Headache Rack


      It took a little while to get to the point where I felt that the installation of the Headache Rack from Highway Products (http://www.800toolbox.com) was finished.  The original purpose of a Headache Rack on a truck is to prevent various forms of cargo to breakthrough the rear window and strike the driver or passengers if the vehicle suddenly stops.  This is particularly crucial for tractor rigs or pickups that frequently carry cargo such as ladders or pipes.

          

      But Headache Racks can also be a substantial cosmetic enhancement.

                  

             

      My first choice was the Headache Rack offered by Go Industries (shown below).  I liked the round tube look and the venetian blinds appearance of the smaller horizontal bars.  But I was unable to find one that would fit the Tacoma, so my search led me to the model I selected from Highway Products.

                     

                 

      I had the Headache Rack shipped to my home.  It arrived in a box that looked

that could have contained two large music keyboards side-by-side.  It was a surprise to see how much needed to be assembled.  From the images on Highway Products Web Site, I assumed that the side posts and top rail were substantial components.  The reality is that all the pieces are hollow forms.  On the plus side, the Rack adds relatively no weight to the ride, assembly is very easy and the finished product looks fantastic.

                        

      Fortunately I had both the Headache Rack and Delta Toolbox when I assembled and installed the Rack.  The mounts I used to install the Toolbox are all that keeps the Headache Rack in place.  I am sure I would have found a way, but Highway Products did not include clear instructions as to how to attach the Rack to a Tacoma in spite of the fact that the Rack was custom made for my order.

 

     

      What took the most time regarding the installation of the Headache Rack were the lights.  When I ordered the Rack from Highway Products, I also ordered their light package.  I liked the way that the lights looked on their Web Site and I assumed that they do more than they do to custom configure the Rack for the light installation.  What Highway Products did was include the lights, a roll of black wire, a template for holes to be marked and a piece of paper referring me to a professional installer for wiring help.  THERE WERE NO WIRING GUIDES . . . AGGH!

                 

              

      I was also not real impressed at how much of the Tacoma's 3rd Brake Light was obscured by the Headache Rack.  To solve that problem, I found a similar light to the one that Highway Products provided and installed it across the top of the Rack.  The top light not only responds to the brake, but it also flashes to indicate turns.  The image above shows it in the middle of indicating a right hand turn.

                

      I routed the wires behind the posts of the Rack and down beneath the truck back to the hitch.  I encased most of the wires with Split Flex Tubing marketed by Ideal Industries, Inc. (http://www.idealindustries.com).  The tubing gives a cleaner look and helps protect the wires from the elements.

 

      I used Thomas&Betts (http://www.thomasbetts.com) Mounting Base and Commercial Electric (http://www.commercialelectric.com) Mounting Ties to anchor the Flex tubing out of sight behind the Headache Rack.  Both of these items are black and UV resistant.

                      

               

      The end result is a nice, clean, sporty and high end look.  It feels good when I see heads turn and I know no one will miss seeing my brake lights or wonder which way I am about to turn.

             

                   

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