yeah I know that not everyone has the means to make a rack, but I still advocate my system of justification:
cheap rack= $300+, shipping$$?, hardware to mate it to your vehicle, EXPENSIVE hi-lift jack mounts, expensive fairing, probably too thin to reasonably repair with welder (just get UGLY!)
cheap used 110v mig or stick welder= $150+, grinder $50+, metal prices are expensive now but that is reflected in all prefab products anyway, learning to weld is fun and easy and YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!, making your own stuff is like taking AP Jeep Builder/owner classes (as opposed to bolt on owners or people who can afford to pay fab shops and mechanics) I am not trying to dis on anyone here but the sooner you break down and rent or buy or borrow a welder and learn the sooner you can fulfill your jeep dreams! you might be thinking that "down the road I want to build my own bumper" but if you cop out on the roof rack then you will end up posting in that other thread about which prefab bumper is best.... which might make your jeep recognizable in your hometowns grocery store parking lot but it'll be lost for sure outside wendys in moab
time for some initiative, eh? this system of justification usually gets me a lot of mileage with the wife and the jeep- something breaks down and the mechanic would charge $750, so I take that $750 and buy the parts that are needed and then with the rest of the money I can either buy some new toys (read tools and "fun" jeep parts) or have just saved $400. then I have increased my skill level, I have increased my jeep knowledge, my teeth are whiter, my hair more lustrous, my wife is more.... ok I'll stop there. SORRY FOR MY KICK IN THE PANTS TIRADE I just know too many people who skootch through life always wanting to take initiative and risks but just never get around to it.
BTW Sappersly-- I thought that military bases had mad resources? my friend in the navy has access to awesome shops after hours and even real paint booths if he signs up (maybe a fee too?)