Fasteners for solar panels

[MJRW]

I've mounted a pair of VanTech roof crossbars on my van. I want to mount solar panels on them using the slotted track in the crossbars (there's one on top and one underneath). I'm looking for recommendations on the fasteners to use. I'll also need to use a couple of bars to hold the panels between the crossbars (like a "stretcher") since they are not long enough to set directly on the crossbars.
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[B and C]

I used these as "stretchers" between the bars on a friends van.

Got a link on the crossbars?

 

[MJRW]

I used these as "stretchers" between the bars on a friends van.

Got a link on the crossbars?

You used these? Was there supposed to be a link to it?
Here's my crossbars:
Vantech H3 2-Bar Aluminum Rack System Fits: Ford Transit Cargo 2015-On Black

 

[B and C]

Doh! Forgot to paste the link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-1-...Plated-Steel-Perforated-Slotted-Angle/3030064

Guess we are both having problems posting links. Yours is broken and leads somewhere on this site.

 

[wayne49]

Home Depot carries that same type of item in case you don't have a Lowes.

Link to 2 bar rack:
https://www.amazon.com/Transit-Cargo-2015-Profile-Steel/dp/B00SGP4C9G

 

[MJRW]

Doh!  Forgot to paste the link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-1-...Plated-Steel-Perforated-Slotted-Angle/3030064

Guess we are both having problems posting links.  Yours is broken and leads somewhere on this site.

I think I got it this time: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078WJDCXM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That angle iron should do the trick (maybe spray them black). I see they also have aluminum ones. Would they be of equal strength?

Now I just need the right bolts to fit the slot in the crossbars. I think they're called T-nuts, but there's so many variations and sizes.

 

[B and C]

Take the end caps off and maybe elevator bolts could be slit in. Elevator bolts have the added benefit of a nut part that would pull up into the channel to keep the bolt from turning while tightening.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ele...0.69i59j0l7.6447j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[MrNoodly]

I've used 1/4" bolts with nylock nuts. No problems in seven years. If you want to get fancy and expensive, use stainless steel bolts & nuts.

 

[gapper2]

I tried the elevator bolts like Brian suggested at first but the square part on the bolt didn't provide enough grip (rounds out with little pressure)

Had trouble getting fasteners.  This morning I go back to vantech's website and find exactly what I was looking for.  The way life goes sometimes.  

https://vantech.us/slider-hardware-kit/

The stretchers are a good choice as Brian suggested.  I used aluminum angle because I have a metal dealer reasonably close by that has coupons occasionally.  Everything is too damn expensive in the end.

 

[MJRW]

Thanks, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[gapper2]

Yikes!!!  Just checked the price on those fasteners.  Ridiculous!   1" wide barstock 1/8"thick, threaded rod and a welder would be cheaper.

But I'm getting lazier.  Here's a 10% coupon.  "TENOFFVT"

 

[bullfrog]

I believe I just ground down two sides of a carriage bolt head and it worked.

 

[gapper2]

.Thanks Bullfrog,  Wish I would of thought of that. 2 years ago:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: