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Awhile back I saw L track (logistic track) profiled by one of the European Disco3 youtubers and thought it was pretty cool. This stuff is normally used to secure cargo, airline seats, etc. and it consists of a grooved track where fittings can be slotted into various positions. Available fittings range from threaded studs, bolt receivers, various rings, and other cargo solutions. They are available in various lengths, and I picked up two 24" sections for the rear quarter panels and two 48" sections that I attached to the stock roof rails.
I have some 304 stainless bars being laser cut now that will serve as gear mounts, and will attached them to the L tracks with M6 studs.
Here are some pictures of where I'm at in the build. Used large square nuts to attach the upper tracks to the roof rails (the square nuts seated within the tracks of the roof rails) and M6 stainless rivnuts to attach the L track on the side of the car. I have vinyl covers for when the track is not in use and 3d printed some angled end covers so that there's a transition from the body or roof rail to the tracks. I'll add pictures of the mounting bars when I receive them, but I've designed-in bolt patterns for various applications include rotopax holders.
In the final picture you can see a stud fitting and the track works. There are feet that slide into and under the notched grove track, and the when the nut is tightened that heavy washer ring comes down and seats in one of the grooves, locking the entire fitting firmly into place.
Ok, the side brackets are up. In retrospect if I were to do this again I'd go with something heavier than 16 gauge stainless, but for my purposes (holding the gear box) I think they will work. Most of the weight will be carried by the roof rails so while I don't have an exact though on how much they can carry I suspect the upper limit is well above my needs.
I 3D printed some spacers to use with 2" L track studs to give the bottom part of the brackets a bit of an offset from the LR3 windows. Here are some pictures. Now I'm just waiting for delivery of the gear box, and when that arrives I'll update the thread with a picture of it mounted.
03-18-2023, 08:34 AM
LR3 Side Rails for External Gear
