I wanted to get one of those platform type racks, just because I like the way they look. I quickly discovered that they are extremely expensive. But I found this nice mesh flat rack from Rhino Rack that I think looks quite nice. I actually found one Amazon for less than direct and with free shipping.
But I didn’t want it to sit on top of the factory cross bars, because they are quite tall. I don’t like that look, plus with the lift this thing is already very close to not fitting in the garage. Aftermarket cross bars are ridiculously expensive, so I made some with some square steel from Tractor Supply, some rubber bits, and some hardware. Without the rise on the cross bars or the arch, these sit very close to the roof line.
The rubber bits went on for a buffer and a tad more clearance.
Then I just painted it all black and assembled it. I think it looks quite nice with the low profile. After I took these pictures I realized that I mounted it a little too far forward for my taste, and ended up moving it back about 3 inches so that it is better centered.
To mount the rack on the cross bars, I just ran a bolt through them and put a piece of steel on top.
I have also finished my grill with a NOS Toyota emblem from an old Land Cruiser. On the rear, I needed to do something where the 4Runner emblem above the license plate used to be because you could still see the outline of it and there are holes where it mounted. I found a seller on Ebay that makes vinyl inserts for newer 4Runners to cover the chrome. It worked well for my needs, I like the font, and I think I’ll leave the white. It was either white or red, and I’m happy with my decision.
