manufacturing of parts and fasteners, assembly.
• Fixation: fastening of longitudinal and transverse strips, installation of a ready-made trunk or autobox.

The main factor when choosing a roof rack design is its purpose. If there is a need to transport not heavy, but bulky cargo, then a universal or expeditionary type is suitable. For those who want to free up space in the car from not the most frequently used but necessary things, an autobox would be the ideal solution.

Attention! However, it is not so easy to make your own box on the roof of a car, therefore, classic or expedition trunks are more popular among hand-made lovers.

Choice of material and tool

When making a roof rack, you must take into account the fact that the maximum roof load should not exceed 70 kg. The structure will be much easier if you use aluminum profiles for its production. They are lightweight, flexible and durable, which, combined with their low weight, makes this material ideal for achieving the goal. Thin-walled profile pipes can be an alternative solution. They are also durable and resistant to corrosion, but their cost is almost 2 times lower than that of aluminum.

If, nevertheless, there is a desire to make an autobox, it is better to dwell on a soft structure, because the manufacture of a case from fiberglass is technologically difficult and expensive. Tarpaulin or banner fabric, or fiberglass with a density of at least 300 g / m2 is used as a material for soft boxing.

In addition, you will need the following consumables and tools:

1. bolts and clamps;
2. polyurethane foam;
3. grinder for metal;
4. welding machine;
5. sander;
6. primer and car paint.

It is not necessary to select paint in the color of the car, especially. The design can look aesthetically pleasing even without painting.

crossbar

Construction measurements and drawing up a drawing

If the design of the machine provides for roof rails, then for the manufacture of crossbars, it is enough to simply measure the distance between them. In their absence, you will have to make accurate measurements of the length and width of the roof, on the basis of which a drawing of the future structure is drawn up. When drawing a 3D model, it is not enough to take into account only the dimensions of the perimeter of the cargo compartment. The following additional parameters are required:

• board or box height;
• the place for fastening the transverse jumpers and the distance between them;
• number of fixings: if the roof length is more than 2.5 m, the structure must have 6 supports. With smaller dimensions, four are enough.

As a basis for the pattern for soft boxing, you can take the drawings that are publicly available on the Internet and adapt them for right size... Expedition roof rack schemes are quite simple, and you can make them yourself, but it's easier to build on ready-made solutions.

Welding works

Making an expedition roof rack with your own hands is impossible without welding. They are carried out in the following order:

1. welding of the structure perimeter (bottom and side);
2. welding of transverse bridges, which increase the strength of the structure bottom. If necessary, a lattice is made of profiles.
3. fixing the vertical side racks. They are welded to the bottom and the upper frame of the trunk, combining them into a kind of basket;
4. removal of weld overlays from the metal, resulting from welding, grinding of the sites of structural elements, followed by priming.

Important! In the presence of roof rails, the finished structure is fixed on them with fasteners. If the roof rails are not provided, then special brackets are installed on the car roof.

Manufacture of fasteners

You can make do-it-yourself fasteners in two ways:

• From a clamp for mounting a muffler of any car. To get the desired result, it is enough to cut off the middle from the flat bar and you get a universal fastener that will fit snugly to the crossbars and arches of the trunk.
• Use U-bolts with threads. Replace the nuts with “wing nuts” to make it easier to unscrew and fasten the fasteners.

To make the fasteners fit more tightly to the arcs and cross members of the structure, it is recommended to use rubber seals.

Fastening the crossbars

The fastening of the crossbars is very important point... In order to properly install the autobox on the roof of the car, it is necessary to maintain a distance between them no more than 50 cm. If the car design provides for the presence of roof rails, then the cross members are fixed with bolts.

If there are no roof rails, there are 3 mounting options:

1. into the standard slots for installing the trunk. The uprights are fixed with bolts included in the mounting kit;
2. on gutters using special clamps;
3. on a smooth roof. The stops are fixed with a specially designed fastening kit under the doorway.

When attaching the autobox to the roof, pay special attention to its position. It should not be carried forward or hung back. It is fixed with fastening brackets that wrap around the crossbars from below and are inserted into special holes in the bottom of the case.

Ensuring aerodynamics and fixing the sides

Installing a homemade roof rack on the roof can greatly degrade the aerodynamic profile of the car, which reduces the car's stability when cornering and increases gas mileage on open roads. To avoid this, it is necessary to fasten the front and rear struts of the structure at an acute angle to the roof surface. This is achieved due to the difference in the length of the roof rack and its base. The exact dimensions and angle of inclination are calculated during the design process.

Aesthetic touches

In order for a homemade trunk to become a harmonious addition to the car, and not an incomprehensible structure on the roof, it must be sanded, primed and painted after welding. You can hide the fastening bolts with decorative nuts.

The soft box can be made original by printing some unusual pattern on the fabric. Such work can be ordered from advertising agencies specializing in advertising on car awnings.

Additional devices and devices

The Expedition Rack has sturdy sides that can be attached optional equipmenteg fog lights, wind deflectors or an additional antenna.

Often motorists are concerned about the lack of free space in the car, which is necessary to transport things, equipment, machinery, building materials or other items. Many cars are simply not designed to carry any additional items and cargo. If you often go to activities such as fishing, hunting with friends, or traveling with your family at sea, then you need to think about additional space on your car to transport cargo. Unfortunately, in most cars when buying, the kit does not include an additional roof rack.

Homemade trunk

Making a homemade roof rack is a good option. This option is very economical, and with a small amount of effort, you can gain invaluable skill in designing, calculating and manufacturing a structure on your own. Such home-made trunks are called expeditionary ones, since you cannot put too heavy things on such a structure, but you can carry everything you need for the trip on them: tents, bicycles, skis, mattresses, umbrellas, snowboards, fishing rods, or whole sets of clothes.

Car box on the roof

Also, a very popular type of homemade trunk is an auto box. The advantages of this design are that the transported things will be safe even in bad weather, and the design of the auto box itself, made with a streamlined shape, will not affect the aerodynamic properties and fuel consumption of your car. Now, when buying a car, it is very rare to provide a trunk in the kit, despite the presence of a specially equipped place and fasteners for its installation. Therefore, you can make a trunk with your own hands based on the necessary parameters of your car.

Homemade roof box

Do-it-yourself roof rack

In order to make your own roof rack for the roof of your car, you need to do the following:

1. We select the material for the manufacture of the trunk:

First you need to choose the material from which you will make this structure. The best material will be metal, as it is durable and reliable. But for such a trunk you need a material with a low weight, and reliable, durable characteristics. The most suitable option there will be an alloy of aluminum, because this metal is easily processed and formed into the desired shape, does not corrode, and has a low specific gravity. Also, some use a profile thin-walled pipe for the manufacture of trunks. One of the most economical roof rack materials is stainless steel sheet. Many people use it for the manufacture of such structures. But the disadvantage of this material is its high weight and high cost.

Square tube for making trunk

1. We measure the car:

After you have chosen the material from which you will make the trunk, it is important to make accurate measurements of the car. Thanks to this, you can calculate the required amount of material, its weight, and the approximate price.

Trunk measurements

In order to make it easier and more convenient to manufacture, you can measure the dimensions of the car (width and length) in advance, and draw up a drawing:

• sides;
• frame;
• bearing part (panel) - the bottom of the trunk, which serves as its reinforcement;
• jumpers - elements that reinforce the trunk.

The front side can be streamlined, which will significantly improve aerodynamic properties.

Now that you have decided on the material, you must follow the detailed instructions below:

1. We cut out the profile according to a previously prepared scheme, using a grinder for this;
2. We make the trunk perimeter by welding. This part will be rectangular;
3. The resulting perimeter should be reinforced by welding straight jumpers onto it. For a stronger reinforcement, jumpers can be welded together, resulting in a lattice base of the trunk;
4. An arc of metal profile should be welded to the front of the trunk, to create a more streamlined shape and improve aerodynamic properties;
5. Next, you need to make the sides of the structure. First, we cut the metal racks 6 centimeters long. In most cases, the craftsmen make the sides removable, so the sides need not be easily welded into the frame, but screwed into the thread. What is needed for this? It is necessary to drill holes in the frame into which the bushings are welded. These elements are necessary to prevent deformation of the bolts when screwing in;
6. Next, you need to weld the racks to the upper crossbar, which completely coincides with the base, differing only in that its side parts - right and left - are made a little shorter. The racks, which are located in front, are installed at a slight angle so that the resulting structure does not look like a box or box, but completely repeats the main contour of the car;
7. After the completion of welding, the next stage is painting and installation on the roof of the car. Before painting the body, you need to apply a layer of primer, and let the primer dry for some time, this is necessary so that the paint stably holds for a long time and does not flake off. Next, you can apply a layer of paint, and the most the best way - if it is paint in spray cans, as there will be no drips from it;
8. Fastening the trunk to the car. If roof rails are provided on the car roof, then the boot is installed on them. These body elements are able to withstand the load of the trunk. If there are no roof rails, then you will have to drill holes in the roof and install the brackets, on which the finished structure is then mounted. Some vehicles have grooves for mounting the boot. Also, if you do not want to drill your roof to install the brackets, you can find various mounts specially designed for such cases.

Homemade car trunk

Advantages and disadvantages of similar homemade trunks

Each type of roof rack has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of such products include:

• increase in space for cargo transportation;
• protection of the car roof from impacts or dents;
• the ability to transport boats, skis, bicycles, boxes, suitcases, snowboards, fishing rods, and construction equipment.

The disadvantages of such trunks include:

• deterioration in car handling due to improper distribution of cargo;
• deterioration of the aerodynamic properties of the car;
• the noise level in the cabin increases;
• increased fuel consumption due to drag forces.

Moscow Automobile and Road state University, Moscow city. Education level: Higher. Faculty: AT. Specialty: Engineer spec. Automobiles and automotive industry. Experience in the automotive industry (as a master consultant ...

14 comments

Sergey says:

It has long been a desire for an extra roof rack. Since it is simply irreplaceable for transporting bicycles, scooters and boats. But I didn't want to spend money on this benefit at all. By the way, the collection scheme is practically the same for all cars, so the choice is not great. The money spent is several times less than the cost of buying and installing a new one.

Valery says:

And I'm worried about the question, how much can he withstand? Does the roof not bend?

Valentine says:

We use such a trunk at work. Be calm, a quarter of a ton can stand calmly, and in ordinary life you will not need to transport any more. By the way, they also did it at work, with colleagues, the time did not take as long as I would do it alone.

Alexander says:

First came the idea to buy. But after looking at the prices, I decided to do everything myself. A mechanism for making such a trunk is understandable and accessible to almost everyone. If you have a good welding machine at home, everything will work out. At first glance, there are no difficulties. The only thing is that there may be slight hiccups in attaching the trunk to the car. So you may have to resort to the help of masters.

Quite often, the car owner of a Chevrolet Niva, when driving long distances, is faced with such a problem as not having enough space in the luggage compartment. In this situation, the roof of the car helps a lot, on which a special box can be installed.

It can be of various types:

• Short. Occupies one third of the roof
• Middle. Takes up one second of the roof
• A long. Covers the entire roof

To determine the length, you need to understand what tasks he should perform during the trip. If there are not many things, the first option will do. The second option is perfect for trips to the country, but the third is ideal for transporting skis and other equipment. The price for them is quite high and in order not to resort to large expenses, you can make a box on the roof of the car with your own hands, for this you need to finally decide on the length, since the material from which it will be assembled will directly depend on this.

In order to assemble the bases, it is necessary to prepare the bolts, as this will help to securely fasten all the structural elements. To give rigidity to the base, polycarbonate is installed. A side is made on both sides, which can be fixed with special locks or rivets, it depends on the selected material. You can choose any material for sheathing, but, as a rule, they use banner fabric, since it has moisture and lightfast properties, and you can also choose tarpaulin fabric. For attractiveness, you can order any drawing on it.

One an important detail is the choice of a reliable lock. To under the influence low temperatures it functioned well.

Build process

• We cut out the fabric and sew into a single piece
• To give the material strength, it is better to sew all elements with a fishing line
• To unload things more safely, all tightening is best done on the sides.
• To make the design more rigid, it is advisable to place a plate in the cover

The front part of the trunk can be installed additional option in the form of illumination, and when the light is turned on at night, it will be illuminated, and on descents and ascents the vehicle in front will know in advance about your approach.

But before installing an additional one, it is necessary to install roof rails on the Chevrolet Niva, this is a pair of metal arcs that are attached to the roof.

There are two types of roof rails:

• Longitudinal
• Transverse
• Combined

The first option, as a rule, comes already in the configuration of an SUV, but the second is installed on any type of body. Combined ones are already more complex, they include additional cross members with longitudinal slats. Them distinctive feature it is reliability and increased carrying capacity. When choosing, you should pay attention to the instruction manual that comes with the kit, it should indicate which models they can be installed, since the rails can be fixed in different ways. different cars... It is also important what material they will consist of, and it is better to stop your choice on aluminum or steel structures. Metal structures have a much shorter service life and lower load capacity.

If there are any doubts about the choice, then it is best to contact the car dealer and clarify which model to choose for your car.

As you can see, it is not difficult to assemble and install the box yourself, the main thing is to determine what type you need, to choose high-quality material so that the structure will serve as long as possible. If you approach this issue seriously, you can assemble a structure that will not be inferior to the factory ones in terms of basic characteristics and assembly quality.