base mount for truck lumber rack

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making two or four of these for my truck.  I'll be making two of these first and mount them into the front two stake pockets, then i'll make the bar that goes right behind the cab (think headache rack, but without the slats).Hopefully the drawing will speak for itself.  In case they don't, the bottom tubing goes into the stake pocket and is bolted in place from the bottom of the stake pocket.  Once the mounts are in, i can make the upside-down U bar (the "rack" portion) out of 2x2 square tubing and mount it in place using a quick release pin of some sort.the reason for the quick release is that I will only need the rack occasionally.  I am still debating with myself regarding whether i need the rack to be quick-release or permanent. this rack will only need to support up to 100lb of weight.  If i need to buy tubings that weight more then 100lbs, i'll just have it delivered.  Sure, one can argue, that, for less then 100lb worth of steel tubing, just let it stick out the back of the truck and stick a red flag on it and call it a day.. but I might need this rack (along with a similar one at the rear) to carry a kayak.  I definitely wan the rear one to be removable... but still undecided on the front.  The non-quick-release version will just have the 2x2 tubing welded to the main plate.anyway, here's the drawing.  Its my first time designing/building "truck accessory" so if this seems like a terrible idea, please let me know.  fire away.edit: just saw that some of the text in the pictures are kinda blurry.  The Nut is welded to the little plate, then the plate is welded to the tubing,  A bolt/washer from bottom of the stake pocket will hold this entire mount in place. Attached ImagesLast edited by oxy moron; 02-24-2010 at 05:06 AM.
Reply:Is the bottom of your stake pocket flat, most I've seen are tapered......Mike
Reply:You made some nice drawings. What program do you use to fo that?
Reply:Nice drawing.Here's a couple thoughts on this. Usually I like the bottoms of the rack tied together. This is easy if you get a piece of angle iron and weld it between the 2 brackets across the front lip ofthe bed. The one leg goes down inside and the other up on top if that makes sense. It would propably make removal of the front rack easier as the pockets would stay the exact same spacing.I'd suggest you drill some holes at the bottom of the stake, and especially in the pocket to allow water to drain out. A simple way is to just drill a large hole say 5/8" or 3/4" and then cut the two pockets apart right thru the holes. This would give you  half circle drain holes that are not as likely to clog with debris..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by mrmikeyIs the bottom of your stake pocket flat, most I've seen are tapered......Mike
Reply:You'd be surprised how non waterproof some "fully welded" joints can be, but you're probably right with the stake itself. The "pocket" I was refering to is where the removeable rack would go. That will definately fill with water and debris. See pict. I'd put it on the side rather than the bottom in the lower plate because there less likely hood that the drain will get plugged there. Attached Images.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYou'd be surprised how non waterproof some "fully welded" joints can be, but you're probably right with the stake itself. The "pocket" I was refering to is where the removeable rack would go. That will definately fill with water and debris. See pict. I'd put it on the side rather than the bottom in the lower plate because there less likely hood that the drain will get plugged there.
Reply:oxy moron:  Neat design.  Did you ever make these?  Do you have some photos you can post?  Any lessons learned so far to share?Cheers!Jim