Date:         Mon, 16 Nov 1998 10:00:13 -0800
Reply-To:     Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      Roof Rack Mounting
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I have decided against the Garvin roof rack due to its
weight of over 50 lbs . and instead purchased a Sucro Safari
rack for my syncro westfalia.  It is made out of 3/4"
alumnium bars, is very rigid and only weights 25 lbs. with a
rack size of 45" x 60" with 5" sides.  I wanted a large rack
so I can keep stuff low and spread out for best weight
distribution and wind resistance.  It's a great set up...but
i need to put a floor in it.

My question:  Can I use a solid plywood (1/4") floor or is
up-lift from the wind something i need to be concerned
about?  The rack will be mounted about equidistant betweeen
the front and rear axles and it seems that by the time the
wind from driving gets back there, it will not be very
strong at the level where the floor is....most of the draft
will havve already been diverted over and above that level.
I plan to put stuff in the front rack to divert the air up
and over the roof rack...so, do you think this will be ok.
How about drilling 1" holes in the plywood...(prefer not
to).

Any help greatly appreciated.
steve