no worries StephenH...sometimes just getting one is the best solution....if anything this post motivated me to finally make my own.....and since i already had everthing it didnt cost me anything......but thats not always the case...thx again for the post and let us know how it turns out when your done.....mine just needs quick wire brush and some white paint to replace the melted rubber coating where all the welds are......im not sure if they make an extra wide rack but thats what i wanted so i had to make one.....it ended up being 14'' long by 10'' wide........next is panniers that will tuck under the 3'' overhang of the rack ....the main thing is your happy with whatever you get