Old School Truck Gun Racks: Classic Rear Window Metal Mounts
Classic rear-window metal gun racks are the premier choice for owners seeking the authentic 1970s and 80s aesthetic and reliable firearm accessibility. These heavy-duty steel or aluminum hooks mount directly across the back glass, providing a secure and visible storage solution for rifles and shotguns.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Select powder-coated steel for maximum durability and a true vintage appearance.
- Choose gasket-mount models to avoid drilling into your truck’s cab frame.
- Verify that the hooks include thick rubber padding to prevent firearm marring.
- Adjustable telescoping racks offer the best fit for varying window widths.
- Look for brands like Big Sky or San Angelo for period-accurate designs.
Finding a classic, rear-window metal gun rack today is harder than it used to be, but you can still find high-quality units that mirror the 1970s and 80s aesthetic. You do not have to settle for flimsy plastic or tactical nylon. Manufacturers like Big Sky Racks and Great Day Inc. still produce heavy-duty metal mounts that bolt directly into your truck’s cab or hook securely into the window gasket. These racks provide that vintage look while offering the rigid stability required for rough backroads.
The primary reason to seek out these traditional mounts is accessibility and durability. Unlike under-seat storage or modern locked boxes, a rear-window rack keeps your rifle within arm’s reach and visible. This is essential for ranch work, varmint control, or hunters who need to transition from the driver’s seat to the field in seconds. By focusing on brands that still use thick-gauge steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, you ensure your rack won’t sag or rattle loose after a few months of use.
Top Manufacturers of Traditional Metal Window Racks
If you are looking for that specific San Angelo style or the original heavy-duty metal bars, two companies currently dominate the market. These brands have maintained the classic design while updating the padding materials to better protect your stocks and barrels.
Big Sky Racks (BSR Series)
Big Sky Racks is often considered the gold standard for those wanting a permanent, rock-solid metal mount. Their BSR-1 (single) and BSR-2 (double) models are the closest functional equivalents to the vintage racks of the past. These are horizontal mounts designed to be screwed directly into the roof or the vertical supports of your rear window frame.
- Construction: They utilize a square-tube steel frame that resists bending even with heavy precision rifles.
- Padding: The cradles are lined with thick, non-abrasive foam and include heavy-duty rubber straps that won’t dry rot like the cheap versions from the 90s.
- Custom Fit: These racks are telescopic, meaning you can adjust the width to fit anything from a compact mid-size truck to a wide vintage dually.
Great Day Inc. (Quick-Draw Series)
Great Day produces the Quick-Draw line, which offers a slightly different take on the metal rack. While they are known for overhead mounts, their rear-window metal units are prized for their “Center-of-the-Cab” mounting options. If you have a sliding rear window and cannot mount a rack directly across the glass, Great Day’s metal frames allow for mounting on the frame surrounding the window.
- Quick-Draw Features: These units use “Power-Pull” straps that allow for a silent release, a major upgrade over the loud “snap” of vintage plastic clips.
- Versatility: They offer models specifically designed for deep-bed trucks and crew cabs where the distance between the window and the driver is greater.
Comparing Steel vs. Aluminum Construction for Longevity
When shopping for a classic rack, you must choose between traditional steel and modern aluminum. Most old-school racks were made of thin, chrome-plated steel, which looked great but was prone to rust once the finish scratched. Modern reproductions have improved on this significantly.
The Case for Powder-Coated Steel
Steel remains the top choice for many because of its sheer rigidity. If you are driving a truck with a stiff suspension on washboard roads, steel is less likely to vibrate. A vibrating rack not only makes noise but can eventually mar the finish on your optics or barrel. Most high-end steel racks now come with a heavy powder coat finish rather than paint, which is much more resistant to the UV rays hitting your back window.
- Pros: Maximum weight capacity; won’t flex; classic heavy feel.
- Cons: Heavy to install alone; can rust if the powder coating is chipped down to the bare metal.
The Advantages of Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Many “new” old-school racks have transitioned to aluminum to save weight and eliminate corrosion. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a coastal area or a high-humidity environment where a rear window rack is exposed to constant moisture. Aluminum racks are often extruded into specific shapes that add strength without the bulk of solid steel bars.
- Weight: Aluminum racks weigh about 40% less than steel, making them easier to position and screw into your cab frame without needing a second pair of hands.
- Durability: Naturally rust-proof. Even if you scratch the rack while loading a rifle, the exposed metal will not oxidize and “bleed” rust onto your truck’s interior.
- Flex: Aluminum has more “give” than steel, which can act as a natural shock absorber for your firearms, though some users prefer the absolute stiffness of steel.
Regardless of the material, look for racks that use Grade 5 hardware for installation. The weakest point of any metal rack is the screw or bolt holding it to the truck. Cheap racks often include soft metal screws that strip or shear off under the weight of two scoped rifles. Investing in a brand like Big Sky or Great Day ensures the hardware is as tough as the frame itself.
Gasket-Mount vs. Screw-In Mounting Hardware Comparison
When you decide to install a classic metal rack, the biggest fork in the road is how you actually attach it to the truck. For vintage pickups, you generally have two choices: the non-invasive gasket slide or the permanent screw-in mount. Each has a very different impact on your truck’s long-term value and the rack’s overall stability.
The Gasket-Slide Method: Preserving the Cab
Most “old school” racks were designed to be installed without a single power tool. These models use thin metal tabs that slide between the rear window glass and the rubber gasket. It is a brilliant design for those who want to keep their truck 100% original. Because there is no drilling required, you can remove the rack in seconds if you decide to sell the truck or change your setup.
- Pros: Zero damage to the interior, easy to reposition, and preserves the resale value of classic trims.
- Cons: Can occasionally cause window leaks if the gasket is old and brittle; prone to slight rattling on rough dirt roads.
- Best For: Restored show trucks and light-duty weekend use.
The Stability of Screw-In Frames
If you are bouncing across a cattle pasture or driving a work truck that sees heavy vibration, the screw-in method is the gold standard. These racks feature pre-drilled holes in the vertical bars, allowing you to secure the unit directly into the metal interior cab frame or the heavy plastic trim. While it requires making permanent holes, the security it provides is unmatched.
- Pros: Maximum weight capacity, zero rattle, and much harder for a thief to “pop” out of the window.
- Cons: Leaves permanent holes in the cab; requires careful measuring to avoid hitting exterior sheet metal.
- Practical Example: A 1970s Ford F-150 with a steel interior window frame is the perfect candidate for this ultra-sturdy mounting style.
Assessing Weight Capacities for Multi-Gun Rear Racks
Not all gun racks are created equal when it comes to the “heavy lifting.” A rack that comfortably holds two lightweight .22 plinkers might struggle when you load it down with three heavy-barreled hunting rifles. Understanding the physics of the rear window mount is essential for keeping your glass safe and your firearms secure.
The Lever Effect and Vertical Bar Stress
Old school metal racks rely on vertical tension. When you place a heavy firearm in the top hook, it acts as a lever, pulling the top of the rack away from the window and pushing the bottom hooks harder against the glass. The further the hooks protrude from the window, the more torque they apply to the mounting points. For three-gun setups, it is vital to check the gauge of the steel used in the vertical uprights to ensure they won’t flex under a full load.
Balancing Your Load for Safety
To keep the rack stable, you should always be mindful of how you distribute the weight. Putting your heaviest rifle—like a scoped Remington 700 or a vintage M1 Garand—in the bottom set of hooks is a smart move. This lowers the center of gravity and reduces the pulling force on the top gasket clips or screws.
- Center of Gravity: Always place the heaviest item in the lowest possible position.
- Scope Clearance: Remember that large optics add significant weight and change the balance point of the rifle in the rack.
- Padding Check: Ensure the protective coating on the hooks is intact; heavy weight on bare metal will quickly mar your stock or barrel.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically check for “sag” in the metal hooks, especially if you leave your firearms in the rack for extended periods.
The Lasting Legacy of the Truck Rack
The old school truck gun rack is more than just a storage solution; it is a piece of Americana that transforms a standard cab into a functional tool for the outdoorsman. Whether you choose the gentle approach of a gasket mount or the rugged permanence of a screw-in frame, these metal mounts offer a level of accessibility and classic style that modern plastic alternatives simply cannot match. By choosing a rack that fits your truck’s build and respecting the weight limits of the hardware, you can keep this tradition alive for another forty years.
Ready to kit out your classic cab? Start by measuring your rear window height and checking the condition of your window seals. Once you have the right dimensions, you can track down the perfect vintage-style metal mount to complete your truck’s interior look.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the San Angelo style gun racks?
While the original brand has changed hands, the iconic ‘San Angelo’ style of heavy-duty steel window racks is still produced by various manufacturers using the same 1970s patterns.
How do ‘no-drill’ window gasket mounts stay in place?
These racks use thin metal plates that slip behind the rubber weatherstripping of the rear window, using the tension of the gasket to hold the rack securely against the glass.
Can these racks hold other equipment besides firearms?
Old school window racks are highly versatile and are frequently used to hold fishing rods, levels, or umbrellas when firearms are not being transported.
What are the benefits of steel versus aluminum racks?
Steel offers the classic weight and rigidity found in vintage models, while aluminum provides a rust-proof alternative that is lighter but may flex more under heavy loads.
Is it legal to use a window gun rack in all states?
Legality varies significantly; some states allow open transport in window racks, while others require firearms to be cased or out of plain sight. Always check local regulations.
How do I ensure a rack fits my specific truck model?
Measure the vertical distance of your rear glass and look for ‘telescoping’ or ‘adjustable’ racks that can be locked into the specific height of your cab window.
