> cant seem to find this anywhere. on a budget, and can't seem to bring
> myself to pay 300+ dollars for a rain gutter rack for a 1971 buick electra
> 4 door. Its bad enough that i double its value everytime i fill up the gas
> tank(455 cu. in. big block 12 mpg avg.) Bought it just for hauling yaks
> around paid only 400 for the car. one of those Yakima or Thule racks would
> look kinda silly on the beast. Besides, "wood is better"

I bet my ride is the ugliest on the KBbb!! It is a 1982 Chevy 1 ton van that at one time was the primary transportation for a Boy's and Girl's Club and all the programs they sponsored.

To describe this vehicle just doesn't do it justice!! Suffice it to say that it is UGLY, REALLY UGLY!! The only redeeming characteristic is a beautiful set of 17" directional radials on aluminium wheels.These not only added value but are actually the only value of the whole package.

Being this ugly I naturally designed and built my own kayak rack for the roof. The one I made is custom built for my Arluk III and it can be loaded within a couple of minutes and using 2 ratcheting tie downs the boat is very secure. The rack is held on with 16 Huc Bolts (High strength, anti vibration rivets that are used to hold tractor trailers together. 2600 PSI each!)

I have decided that this is the ULTIMATE mode of kayak and people transportation and have undertaken a major project to upgrade the van. I just hope that improvements will in no way diminish the enjoyment I get from driving such a classic and unique vehicle!!

Ian

P.S.- here is a good driving tip! The next time you are in a hurry to get to a put-in, wear a motorcycle helmet as you drive! It scares the hell out of people to think that your driving habits are so bad that you know you need a helmet, and they tend to stay out of your way. {:o)