8 DIY Headache Rack Plans To Make Today
Making a DIY headache rack can be a rewarding and money-saving task. This not only improves how your vehicle works and looks, but it also adds an extra layer of safety against moving goods. Their job is to protect you from any harm that might be caused by loose things in your truck’s bed. If you own a pickup truck and want to create something with your hands, here are 8 DIY Headache Rack Plans that might help you. No matter your skill level, you can easily complete one of these projects easily.
DIY Headache Rack Plans
Whether you have the latest 4×4 truck or an old model, we have something for everyone. These DIY projects use simple materials like steel or aluminum and require only handy tools, allowing for customization. They are easy to attach to the vehicle, and we also have ideas for foldable racks, enabling you to store them in the garage or keep them nearby while working in your driveway. So, get inspired by these DIY plans and add a personal and functional touch to your beloved truck.
What is the best material for a headache rack?
The best material for a headache rack depends on your needs. If you want a highly durable rack and don’t mind extra weight, steel is an excellent choice due to its robustness. However, if you prefer a lighter-weight but sturdy option, consider an aluminum rack. Remember, the quality also depends on other factors, such as manufacturing quality and design.
DIY Headache Rack
Follow this DIY guide to make a DIY headache rack for your beloved truck. Made with good skill and strong materials; this DIY headache rack provides both looks and usefulness. The rack fits well with your truck, mixing perfectly with the Tacoma’s design style.
Begin using a protractor and ruler behind the cab to determine angles and height: two sets of two cuts, with the first bar matching a 20-degree angle of the cab, the second at 40 degrees, and a straight crossbar set down 2 inches. After cutting, arrange all pieces and perform a test fit. The next phase involves welding, making sure everything is firmly clamped down. Once the rack fits flush on the header bar, mount it using the utility track. Weld two mounting plates back to the track and ensure they’re bolted securely.
Tools:
- Drill
- Ratchet with sockets
- Steel chop saw
- Tape measure
- Welder
Made a Custom Bowtie Headache Rack
This smartly made DIY headache rack mixes worth, look, and use. Made from waste metal, the project is low-cost, with around $100 needed for materials. Considering the rack’s fair price, new design, and promised ability, it’s ideal for DIY fans eager to change their truck in their own way.
Start by laying out the design. Cut and assemble the tubing into a bowtie shape and test fit on the bed. Use welding techniques to form it into a rack shape, ensuring to construct mounts that fit over the back rail of the bed. Once the structure is finished, secure it on the truck by drilling holes through the toolbox, angle iron, and bed, then proceed to bolt them together.
Supplies:
- steel
- Box tubing
- steel
- angle iron
- Grade 8 Bolts
- Nuts
- Washers
Homemade Headache Rack
If you deeply care for your truck and want to enhance it with your hands, then this DIY project is for you. It completely guides you through the process of creating a cost-effective, visually striking, and sturdy headache rack that you will undoubtedly be proud to showcase.
Begin by outlining the design of the headache rack. Proceed to cut the layout and piece everything together, ensuring that it fits the back rail of the bed of the truck. Then, start welding the components into a rack shape. Once welding is complete, attach the rack onto the truck. Drill holes through the necessary parts to bolt everything together securely. Remember to mount your lights or strobes and arrange the wiring based on your needs.
Supplies:
- steel
- Box tubing
- steel
- angle iron
- Grade 8 Bolts
- Nuts
- Washers
- Black spray paint
Outlaw Headache Rack
Want a headache rack for your Jeep but can’t afford to hire someone for installation? Try the DIY Outlaw Headache Rack! It sets up fast on your Jeep and you don’t need to weld anything. It’s a full system with great usefulness, and it comes with light indicators and has a stylish look.
Begin by accurately drafting the design for your specific model with additions like rounded corners or lights as desired. Cut the design and fixate the pieces together. Implement intricate welding following the designed shape, giving extra care to avoid distortions, especially at the corners. After welding, attach the rack to the truck by drilling holes if necessary. If lights are included in your design, arrange the wiring prudently, making sure to bolt everything securely to conclude.
Supplies:
- square steel tubing
- steel plates
- lock washers
Headache Rack Build
Looking for a headache rack that’s practical and attractive? This might be your favorite DIY project. This rack can be adjusted to fit any truck size. The best part is that you can fold it down when not in use. This feature is handy whether you need to store it in the garage or keep it nearby while working in your driveway.
The process begins with rounding the top corners to match the truck cab profile. Then, ‘dog ears’ provide tie points for various items. We integrate incandescent or LED lighting options to act as additional brake lights, signal lights, and a backup assist. The design includes a strategic ‘shadow box’ cut for cargo light to shine through. We also offer open-center designs, louvers for shade, and grab handles. Customization includes options like pipe bed rails, swivel tie-downs, full-width brows, silhouette cuts, and expanded metal for additional coverage.
Supplies:
- steel
- Box tubing
- steel
- angle iron
- Grade 8 Bolts
- Nuts
- Washers
Thinking Of Building A Headache Rack
Make this DIY headache rack to add a personal touch to your truck. This DIY rack features a solid base, cutouts for lighting fixtures, and a dedicated place for an antenna mount, all welded sturdily. Innovative, functional, and budget-friendly, this DIY project invites you to elevate your craftsmanship!
The construction of the headache rack starts with visualizing and planning the design. It’s important to ensure that the build remains square with the bed of the truck – misalignment can lead to unwanted overlap. To prevent rust, rust-proofing grease is applied on the truck’s bed rails. Gaps are sealed with black silicone caulk for added durability. When attaching, bolts should be put in a way they would not fall out due to vibrations. After assembly and setup, the rack is checked for stability.
Supplies:
- square steel tubing
- steel plates
- lock washers
Homemade Headache Rack For My Truck
Building things yourself can be very enjoyable, especially for useful things like car additions. A good example is the Homemade Headache Rack. It is well-designed and helps reduce wind and noise when you are driving. Mostly made of hard mild steel, its design features include a top bar lower than the cab and side support thinner than the cab’s sides.
The forum member begins by mocking up the design of the headache rack on a piece of plywood, making necessary adjustments. The rack is carefully crafted, ensuring the top crossbar is lower than the cab height to prevent wind noise and drag at high speeds. A dip down in the middle with additional support allows clearance for the cab brake light, adhering to local state inspection regulations. The design also includes features to allow the strapping of ladders and lumber for transport. Once fabrication is complete, the structure is fitted to the truck for testing, drilled holes secure it in place, and a round of paint protects the metal. The finished rack is coated to match the truck’s bed and step rails.
Supplies:
- square steel tubing
- steel plates
- lock washers
How To Build A Headache Rack
Looking to start an uncomplicated yet practical project for your vehicle? Consider constructing a headache rack. This rack helps shield the driver from moving cargo by acting as a secure barrier. The guide on wikiHow offers easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions suited even for beginners.
To build a headache rack, measure and cut the components to size. Proceed by welding the elements together following your desired design and specifications. Lastly, attach the strip of metal securely to the bottom of the rack, and then mount the finished structure on the vehicle. It is crucial to follow safety precautions and be patient in order to achieve a durable and visually appealing result.
Supplies:
- steel
- Box tubing
- steel
- angle iron
- Grade 8 Bolts
- Nuts
- Washers
