Safari Rack Mounting Locations?

Hey everyone....

I am getting the itch to build an overhead safari rack for the CJ 5 later this summer. Trying to think it out now so there won't be any surprises later.

The rear mounting points are a no-brainer....the rear bumper. The front legs may be a bit trickier though.

I was looking last night and found two bolts sticking out the front of the windshield frame on both sides. Am I correct that these are the mounting bolts for the upper half of the windshield hinge inside the windshield frame? If so, are they substantial enough to use as a front mounting location if I fab up a bracket and get some longer bolts? What would this do to the windshield and frame? I am kinda worried about tweaking and breaking something.

My other choice for the front was to go just a bit lower and fab a bracket using the large Phillips screws on the lower half of the hinge mounted to the body instead of the windshield frame. How hard is it to find longer replacement screws to accommodate a mounting bracket? Does the fact that they are countersunk come into play as far as positioning the hinge? My bracket would be on top of the hinge and negate the countersink if that is a problem.

My wife suggested using the front bumper and making a large rack. I think this would be overkill due to weight alone. Besides, if I did that, she would tend to bring even more stuff along than she already does (don't tell her I said that!)

I have no plans of ever taking the soft top off (history of melanoma) or lowering the windshield. Jeep will be used fairly mildly. Mostly trail running, some mild 4 wheeling. No plans of anything like the Rubicon in the foreseeable future. Equipment on the rack will be the spare tire (31X10.5), one or two 5 gallon gas cans, shovel, Hi Lift, strap, and other basic assorted recovery/camping equipment.

Is this do-able?

Thanks for your ideas and input.

Steve

 

Hey Steve, I think I know the bolts on the side of the windshield you're talking about. I had an early CJ that had a light bar bolted on there. If you're not absolutely determined to store stuff on the roof then I would suggest exploring other options if your main goal is additional places to carry stuff. These old Jeeps tend to get top heavy (read tippy) pretty quick, and for what you want to carry, to me it seems like a lot of weight for a little jeep up top. Do a google image search for "Jeep Jamboree Rack" and you'll get an idea of the classic rear CJ5 rack that folks have been using on these jeeps for 30+ years. It might fit the bill for ya. BTW The pic is not my Jeep.

 

Thanks Sierra Bum..

My whole idea of going up top was to be able to access the tailgate without using a swing away rack on the rear bumper. Not sure my little 120 Harbor Freight welder has enough oomph to weld up a spindle system and support all that weight on a single point.

I am aware of the "tippy" issues and have considered that seriously. I may have to bail on the roof rack and take another look at the Jamboree racks.

 

I've seen folks use a safari basket atop the roll cage (no soft top). And somebody makes a safari rack system for the YJ you could copy...but they are of course a bit wider and longer. I feel ya on tailgate dilemma...I'm in the process of going to a swing out and tend to camp simple and light. The safari rack seems to be a better fit for wagons and expo rigs. Also not sure the roof is a great place to store gas/jerry cans. How about a rear tank for more fuel storage?