All TJ owners with a rack bolted to the hardtop...

[RUNIT]

I just purchased a Thule rack with gutters, gutter clamps and load bars. I plan to drill holes in the hard top to mount the metal base plates for the clamps to attach to. I know this isn't the best way to do it, but it is the most cost effective for my needs. The base kit comes with thick steel backers for support on the inside of the top. So if I mount them to the outside edge, where the top seam doubles up, it should be pretty strong.
I now there are some that have done this, but I would like some feedback as to how it works out on the road for drag, lift, etc...(if any noticable).
Also, how much weight have you loaded without ill effects? I'm thinking maybe 30-40lbs max?? I'll start the project soon, so any tips are welcome. Thanks!

[Jerry Bransford]

I used to run a Con-Ferr "porthole" rack on my hard top, at least until the lift got high enough that the roof rack got too high to clear the garage door and underground parking garage ceilings. Its noise was noticeable but not really bad, and its added wind resistance was noticeable too. That said, I liked it and my wife, son, and I used it for luggage on a couple long trips. After I removed it, I regretted having drilled the holes in the hard top since they're hard to patch unless you know how to work with fiberglass.

[RUNIT]

Thanks for the feedback, Jerry. I'm not too worried about the holes. I work with fiberglass all the time. It's part of my job. Considering your experiance with the Jeep top, do you think I would need to 'glass in some more supports? Or do you think the outer edges of the top are strong enough to support a rack with 30-40lbs of luggage, on its own? I don't want to put the extra time into it if I don't need to.

[Jerry Bransford]

If the supporting bolts are spread out to spread the load, 30-40 lbs. is nothing.

[RUNIT]

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

If the supporting bolts are spread out to spread the load, 30-40 lbs. is nothing.

What was the max you put on yours?

[jzmtl]

Are there any "integrated" looking racks out there? I want a rack for ski but hate those aftermarket rack that looks like a couple of pipes tied together by preschoolers.