How to Cut a Prinsu Cab Rack to Fit an Extended Cab: A Step-by-Step Guide:
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Fit you are an avid adventurer or someone who requires extra storage for outdoor equipment, you need a high-quality cab rack for your vehicle. Prinsu Design Studio makes these racks tough, versatile, and high-quality for almost any application. Its Prinsu Cab Racks feature popular products for truck owners and SUV holders carrying gear such as kayaks, bikes, or camping equipment.
Not all vehicles are the same, however, and particular truck models that are extended cabs would need alteration to fit perfectly. In this article, we will walk you through modifying or cutting a Prinsu Cab Rack to fit an extended cab. We will cover all the necessary tools, safety considerations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure a proper and secure fit.
Understanding the Prinsu Cab Rack:
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In design, Prinsu’s modular roof rack systems are very adjustable. They have a streamlined and functional design meant to complement a wide variety of vehicle types. They are made from high-strength aluminum that is both light and has good strength. The crossbars are often adjustable and mounted in quite an array of configurations depending on the users’ needs.
Although it should fit many standard truck beds and cabs, there are instances where non-standard or even extended cab trucks require some modification to allow for proper fitment. In this respect, an extended cab truck typically has a longer bed or rear seat compartment that may mandate further adjustments on the rack to properly fit.
Why Modify a Prinsu Cab Rack?
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Here are some possible reasons you might need to trim a Prinsu Cab Rack for the extended cab:
- Size Adjustments: Extended cabs are larger than regular truck cabs, so you would need to trim the rack in some instances just to accommodate it in the proper position in the vehicle.
- Personalized Fit: Some users may want the rack to sit lower or higher, or adjust the positioning of the crossbars to accommodate specific gear or aesthetic preferences.
- Tight Fit for Accessories: If you’re adding specific accessories like lighting, tents, or gearboxes, you may need a customized fit to ensure they don’t interfere with your vehicle’s body or other accessories.
Tools You’ll Need:
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Before beginning the process of modifying your Prinsu Cab Rack, you need to gather the necessary tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Measuring Tape: To measure the exact dimensions of your truck and the rack.
- Marker or Chalk: To mark where you will cut the rack.
- Hacksaw or Reciprocating: Saw To cut the rack’s metal or aluminum. A hacksaw is a good saw for cutting clean, precise cuts,
- whereas a reciprocating saw could be used for heavy cuts.
- File or Sandpaper To smooth out any rough cutting edges
- Drill and Drill Bits To use for adjusting the holes or making additional holes
- Wrench Set To use for loosening or tightening bolts as needed.
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection to ensure safe cutting and modifications.
How to Safely Cut and Modify the Prinsu Cab Rack Step-by-Step:
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Step 1: Measure and Plan
Measure accurately before you start cutting. Be sure that you understand what you are working with in terms of the dimensions of your extended cab versus that which you are given in the standard dimensions of the Prinsu Rack.
- Measure the Roof of Your Truck: Use a measuring tape to determine the exact distance between the front and back of your truck’s roof.
- Assess the Rack’s Current Length: Check the length of the Prinsu rack and compare it to your truck’s dimensions to see where modifications will need to be made.
- Plan Where to Cut: Based on your measurements, determine the best place to cut. Mark the spots with chalk or a marker.
Step 2: Mark the Cut Lines
Identify where you need to make cuts, and using a marker or some strips of tape, outline the areas you have to change. Always do measurements doubly before cutting to ensure that you’re cutting the rack in an even direction and maintaining the structural integrity.
Step 3: Anchoring the Rack
Another important thing is to secure the rack before you cut. You should set it onto a stabonorkbench or put it on a raised platform and fasten it using clamps so that it doesn’t shift on you when you are cutting. This avoids tilting cuts.
Step 4: Cutting the Rack
Use your hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut the line marks. Be careful and not rush it because the smoother and even the cut is, the more likely that you’ll maintain stability in your rack. If using aluminum, remember to have a fine-tooth blade on hand to avoid jagged edges on the cut.
- For Hacksaw: A hacksaw offers better control for smaller cuts. Be sure to apply even pressure and allow the saw blade to do the work.
- For Reciprocating Saw: If you’re using a reciprocating saw, ensure the blade is designed for cutting metal. Use slow, steady strokes to make sure the cut is accurate.
Step 5: Smooth the Edges
After you’ve made your cuts, use a file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. This is important to avoid sharp edges that could cause damage to your vehicle or pose safety risks when installing the rack.
Step 6: Drill New Holes (if Necessary)
If you have made cuts through the mounting holes or cross members, you might need to drill new holes. Measure carefully to make sure the holes are where they will be securely mounted. Use a drill and the appropriate size bit for your rack’s bolts and hardware.
Step 7: Reassemble and Install the Rack
Once done with your adjustments, reassemble the rack and check for more adjustments. Mount the modified rack carefully onto your tontovia using either your newly drilled holes or the original holes. Tighten all bolts by using a wrench set.
Step 8: Test the Fit
Finally, once the rack is securely fixed, test the fit to ensure that everything is in its place. Check stability, and clearance, and make sure the rack doesn’t interfere with parts of your truck. Make adjustments if necessary.
Pro Tips for Success:
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Measure Twice, Cut Once: In any DIY project, this phrase works even more so when dealing with precision racks. Measure twice before cutting.
Take Your Time: Rushing through the cutting process is bound to result in mistakes. Take your time to ensure that every cut is precise.
Consider a Professional: If you are unsure about how to carry out the change on your vehicle, consider taking it to a professional who has experience handling vehicle modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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1. Can a Prinsu Cab Rack be cut by myself?
I can do it myself, yes, but depends on the tools and experience. If not sure, you may leave it to the experts not to make any mistake with that mistake.
2. What type of saw should I use to cut the rack?
A hacksaw or a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade can be used to cut the Prinsu Cab Rack.
3. Does cutting the rack compromise its strength or stability?
Assuming the cuts are done properly, cutting a Prinsu rack shouldn’t significantly impact its strength. However, it is critical that the cuts are clean, and the rack holds well when correctly reassembled in its modified form.
4. Do I have to drill new holes after cutting the rack?
This depends on your modification since what you are cutting is the rack itself. Crossbar holes will need drilling if your modifications affect their mounting holes or the position of the crossbars.
5. How can I ensure that the rack will fit my extended cab?
Measure your truck’s cab and the rack accurately, deciding your cuts accordingly. You should cut the rack to fit the dimensions of your truck’s roof for an assured fit.
Conclusion:
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Cutting a Prinsu Cab Rack to fit an extended cab is a piece of cake when you are well-planned and have the right tools. The modified version will improve your truck’s functionality, allowing you to have gear and accessories in a way that best suits your needs. Follow the steps in this guide and confidently modify your rack to fit your extended cab perfectly, while keeping the durability and safety of the original design.
