NewHere2
Village Idiot In Training
Lifetime Member
Supporting Member
While hunting in the 700 last fall, it seemed like I just didn't have enough room. Throw a couple tree stands in the back, a pop-up blind, and a cooler. NO ROOM !
Where the heck do you put the bow cases ? Our state requires a bow or firearm to be cased when transporting them. So I decided to try my luck at a "Front Rack".
Figured one made from aluminum would save on weight and make removing it easier when I need to access under the hood.
Using an old bow case as a pattern, I attempted to make an aluminum basket to hold the case. This was my first time working with 5/8" aluminum rod. So we won't talk about the practice bends, or what they cost! LOL ! Well, the basket finally took shape.
The basket is 48" wide x 24" deep at the widest part, with a 3 1/2" railing. Add a front mount that extends down to the top front bumper tube and mounts with two quick release clamps rated at 165 lbs. each.
The entire basket and railing is made of 5/8" round aluminum rod. The mesh is 3/4 x 9ga. aluminum flat diamond stock. Two aluminum flat straps were bent into an odd "L" shape to mount against the windshield. These mounts and a tightening knob hold the rear of the basket. Off to powder coating to give it a good look .
Above is a close up look at the windshield bracket.
The entire project turned out much better than I expected. As a bonus, I now can tell exactly where the front corners of the 700 are ! This mod, along with the storage box, dual battery setup, electronics and dual winching capabilities posted in previous threads will make life tougher for the Elk !
Hope these ideas help you folks!
Where the heck do you put the bow cases ? Our state requires a bow or firearm to be cased when transporting them. So I decided to try my luck at a "Front Rack".
Figured one made from aluminum would save on weight and make removing it easier when I need to access under the hood.
Using an old bow case as a pattern, I attempted to make an aluminum basket to hold the case. This was my first time working with 5/8" aluminum rod. So we won't talk about the practice bends, or what they cost! LOL ! Well, the basket finally took shape.
The basket is 48" wide x 24" deep at the widest part, with a 3 1/2" railing. Add a front mount that extends down to the top front bumper tube and mounts with two quick release clamps rated at 165 lbs. each.
The entire basket and railing is made of 5/8" round aluminum rod. The mesh is 3/4 x 9ga. aluminum flat diamond stock. Two aluminum flat straps were bent into an odd "L" shape to mount against the windshield. These mounts and a tightening knob hold the rear of the basket. Off to powder coating to give it a good look .
Above is a close up look at the windshield bracket.
The entire project turned out much better than I expected. As a bonus, I now can tell exactly where the front corners of the 700 are ! This mod, along with the storage box, dual battery setup, electronics and dual winching capabilities posted in previous threads will make life tougher for the Elk !
Hope these ideas help you folks!
