Roof Rack mounts

[PaulyWalnuts73]

Hey guys,
I’m looking to mount a roof rack to a used hardtop I picked up recently. My plan is to buy a few extra aftermarket support bows, and mount permanent brackets through the top of the hardtop, and into those new bows. My ultimate goal is to be able to hoist the entire hardtop off of my 73 by hooking the hoist hooks directly to the brackets and just lift it off on my own. Have any of you ever seen anything like this on a 1st generation Bronco before? Thanks in advance, Paul

I included a pic of my 73, and a couple more of the used hardtop I found.

 

[chrlsful]

I have an oe EB roof rack. They were on all the vehicles back then (ford wagons of all sizes, other models + other makes, kinda generic). Is this what U speak abt? SS & alu by parts in construction. Very weak (for haulin stuff). It would pull the top (as I do) and hang almost permanently in my garage abv the rig (even w/the rag top on or my 1/2 cab. The rag top has 'stuff in the way' to return it even when I drop the top (a la convertible down). I use some sorta plastic cord (spider like pattern onto the rack) and a single shive block, tie it on anol boating cleat screwed to a garage post.
I would suggest plates inside the top. I guess its 200# + ? and did not trust 8 lill screws and their nuts on the inside alone to hold that. I have had it since '83 and hangin abt 1/2 that time w/o return (15, 20 yrs?). It never had the chrome 6, 8 strips on the roof. Some, they were even integrated w/the rails (3 or 4 cross chrome straps) , again "back in the day".

 

[chrlsful]

just looked @ yer pic. Measure internal cross bows I use them insteada plates if U like. Compaire to whats out there or make up yer own rack that'll match. This way U can use a bolt head that's flat'n smooth, will not catch on things in the cabin area, will look better (even put back the oe head-liner). Lota of options, that's Y we geta EB. MacMaster Carr and Fasten All on-line may B the bolt search sites...

 

[chrlsful]

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