To increase the carrying capacity of the car, an additional structure mounted on the roof is used - the trunk. Factory models do not always meet configuration or price requirements. The way out of the situation is to make a simple do-it-yourself cargo compartment.
Content
Drawing selection
As a basis, you can take the scheme of the factory model. We decide on the type of attachment of the trunk - to drains, on a smooth surface or to longitudinal rails. The first and second ones were used on old car models, the second ones are equipped with modern cars. But there are exceptions.
Then a drawing of the future structure is drawn up, indicating the location of the frame, reinforcing elements and fixation points with the upper part of the car. For normal operating conditions, it is not recommended to make a complex circuit in order to avoid unnecessary costs and reduce the complexity of the work. A frame base with transverse rails and stiffeners will suffice.
When designing, pay attention to the following:
- Measurement of the dimensions of the mounting surface. The trunk should not go beyond them.
- Full opening of the back door.
- Number of attachment points. For standard models, 4 pieces are sufficient, if the roof length exceeds 2.5 m - 6 pieces. and more.
- For self-production, galvanized steel pipes or billets made of aluminum alloy of square or round section are used.
- The maximum weight of the cargo is no more than 120 kg. Decreases depending on the condition of the body.
- To ensure fixation, it is recommended to buy a factory mounting kit.
The bottom of the structure is a lattice frame that performs the functions of strengthening and uniform distribution of the load. Difficult to manufacture with your own hands is considered a device for fastening freight forwarding type. It has components for installing lights, the sides must be higher than standard. Such a trunk is designed for significant loads.
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Preparation of materials and tools
For manufacturing, you need a square steel profile. Side guides are made of pipes 30 * 20 mm in size and 1.2 thick. The bottom is formed from a profile 20 * 20 mm, the frame - 25 * 25. Material - thin-walled stainless steel, ferrous metal. It is preferable to use the first option, but welding requires specific skills.
You will need the following tools and consumables:
- welding machine and electrodes;
- ruler, tape measure building level;
- angle grinder with discs for metal;
- drill, drills, nozzle for cleaning welds;
- assembly kit.
The cost of the latter depends on the configuration of the trunk, the number of fixation points. The price varies from 870 to 1,700 rubles.
Stages of work
Before purchasing components, a design drawing is drawn up. According to it, the volume of consumables is calculated, a purchase is made. Before the formation of blanks, the dimensions of the roof are once again checked against the data from the diagram.
Stages of self-assembly of the trunk:
- Blanks. Their length is more than the calculated one by 3-5 mm, taking into account the consumption for welds.
- The frame is welded, pre-tried on the roof of the vehicle. In case of discrepancies with the calculated data, it is necessary to redo the workpiece.
- Welding of stiffeners and bottom.
- Installation of fasteners - factory and additional lugs.
- Installation on the roof of the car, reliability control.
Upon completion, the welds are processed with an angle grinder. If the trunk for the car was made of ferrous metal pipes, you need to apply a layer of primer and paint. Preferably powder coated. It has the best performance, keeps the protective layer sealed longer.
The video shows an example of self-production:
Hello, I am Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog.
In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How else, when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for the hunting, hiking and equipment sections. Welcome to my world!