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Hello! I've been working on a customized solution for my bikes, and I thought I would share with you how you might use the t-track that is built-in to the bed rails on the Santa Cruz. There is a channel that runs the length of each side of the bed, and that channel is actually "t-track" or a "t-channel"
When you open the bed, on the left and the right, each track is covered by a plastic piece. The two T10 torx screws on that cap can be removed. With a little force (I used a screwdriver for encouragement), the end cap can be removed, making the track accessible. Note: the outer edge of the end cap has a small rubber piece that is attached to the side -- be careful not to tear this piece.
With the track exposed, the possibilities are great. I used a simple 1/4" bolt, washer, and wing nut to stage my fittings. The bolts I used have a square piece under the head so the bolts do not rotate when the wing nut it tightened.
The measurements are approximately:
Width of top of t-channel: 7.1mm
Width of bottom of t-channel: 16mm
Height of t-channel at greatest width: 8.5mm
I'm building a bike system that will allow me to carry two bikes on top of my bed but also allow full function of the tonneau cover. So being able to build cross members inexpensively that can be positioned anywhere along the bed rails will be a big help in my own application.
Hope this helps some of you!
When you open the bed, on the left and the right, each track is covered by a plastic piece. The two T10 torx screws on that cap can be removed. With a little force (I used a screwdriver for encouragement), the end cap can be removed, making the track accessible. Note: the outer edge of the end cap has a small rubber piece that is attached to the side -- be careful not to tear this piece.
With the track exposed, the possibilities are great. I used a simple 1/4" bolt, washer, and wing nut to stage my fittings. The bolts I used have a square piece under the head so the bolts do not rotate when the wing nut it tightened.
The measurements are approximately:
Width of top of t-channel: 7.1mm
Width of bottom of t-channel: 16mm
Height of t-channel at greatest width: 8.5mm
I'm building a bike system that will allow me to carry two bikes on top of my bed but also allow full function of the tonneau cover. So being able to build cross members inexpensively that can be positioned anywhere along the bed rails will be a big help in my own application.
Hope this helps some of you!