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Old 07-14-2018, 08:48 PM   #1
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Can you identify this aluminum track?

There are four of these aluminum tracks on my roof. My guess is that they are a type of cargo handling track probably used to mount some sort of equipment. Does anyone know anything about them? If they are cargo handling tracks do you know what kind of fittings would be used with them? I would like to possibly use the rear set of tracks for mounting a solar panel.


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Old 07-14-2018, 09:01 PM   #2
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To me that looks like shallow 3/4" galvanized unistrut.

With that you need spring nuts to lock into the channel and then that gives you as many anchor points anywhere along the track.

Someone used that for anchoring maybe a deck or solar setup or bike rack etc or maybe a sundeck depending on the layout and measurements.
Do the bolts go right thru inside or into the roof trusses? make sure they won't leak and you have really got something there to work with.

Google unistrut for hardware etc available.

It's about as strong as you can build with without welding.

Lucky you...


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Old 07-14-2018, 09:40 PM   #3
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BlackJohn – thanks for the reply. The mounting bolts don't go all the way through. I assume that they go into the roof trusses as they are rock solid. It definitely does not leak as we have had a couple of good storms recently and there are no signs of water intrusion. From what I have seen on Google shallow Unistrut it is galvanized steel and my tracks are aluminum. In addition, the sides of the track are solid and not hollow as Unistrut appears to be. Unless there is a type of Unistrut that is made of aluminum this must be some other sort of track.
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Old 07-14-2018, 09:49 PM   #4
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I have seen and installed lots of shallow aluminum unistrut too. It has the same design as the galvanized stuff as far as bolting hardware to it.
You just use aluminum bolts, square flat washers etc.

Hardware for both types comes in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" for spring nuts.
You do see both types with and without perforations along the length of it which is what I think you are trying to say.

Versatile stuff.

What do you think you will do with those brackets?



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Old 07-14-2018, 10:11 PM   #5
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BlackJohn - Thanks for the info I will look into getting some hardware. There are two sets of these tracks. One mounted all the way forward and one mounted all the way to the rear of the roof. I have to do some measuring to ensure that they are spaced right. But it is my intention to use at least the rear set for mounting a 315 watt solar panel.
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Old 07-14-2018, 10:27 PM   #6
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Pic is too small, looks like it could be E track, upside down. I can't see the slots in it.
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Old 07-15-2018, 07:07 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppabear View Post
There are four of these aluminum tracks on my roof. My guess is that they are a type of cargo handling track probably used to mount some sort of equipment. Does anyone know anything about them? If they are cargo handling tracks do you know what kind of fittings would be used with them? I would like to possibly use the rear set of tracks for mounting a solar panel.

My bus has them, they support the rear ac unit.
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Old 07-15-2018, 08:29 AM   #8
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Unistrut U.S.
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Old 07-15-2018, 11:54 AM   #9
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Bright light!! Thanks EastCoastCB that is it exactly what they are doing on mine also. If I can find UniStrut hardware that will allow me to attach a pair of approbiate length UniStrut rails crosswise. I will then be all set to mount a solar panel without having to drill any additional holes in my roof. I'm liking that idea.
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Old 07-15-2018, 01:24 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Poppabear View Post
Bright light!! Thanks EastCoastCB that is it exactly what they are doing on mine also. If I can find UniStrut hardware that will allow me to attach a pair of approbiate length UniStrut rails crosswise. I will then be all set to mount a solar panel without having to drill any additional holes in my roof. I'm liking that idea.

Good to know now what they are used for papa, thanks CB.


To add cross pieces as you want, you don't need much in the line of hardware.
Two more cross pieces the width you need.
Minimum purchase length is 10' I believe, but easy to cut with a hacksaw or grinder. I would buy 1 5/8" strut for your purpose as cross pieces go.
About half a dozen spring nuts of the 3/8" variety with assorted square washers and lock washers at each 3/8 bolt location.
You might even consider bolting hinges to the panels for tilting them for best angle for the sun while you are doing this.
Get at er and show us some pics....


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Old 07-15-2018, 01:34 PM   #11
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Mine can be seen on the rear. I don't think my bus uses uni-strut. Looks like pieces of leftover rib material or something.

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Old 07-15-2018, 01:39 PM   #12
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Agree CB, yours looks just like ordinary channel whereas P bear's has the lip turned inward and under, on the walls of it.
As long as they spread the load without leaking water is all that matters.


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