I built a headache rack.

[kb5zcr]

Howdy all,
Ive been missing a headache rack since getting my diesel gladiator.
I didn't find anything out there that was what I wanted. I needed something that would let me strap long boards and metal into the 5 foot bed and would not rest on the cab.
So, I decided to build my own.

My welds arnt professional quality, but I've been a hobby welder for years.

Metal cost was abt $70, lights, wire,paint,ect were abt $70, labor was my own.

Custom touches I am happy with:
Old wrenches added as handles to help get in/out of the bed.
John Deere bottle opener.
Added old horseshoes I had laying around
Plate added on drivers side as a place to mount an antenna.

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[Jaxmax]

Awesome , I hope you used 10MM wrenches at least you will know where there are then, nice creative job, your accents are spot on too!.....Jack

 

[ChrisNLA]

Your profile says your from Texas, so this checks out

Kidding - looks like a fun project. I considered building one once upon a time. I wanted somewhere to mount some side and rear lights up high, but I also really like my soft roll up tonneau cover right now. So. Maybe one day.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

What's the wire/yellow box for?

 

[BlueYonder]

Nice! I need to take a welding class and learn to do that, so many times I think "if only I could weld, I could fix/build that!" I especially like the practicality of the John Deere bottle opener!

 

[dirty red label]

Beautiful job DIY is the way to go.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Nice! I need to take a welding class and learn to do that, so many times I think "if only I could weld, I could fix/build that!" I especially like the practicality of the John Deere bottle opener!

I bought a welding machine, gloves, helmet, slag hammer, consumables, a magnet, etc two years ago. It's all still new in box waiting in the tool room.

One of these days I'll learn

 

[NC_Overland]

I like the idea, but when I take my top off, I open the sliding back window and reach my arms though it and carry it like that out the back of the bed and down a step ladder.

 

[kb5zcr]

What's the wire/yellow box for?

OK, how I wired it.
First I bought one of those 7-pin wiring harness extension kits they sell to put a 7-pin trailer plug in the bed for hauling gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers.
That 7-pin plug not only provides all the taillight wiring, but also provides a 12v wire.
I mounted that yellow box (some waterproof fishing box i had laying around for keeping stuff dry on a boat) to the bed and that wire going into the box is the 12v from the plug.
I have a little 20 watt solar panel I plan on hooking into that once I figure out a way to mount the panel.

 

[Stan H]

I like the idea, but when I take my top off, I open the sliding back window and reach my arms though it and carry it like that out the back of the bed and down a step ladder.

I do it similar reach my hand in through the back sliding and pick it up and throw it in the yard then I hop down from the bed.

 

[ChrisB]

Nice job. DIY are always the best

 

[NC_Overland]

I do it similar reach my hand in through the back sliding and pick it up and throw it in the yard then I hop down from the bed.

Just frisbee that bish? Hah. What I said is seriously how I do it. It’s only 80 lbs but awkward.

 

[trust]

I like it! Well done!

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