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I probably did too much research deciding which roof rack was best for my Bronco. I consider myself a capable shade tree mechanic- extensive rebuilds of classic cars, a first gen Bronco, a couple wranglers, and heavy duty diesels. However, because I didn't have access to a garage/shop or extra set of hands, I asked the AWESOME team at Basil's Garage in Vista, CA to order/install it for me. I would highly recommend them for any mechanical or overlanding modification work. They reminded me of what a quality shop should operate and look like. When I arrived, they had all of the parts laid out on blankets - not on the concrete shop floor?! They were also perfectly fine with walking me around the shop, which is one of the cleanest that I've seen.
The most difficult part of the roof rack decision process was whether to drill through the hard top or to "clamp" on the hardtop like the OEM and 99% of the aftermarket options. Transferring any loads to the cage/frame vs. clamping onto the hardtop was not an easy decision for me. Time will tell if this will result in stress/impact damage the fiberglass. So far, I'm extremely happy with it's rock-solid mounting, and the marine-grade sealant adhesive that they used.
The fully welded (professional TIG) construction was also a large factor in my decision. Combined with the cage mounts, I have zero doubt in its ability to carry the OEM dynamic/static weight ratings.
I have not noticed any additional wind noise at freeways speeds.
It also doesn't sit up high or add a large visual fairing appearance above the windshield.
It should go without saying, but it was my personal preference to not have a full length rack. Obviously, it is not ideal for those wanting to keep the ability to remove the mid/rear shell sections of the hard top - both of which are not an option for me anyway since I don't even have the storage for them.
The most difficult part of the roof rack decision process was whether to drill through the hard top or to "clamp" on the hardtop like the OEM and 99% of the aftermarket options. Transferring any loads to the cage/frame vs. clamping onto the hardtop was not an easy decision for me. Time will tell if this will result in stress/impact damage the fiberglass. So far, I'm extremely happy with it's rock-solid mounting, and the marine-grade sealant adhesive that they used.
The fully welded (professional TIG) construction was also a large factor in my decision. Combined with the cage mounts, I have zero doubt in its ability to carry the OEM dynamic/static weight ratings.
I have not noticed any additional wind noise at freeways speeds.
It also doesn't sit up high or add a large visual fairing appearance above the windshield.
It should go without saying, but it was my personal preference to not have a full length rack. Obviously, it is not ideal for those wanting to keep the ability to remove the mid/rear shell sections of the hard top - both of which are not an option for me anyway since I don't even have the storage for them.
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