How To Make D.I.Y. Promaster Roof Rack Clips - solar panel roof rack van conversion - Van Life 

Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting ..... tell a friend :). Good luck and be well.

Also - I am preparing to publish my roof rack construction (under $ 200,00) and there was some adjustments I had to make because of the roof pitch as the clips and the rack married together ... you may find that useful.

What a find. Thank you for sharing 😊

@@chistinemartel9043 thanks for stopping by and commenting - hope you'll join the community .... Dave

Hi J A thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - If you're going to tackle the clips you may not have seen this video about the roof rack itself ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html or this one that has more details and measurements for both ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html - be sure to stop back and share your progress and any tweeks you come up with. Be well

Hello Ms Frankenbuilder - thanks for visiting and the really nice comment = I hope you'll stop back and join the community .... Be well ... Dave

Hi @malpascru - thanks pal - finding comments like this when I open up my YT really makes ME smile. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I'm so glad you found it useful .... here is a closer look .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.htmlsi=S4QsV8NQxKnnh_rt send me some pics of your finished product. Be well and stop back..... Dave

Hi Dwayne - LOL I wish that was the first time I'd heard that. (I can't imagine anyone getting rich pretending to be me) .... anyway thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. These clips have been copied successfully by DIY builders all over the world - which really makes me smile. You'll see more detail here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html and here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html ... also, this spring I mounted an awning to the roof rack and it went on like it was made for it ..... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tONCOtB_nMo.html - Send me some pics of how you do !!! Hope you'll join the community and come back. Keep your stick on the ice ..... Dave

@@VanOfAction I will check out those links Dave! Thanks for the encouragement! Excited to get this baby on the road! Who knows may have to come up to Canada and drop by on the maiden voyage!😂. All the best!👍

Hi Sunseker. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I did make that part harder than it should be - but at the same time - I’ve spent weeks working a table saw and have never cut metal on one. So it’s good people see how a coward does it !!!! Do you mean you copied the brackets ??? If so could you send me a couple o pics. I’m collecting for a future video. Send to vanofaction@gmail.com

@@VanOfAction Yes. I think your design is great. I will copy the base, but I may go another way with the main long metal pole. I will send you pix when I am done. Just got to see here in Sweden who has all I need this week.

27:05 ​@@VanOfAction

@@ericsrocksandsuchadventure9364 Hi Eric - thanks - as you can see I don't measure a lot (never have) ..... but you can see the sample I made at 3:34 of the this video - I would recommend you do the same ...be well and let me know how you make out....... Dave

Hi Duuude - you'll be surprised how easy it is .... you may find this one useful too .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html - thanks for watching buddy

Senglebe ! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. That would certainly work, but making a square hole is way over my pay grade !! Be well and stop back !!

@@VanOfAction No no, just buy a square drill bit! Lol

Pooheadiou !!!! You have no idea how badly I needed to hear that today. Thanks for lifting me up. (I’m not even discounting because of your handle). Be well and stop back my friend. Dave.

@@VanOfAction lol! What can I say, I'm a shithead at heart.. but my friend's still love me. 😎

Jess !!! Yeah - I smile every time I need to drill a hole !!!!! I don't know how to tell if you are a subscriber or not - but if not the roof rack that sits on the clips video is here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html and a revisit for more details on both is here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html ... thanks for stopping by

Hey @zarguy thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Let me know how you make out with yours ! And thanks for clarifying the price. Still saved a ton. It I like to be accurate. Cheers. Dave

RJ. Thanks for the kind words. Please stop back and be well. Dave

Hello Ian !!! Welcome and thank you !! I'm so glad you found us. It's always good when you can save some $$$ and feel like you accomplish something at the same time. I love that folks from the UK are finding this useful. In this video I shared more detail .. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html . Let me know how you make out ----- My daughter went to school in Leicester and is trying to find a way back !!!

Hi Dwayne - Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to comment. I am currently working on a second roof clip video that shares more details, measurements and "reasons for" - based on the comments and questions I've been getting. So feel free to stop back at VanOfAction.com when the time comes. Good luck with your build - mine has been nothing but fun !!!! Be well and safe

good stuff. i'll be watching for it.

LOL glad to help !!! Be sure to stop back .... Dave

Thanks a lot @rafa....

Elliot - we are all in this together !!!! If you do use this idea (or improve upon it) please send me some photos ...... dave

Hi Eddinnz K - thanks for taking the time .... I hope that helps you . You may find this video helpful ... it has more detail .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html If you use it let me know how it goes .... cheers

Thanks for watching and the comment - I do have a miter saw but I left it in Ontario when we made our Covid move to BC. The only equipment I've had for my build has been the table saw that was in the shop I rented , a hand drill, an orbital sander and a router. Not complaing - it's just that way it is. But you're right - it woud have made it much easier. Be well.

A nonferrous metal cutting blade in a table saw works great on Aluminum and a few other metals as well. A 10" version is not that much. Carbide with a negative hook angle.

@@christopherhaak9824 Thanks Christopher - I agree, but it's something I've never done on a table saw - I wish I was comfortable with the idea. The saw I'm using isn't mine and isn't that great to begin with so I went with the angle grinder. Be well

I put a 7” ferrous metal cutting blade on my 10” table saw. The smaller diameter gives it more torque to handle heavier cuts. A spritz of WD-40 on each side of the blade prevents build-up of aluminum on the carbide teeth. Put the blade all the way up to reduce kickback.

@@robertschulke1596 - thanks for the tips !!!

@forgotten…….. thanks for watching - I hope some of what I did will help you do yours. Please let me know how you make out. Be well Dave.

Hi Henrik - thank you so much for the kind words ...... when you do please post the photos or video ...... you have no idea how much it makes me smile when people build them and save a ton of $$$$$$ Hope you'll stop back ... Dave

Hi David - thanks for the kind words. I have to admit I'm kinds proud of this clip system - it was fun to have it turn out so well. It's been copied by a ton of folks all over the world which really makes me smile. There's evena couple tik tok videos other builders have put up, and graciously they always give a little credit our way !!! It sounds like you got your rack the way you wanted it at a good price too. And for what it's worth we get absolutely NO highway noise at all which really surprised me. Dave

Hi Rorie - thanks for watching and commenting, you may not have seen them .... I made 2 other videos with more detail about the clips and roof rack - here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html and here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html you may find them useful as well. Also thanks for the Aluminum vs SS thoughts. I just used what I had in the shop that day and I think there may be a mixture. I'm watching it and can switch out if necessary. I addressed this in the first link ..... be well and stop back !!!! Cheers

Hi David, thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts. I agree 100% with the point you've made. If one intended to have a deck or some other object on the roof there would be other considerations. However remember that these studs are the only thing that holds ALL racks DOWN. Some commercial racks are designed to support significant weight. So my thoughts (as a carpenter) is that if they are strong enough to keep hundreds of pounds ON the roof while driving and in accidents - they must be strong enough to support a fair bit of weight as well. All my roof rack is for at this time is the solar panels. Going forward - because I have the solar panels up there, there will be very limited space for anything else without creating shade on the panels which would defeat the whole purpose. I have had a number of subscribers copy the plan as so far everyone has found them easy to make. If you didn't see them - you may find these video helpful as well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html ...... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html I can't imagine paying for a rack kit just for the solar panels. Be well and stop back. Dave

Thanks for watching - It was fun to do and I hope it's helpful

Hi Gasgiant - thanks for commenting - yes I've been told that - But I've also never done it and since I'm using a borrowed hobby saw I didn't want to try. Also, the cutter I got I could use for other operations in the build. You may also find these helpful or interesting - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html. Be well and I hope all is well in the UK. One of my daughter studied at Leicester and every time I visited I wished I had my van. You have beautiful places to visit.

@@VanOfAction thanks but Canada looks like a beast of a country, my sister lives in Toronto, thinking of going to visit her now that awful virus has diminished. You seem good at problem solving? I too always think "theirs always a cheaper solution" to most things I do, once again thank you for the video 👍

Happy New Year Ron - Yes I suppose it would have for some of cuts. taking off the flange of for the top bracket would have been a bit sketchy. But there are always multiple ways of doing things for sure. Be well and stop back.... Dave

Good day Barcid Studios - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, Yes we're very lucky, the interior of British Columbia and Washington State are very similar. We had nothing to do with it though - this was a covid move to be closer to our kids. Hope you stop back at VanOfAction,com again .... be well

Bertrand !! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment - they turned out really well and a number of people have copied them with the same results - which really makes me smile. I made another video with a bit more detail if your interested .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html . Be well and stop back !! Dave

@@VanOfAction I’m working with a Nissan NV200 and its mounting system has recessed nuts, so your idea won’t work. But I enjoyed the techniques you came up with to produce quality parts. My concern is that perhaps unlike your van with a flat roof line,the NV200 might have some curve to it. If so, it means finding spacers, probably hard rubber of some sort. I take delivery of my van next week so any detailed ‘thinking’ will have to wait until I get exact measurements. Regardless, as you say, it ain’t rocket surgery.

Hi Jamie !!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write - you have no idea how much it makes me smile to think that what I'm doing may be helpful. If you can - and if you're interested - take a few pics along the way and keep track of how it goes. I expect you'll innovate and improve the design. I'd love to share your experience here so others might be able to learn. Be well

J-Sun !! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. You'll find it easy. After some questions I made a second video with more details about the clips and roof rack. You may find it useful as well ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html. Stop back and if you find it useful feel free to subscribe. Cheers

Vovachka !! Thanks you for watching and for taking the time to write such a wonderful comment. You can see the rest of the build at “Van Of Action .com”. The roof rack went really quickly - if I left out any details you may want to know just reach out to me. Be well.

Stuart !!! I don't think so .... A man has to know his limitations ..... be well

Brookele - it’ll work perfect !! I put them on a 2018 promaster high top. You’ll do great. Post a picture when you’re done. Be well and safe.

Hi Ozman - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Too bad for the timing - (my clip design doesn't touch the roof so there is no need of the padding.) - but at least you got it done and the summer is coming !!! I hope you have lots of time to enjoy it. Be well.

@@VanOfAction Thank you. Subscribed with my initial comment. I would like to see your channel grow. Btw, do you work on building campervans? I'm a potential customer. Thank you.

@@ozmanfidaar6311 Thanks for subscribing - I will be looking for a project for next winter and I'm not sure if that will be something for me or someone else .... maybe we should investigate to see if anything works ... you can email me at vanofaction@gmail.com

Thank you so much for the kind words - I hope you'll come back and find it to be helpful. Dave

Hi @Z3n ………. Thanks for watching and commenting. I have since learned that - but I have not tried. Hope you stop back ….. Dave

Matthew - thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. The roof rack was one of the best parts of the build for me in terms of dollars spent and results gotten. If you didn't see them, I have a more focused rack video here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html and I received a number of comments and questions so I made a more detailed video about the whole lot here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html you many find them useful. Be sure to stop in again - be well

@Van Of Action I have a buddy who also has a promaster van for his Heating and Cooling company... so I shares with him also

@@matthewshepley8298 That would be awesome !!!

Hi Leif - thanks for watching and commenting - I'd love to see how you improve on my design - simple is always better for sure. Yoiu may find these videos good for a bit more detail .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html be sure to stop back and share how you make out ... Dave

Timotheos !!! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - it really means alot. Stop back .... Dave

Hi Antonio - you are welcome my friend - you may also find this video useful - it has more detail ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html be well and stop back.

Hi Grow Your Heirlooms - thanks for watching and commenting - how would you recommend they be bolted together ?

@@VanOfAction Exactly how you've done. They are great clips and you did a great job. Just use the flat washers not the lock washers.

@@Growyourheirlooms Thanks for the reply .... I'll keep an eye on things. Cheers

Jesuscross9 - thanks for watching and commenting - I'm glad you found this clip design useful. I am publishing today the roof rack construction. I got 3 panels on the roof on an aluminum rack - totally removable if needed for less than $ 200.00 CDN....... be well and safe.

LOL thanks for watching Mike .. I hope you're well and safe

Cheers bud

Hi Ginger !! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. These clips will work great on your Ducato - let me know how you make out !!! Cheers Dave

Hi Frank - Thanks for watching and the suggestion - They may have fit - if I understand what you're saying properly - but because the space between the underside of the clip and the roof is fixed I didn't a variable length (depending on how things compressed as they pulled together) there. And secondly, with a carriage bolt I would have need a square hole !! WAY above my pay grade LOL - If you didn't see I made a second video with more detail as I was checking over the winter ... you can see it here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html if you go to 5:18 in this video you'll see how I stopped the bolts from spinning as I tightened. Be well and stop back. I love hearing others ideas and I think it helps everyone. Cheers

Hi Steph - THANKS !!! several people have duplicated these clips I hope they will give you some ideas and save you some $$$$ you may also find these 2 helpful ... the roof rack . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.html and more details ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html - be well and stop back

Thanks! - You have no idea how good it makes me feel when folks see value in what I share .... hope you'll stop back ... dave

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .... hope you'll stop back ... Dave

LOL FeRaBa …. Thank you …. (Tell my wife). Be well and safe

NaturalLife - thanks for the smile.

Hi ibrainortega ... thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .... if you're interested there is a more detailed look here .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.htmlsi=hd0sNhKq8EVOL1YY also - last year I installed an awning and it worked out really well ..... stop back ... Dave

Matthieu. !! That is so cool. Glad you had the time to watch and comment. If you’re doing a build I’ll be publishing the roof rack video soon. It was different that I had expected. Be well my friend.

LOL Daniel - thank you so much for taking the time ..... tell a friend :) ... be well

LOL thanks for watching jessestrum - I've heard from others about that tool as well. but I really like the square face for center punching. Be well and safe my friend.

Hi YL - thanks for watching. Be careful !!! A thicker piece will not slide under the clip and still give you maximum purchase - which will weaken the connection. You may get a better idea of what I mean by watching this video .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html be well and stop back !!!

Thanks! Hope you found it useful and it saves you money.

Hi Alun = the clip itself does not touch the roof at all ------ you'll see more detail in this video ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html good luck and stop to let me know how you make out. dave

@@VanOfAction thank you for your reply will give it a go 👍

Hi Zarguy .... I LOVE that !!! $3.00 !!!!! Man that makes me smile. I'm sorry about the drill size missing. Unfortunatey my van is 3400 miles away at the moment and my shop is all packed up for moving this weekend .... (video comes out tomorrow) .... What I did initially because it's impossible to measure was ..... I machined a piece of wood 3/4" x 1/8" x 3" - then using my chop saw I just cut a groove part way through at about the middle. I just kept increasing the groove until it fit as I wanted it to. Be sure sure to post some photos of how you're doing. These clips have been copied all over the world and one day I want to do a compilation video ..... be well ....... Dave

Esparka - thanks so much for taking the time to watch the video and share your idea. This is the first grinder I've ever owned and I'm not aware of any attachments. I did a quick google search and found only one plastic set up that didn't look very useful for my purpose and the cost was $ 95.00 which is way more than I could justify for what I was doing. If you can post a link please feel free to .... it may be very helpful to others. Be well and please come back to VanOfAction.com

@@VanOfAction PPS - Sir, did you also know that you can take a pair of pliers, or perhaps channel locks and you can actually grasp those roof nipples that are facing forward to back in relation to your van & you can twist that roof nipple to face perpendicular to the van. In this way, you may be able to get those custom, homemade brackets to fit in the direction you desire for aesthetics, whereas they wouldn’t fit for you in the forward to back aspect. Please let me know if this works …

Hi Esparka - you have no idea how much I appreciate your comments. I truly do. Yes - I did know the "nipples" would rotate. And in fact that was my first plan. But the diameter of the hole needed to facilitate the rotation was greater than the hole required for the clips I used - which I think created a much stronger connection (I'm not an engineer) - and created a much greater purchase for the clip in the - front to back direction - and in one side of the side to side direction. I'm working on a video now explaining what the process - I would love to hear your thoughts after that - give me a week or so ........

I’ve sent you the link for the sharpening vice 3 times & YT apparently won’t allow it.

all american

Gavin - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - the build series is all available at "Van Of Action .com" feel free to check it out. be well ...

Hi Michael - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I have not looked lately - if you could post a link to the clips available on Amazon it would be great. First - I've heard from a number in the community about using a saw - During my build I didn't have a miter saw - my Dad used to do all kinds of metal work on his table saw. Not my cup of tea. Second - I've also heard the stainless hardware story before a bunch of times. I'm about 30 minutes one way to a hardware store so for my build I just used whatever I had laying around - not stainless. I'm able to monitor things pretty close. The first inspection was last winter - and there was no evidence of rust. The video is here (and there is more details about the clip design too) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html At the end of the day, there are only 40 nuts and bolts and if I see signs of deterioration I can change them out easily. I'll do another inspection video this winter. Congratulations on having a new Promaster. I've been looking for another for over a year and can't find anything in British Columbia that makes sense. I had planned on using 80/20 at first but it was hard to get where I am, which in the end proved a blessing. The cost of the tubes I used were a fraction of the the cost of 80/20 and honestly I have more faith in the integrity of the connections. Hope you stop back and share how your build is going .... be well Dave

Dex ! Thanks my friend. That is something I had never considered. I’ll keep my eye on it for sure.

Tef-Gel is what salt water boaters use to deal with SS/Aluminum corrosion.

@@robertschulke1596 Thanks for watching and also thanks for actually reading the comments !!! I don't know what Tef-Gel is but over the winter I'll be doing a complete survey of the roof rack and clips. be well my friend

@@VanOfAction Tef-Gel is a gel containing Teflon micro-particles. The fasteners get a solid grip, and the particles mash down to a microscopic insulating layer. No electrical contact: no electrolysis: no corrosion.

Anodic action needs an electrolyte to facilitate activity, and fresh rainwater is a poor electrolyte, unless dirt with mineral salts built up between the mount and the body. Electrolytic action is more of a concern with dissimilar metals in constant immersion in the salty (electrolytic) waters of the ocean. That said, I did was isolate my mounts/towers from the van with a thin piece of rubber cut from a bicycle innertube to prevent the mount from rubbing the paint on the van and exposing it.

I hope you're well Rob - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment .... be well

Hi Kody, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I'm sorry I was hard to understand. The mounts I showed a picture of are made by Vantech - if you google Promaster Roof Clips you'll see several variations. Good luck and be well.

Kevin. Thanks for taking the time. :).

Hi Greg - thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I was wondering about that and so when I was buying - I blocked a piece of 1" x 1" x 1/8" square tubing between 2 off cuts of steel beams on the shop floor. I spaced the block 6'-0" apart. Then I asked the guy biggest guy in the shop to stand on the aluminum. He was about 300 pounds and the tube flexed but didn't come close to bending. All together the solar panels don't weigh more then 50 pounds. As long as all you want the solar this rack is over built !!! Be well and stop back. Dave

@@VanOfAction thanks, nice 👍

D-RockFPV - thanks for taking the time to post such a nice comment. It’s appreciated. I hope you’re well.

Hi David. Thanks for such a nice comment. I’d be happy to give you whatever information I can. I’m not sure what you’re asking. Please explain.

Hi Nick - didn't see this before I responded to your first comment - but YES !!! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tkyhTzkyAOI.htmlsi=XWa9Q4OluBEJ8Rze ............. Dave

You are very kind my friend - I hope you're well and safe.

Happy New Year Greg !! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. You have no idea how much of a kick I get when I hear of my stuff being helpful to people. Can you send me some pics of your finished clips. And can you send me a link to the other channel ? I'd love to see what he's up to as well. I didn't think of rivets for 2 reasons. 1. I wanted my rack to be "adjustable" - in case I wanted to change things down the line. 2. I have used a rivet gun before but only for very thin metals. The rack would be 1/4" inch thick and would require a heavy or even powered rivet gun. There is no way I would buy one for what amounted to 32 total connections. I'm lookin forward to seeing your clips. Be well ........... Dave

@@VanOfAction Hi Dave-Happy New Year!! Dwayne Price ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4WTJBM0QSek.html I have to take some pictures and send to you.

Hi Greg - thanks for the link - I've reached out to Dwayne to see if he would share his experience here ... I would ask you the same thing. It could be helpful to others to see how the system goes together. Send me some pics and lets talk !!! Dave

Red Spiral - thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I have been asked this question before. I'll make a video with greater details and dimensions ...... did you subscribe ? If not visit "VANOFACTION.com" and you'll be notified when the video is published. stay tuned and stay well.

Hi Deirdre - I wish I could but I’m on the road and have no tools at all with me. But they are pretty simple if you follow the steps. Good luck and stop back. Dave

@@VanOfAction Thank you for responding. I spent some time last night watching videos of others trying your technique and I'm feeling confident enough to give it a try. I have the aluminum. I'll let you know how it turns out. :)

​@@deirdre444 videos of others trying my technique ?? that's amazing - could you send me links if you have time ??? vanofaction@gmails.com

@@VanOfAction I've looked in my history but have not yet found them. When I find them, of course I will send you links. :)

Hi IanNumberXII - thanks for watching and thanks for commenting - these clips are really easy to make. I have had subscribers from all over the world duplicate them. Check out this video .... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html it has a bit more detail. Let me know your thoughts. I leaving on a road trip 1/2 across Canada in a couple weeks and would not have time to make you any - but I may be able to find someone in the community willing. Also - where are you ?

Hi John / thanks for watching and commenting. I used a 1” x 2” x 1/8” C channel for the clips. But that was because of the height I wanted off the roof to give me the clearance at the peak of the roof. You probably shouldn’t go any narrower but you could certainly use a wider profile if you wanted to be higher. The “L” angle for the top clip was 1” x 1” x 1/8”. Hope that helps. Be well …..

Hi Karl. Thanks for watching. The “C” channel I used was 1” x. 2”x 1/8”. However as long as it’s 1/8” thick you could use and height you want. I was trying to clear the crown in the roof by at least an inch without going too high. I was told to have a little clearance to prevent whistling. I’ve just driven 3900 KM from BC to Ontario and you wouldn’t know it was there…….The “L” angle for the too part was 1” x 1” x 1/8” for the “L” I trimmed off one side so when assembled it just covered the bottom flange of the “C”. Hope that helps - if I can be any clearer let me know. Cheers.

Hey Nick - can you expand on that ? I don't know what you mean .... thanks Dave

Robert !!! I love that !!! Thanks for letting me know. You're gonna feel the same smile I had when I made them. All the best

Hi Bv3 Bv3 thanks for watching - I have not had this comment before. Can you take a photo and send to me ? With the dimension from roof to underside of studs. vanofaction@gmail.com. The studs on my van spin but do not go up or down. - looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi Alex - thanks for watching and leaving a comment. When the clips are installed there is no contact with the roof. The idea of carriage bolts crossed my mind as well but making the holes square was over my pay grade. If you didn't see I made a second video with more detail as I was checking over the winter ... you can see it here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-diIZe-teysU.html if you go to 5:18 in this video you'll see how I stopped the extra rotation. I've had several folks from Europe say they were going to copy this .... let me know how you do. Be well

@@VanOfAction nice trick the grinding of the wrench to make it fit ;-)

@@AlexCailliau LOL where there's a will ....... the bend in the shaft is a carry over from a router hack I used years ago. Be well

OWild1Child - Thanks for watching and commenting. I have seen people use tape, personally I would always choose a mechanical connection over a stuck on one (that's why I choose the windows I did) I'm the guy that'll have things fall off 3000 km from home !! Be well and stop back ... cheers

@@davechomitz1545 oh lawsy that ain't good:() They use the 3M tape on rockets, maybe I will double up with some gorilla tape too to be on the safer side. Keep on keepin on!

You too !!

Hi Marthryfny - thanks for watching and commenting. I’m sure there are more available all the time and maybe some would prefer to buy - but I bet $13.44 wouldn't cover the shipping. Be well and stop back …… Dave.

Hi Eric - thanks for watching and asking. You want these to be a snug as possible without being so tight that you can't get them on an off easily. I ended up playing around a bit and used a 1/4" bit - but you should check with a sample. Be well ........... Dave

Hi Shelly - I see you got the answer. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. This system has been copied by builders all over the world with great results. Save yourself some money !!!!! Be well and stop back ….. Dave

@@VanOfAction Hi Mr. Action, (Dave) Thank you for that kind, and quick response. I am building out my own van and need people like you who share all kinds of wonderful tips and tricks in order to help people like me to accomplish my goal without spending a fortune, which I don't have. But like I heard you say, "one doesn't usually get a personal response". It's nice! What do you think-I am a big fan of the band Midlake and I'm considering naming my Van Occupanther, Shelly

@@urflofit2010 I think that's a great name for a van .... we just call ours "The Truck" .... be well