New truck rack

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This is the start of the new rack to replace the one I am using that I built four years ago when my bed was on a 2010 GMC. The new rack is to have an over cab section to support longer material, same side basket for jack stands and ladder and such, better fire extinguisher bracket, higher material hauling surface at top since Ford cab is higher, but same overall height so I can still go through the automatic car wash. I got a board jerry rigged in the front of the old rack that is on the truck now so I can haul stuff at an upward angle temporarily but I cracked the board last week and just really need to get the new one on there. Still not sure if I will paint or powder coat after sandblasting but I am open to opinions. I connect ratchet straps, chains, and bungee cords to the 4# catwalk and strap and pull in all directions at times and often put heavy raw steel on the rack so I really don't know if any paint or powder coat will stay on it forever. My Knapheide service body is a low profile, so my side boxes are 3 or 4 inches lower than a standard body. That means that the rack that is on my truck now in the pics would work on a GMC, Chevy, or Ford with a standard body on it. If anyone could use it when I take it off then let me know. Once I get the new one done and put on I won't need the old one for anything else.I noticed in the pic from the drivers side that the cross bar right behind the cab is bent down a little from the last time I had it loaded heavy. The one that is on the truck now is 1x2 tube and the new one is 1x3 so it should do better. I am gonna gusset the cross bars better too. This new Ford handles the weight so good I scare myself with it. I had a slip joint on that rack that weighed over a ton and the truck drove just fine, power was fine and brakes felt adequate. Attached ImagesThe worst thing I can think of happening is if everything I ever welded instantly became UNWELDED
Reply:That's a nice setup, even if its a Ford
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopThat's a nice setup, even if its a Ford
Reply:I have always been a Chevy guy myself although my next truck will more then likely be a ford only for the fact they where not crying to get free money from the government. I do thing  they build a good truck. If  I was painting the the rack I would sand blast it and use a epoxy base primer and acrylic paint.I have always had good results. The rack look as good.