Bike Rack - Porting Thule

DanishPea · 08-03-2008, 08:22 PM

With the challenge of finding a bike rack, functional (not ugly), I found a use for my trunk mounted Thule bike rack (used for folding the rack up and down). By adding two Yakima Raptor Mounts, 5/8" ACME threaded rod (which is nearly identical to the tow thread), cotter pin, etc... a hack saw and a drill, I created a rack meeting the following criteria:

Strong (stainless steel ACME rods) and secure (can't lose bikes)
Must hold two bikes (for a team mate or for stage races)
Removable (cotter pin) if I need to remove it
Folding (Thule Rack) so I don't lose some of my parking advantage
Ability to see tail lights and license plate when folded up
No modifications to the car itself
Keep cost reasonable (Under $350) if everything was new
No welding and can't take more than a couple of hours

I'll post a couple of these pictures shortly.

DanishPea · 08-03-2008, 08:25 PM

no strange startrek shape (what's up with the one on the smart site?)
Can't stick up in the air and cause drag and lower my mileage.

DanishPea · 08-03-2008, 08:34 PM

From the back (folded up):

From the side (folded up):

DanishPea · 08-03-2008, 08:37 PM

From the back, folded down:

Smart Enuf · 08-03-2008, 10:54 PM

Nicely done! Can you post pics with 2 bikes on and pics showing the assembly and installation? I love how folks on this forum can be so creative with projects like this. Thanks for sharing.

xcrew229x · 08-04-2008, 07:21 AM

Another intelligent rack....... nicely done.

nonuro · 08-04-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smart Enuf

Nicely done! Can you post pics with 2 bikes on and pics showing the assembly and installation? I love how folks on this forum can be so creative with projects like this. Thanks for sharing.

Please o PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! Show us the assembly and installation PLEASE! Add a shopping list also. I am now at the point that I have to make up my mind. Spend way to much or risk damage to my pea2so or leave the bikes at home on my vaca in 12 days. I am going to middle of nowhere Michigan and had to rent bikes last year that caused a lot of shoulder pain from being at the wrong angle.

Smart Enuf · 08-04-2008, 07:53 AM

The more I look at this, the more impressed I am. I think you've come up with the best DIY design I've seen on this forum.

How's that for sucking up to get you to post detailed assembly and installation pics, narrative, and shopping list?

Dave777 · 08-04-2008, 08:52 AM

Looks nice.

EpicSmartHere · 08-04-2008, 08:52 AM

nice rack man. Hook us up with "How to" then someone make this a sticky