Dog Carrier for Bike - Crate/Rack Hack

We have featured quite a few hacks over the years designed to include man's best friend in the bike riding experience.  Reader Brian contacted us and said he was inspired by something he saw on Bike Hacks and he submitted the following text and pictures.  If you have bike hacks related to integrating animals into your riding experience please contact us for posting. 

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I rediscovered my love of bikes when I did a triathlon as an adult, and that was it. I bought a beach cruiser for getting around town and to friends for drinks.  I loved the army themed cruiser and have added onto it, while keeping the theme.  While looking for advice on how to build a back rack to ride with my small dog, I came across your website.

I wanted to match the crate with my military styled beach cruiser.  The vintage dynamite crate looked cool, but needed fastening to the rear rack.  

I used 4 u-bolts to do this.  I reinforced the bottom of the crate with two layers of 1/4" plywood. The bottom layer was glued to the original crate bottom with Gorilla Glue, and then holes drilled for the u-bolts and attached to the rear rack.  I cut 1" holes in the top layer of plywood so the nuts for the u-bolts could be flush with the base and wouldn't poke my dog, Harley.  I used more adhesive and 4 bolts in the corners with fender washers to squeeze the three layers together, with a fitted piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting.  Then put an eye bolt and chain to keep my buddy from jumping out.  

It's not a lightweight solution, but it's not like I'm on a performance bike.  It's just for cruising with my girlfriend and dog, no stunting.  Harley seems to like it, and we've been on a couple rides together already.

Comments

[Leo Horishny]

Excellent accessory to the G.I. Bike. I didn't realize dynamite cases were just laying around though.

This owner should be looking at your solution:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/golden-retriever-guards-owner-bicycle-then-hops-aboard-160100238.html;_ylt=A2KJNTuJPaBPCgsAt1TQtDMD

[Tryxtimus]

Any idea on how to make this more easily removable. Would like to be able to easily take the box off the rack for days when it is unnecessary or transporting the bike on the interstate (hurricane force winds). Also, did you treat the wood with any water seal or polyurethane?