| Here's a quick and easy way
to store your detachables. Pick up a pair of 1/2" threaded rods
from your local hardware store, and four nuts and fender washers
to go with them, along with a few feet of 1/2" ID plastic
tubing. (If you do not have exposed studs, pick up 8 half inch
eyebolts with at least three inch wood screw shanks) Now, assuming that you have exposed wall studs in your
garage or storage building, level and mark locations for 9/16"
holes spaced 12-3/4" apart top to bottom (for old style
racks shown below). If your wall studs are
on 2 foot centers, a 6 foot rod will span three spaces, or four
studs. (If you do not have exposed stud walls, scroll down for MonkeyDave's eyebolt procedure)
If you have the newer stamped steel tour pack rack, you
should set the rods 4-11/16" apart, and if you use a standard
detachable backrest, you'll need rods set at 5-7/8" apart
(Measurements are center to center). Thanks to "Hunt4570" for
the additional measurements! :-)
The threaded stock is just flexible enough that you can worry
it into the lined up holes in the studs without bending it. Use
a flat washer and nut on the INSIDE of the end studs to secure
the rod. I bought three feet of 1/2" inside diameter plastic
tubing and cut it into four inch strips, then slid those strips
on the rods to provide some protective cushioning for the
detachable brackets.
Note: I set my rods exactly 13" apart, and although they are
fine, the detachables have to be placed with the clip ends on
the top, because there is just enough space for the short tang
to slip under the top rod if I set them up with the clip ends
down. Setting the rods at 12.75 inches apart should be a tight
enough fit that you could place the detachables either way.
See the section below for storing windshields on this rack. |
