Luggage Racks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: East Waterboro Maine
Originally Posted by Jerry Curl
I think they look better on the chrome bumper cars.
So how many people actually USE the luggage rack for carrying luggage? I'd be scared to scratch or scuff the chrome. Not to mention driving your vette down the road with a 3' high pile of suitcases strapped to the rear deck must look kinda odd.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
My 77 came with one and was listed on the window sticker as a factory option. I believe it was the first year as a factory option... V54 Luggge and Roof Panel Rack. It was intended to allow full use of the luggage compartment when the roof panels were removed. Mine also came with the roof panel brackets and strap to carry the roof panels on it securely. I used it many times and on trips to carry luggage.
My 73 also came with one (dealer installed), but the chrome was in bad shape so I purchased a new one. It was a constant battle to keep the rust off. I repainted the car in 1994 and by then the aftermarket was offering original style racks in stainless steel. It has been on ever since and no more problems with rust. You do need to be sure the screws are stainless as well because they will rust and stain the rack.
One other issue with the original racks is that they were sourced from a number of vendors and many times the holes will not line up. There is some slack in the mounting pedastals, but not a lot, so compare the holes before you pitch the old one...
GUSTO
My 73 also came with one (dealer installed), but the chrome was in bad shape so I purchased a new one. It was a constant battle to keep the rust off. I repainted the car in 1994 and by then the aftermarket was offering original style racks in stainless steel. It has been on ever since and no more problems with rust. You do need to be sure the screws are stainless as well because they will rust and stain the rack.
One other issue with the original racks is that they were sourced from a number of vendors and many times the holes will not line up. There is some slack in the mounting pedastals, but not a lot, so compare the holes before you pitch the old one...
GUSTO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by Jerry Curl
How many of you guys have a luggage rack and like it?
The 76 Im getting has one. My wife thinks its cool, but Im not so sure. And Im guessing its going to cost a fair anount of money to fill those holes and repaint.
Thoughts?
The 76 Im getting has one. My wife thinks its cool, but Im not so sure. And Im guessing its going to cost a fair anount of money to fill those holes and repaint.
Thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 28
From: Tallmadge Ohio
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
Oldtimer
Gusto has it right. It was a factory installed option in 77 and I beleive late 76. Before 77 is was a dealer installed option. I wanted to replace mine with a new one but all the repro racks mounting holes would not fit my mounting holes. I ended up buying A NOS rack off of a forum member. It was twice as much as a repro rack but well worth it as the holes lined up perfectly. Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
i know. but just had to add my .02 if i got a vette w/a rack i would keep it w/out one i wouldn't add it. may sound nuts but some vette look cool w/the rack and others look dumb? & i would never ever tie my t-tops down to one and drive down the road 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Hobart Ind, near chicago
I like mine after all these years it would look bare without it. and when on the road, if I have luggage, I use it for my t-tops, which looks goofy, but it's fun watching people look at them, looks kinda like a beetle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
Here my 68 without the rack
and here with a chrome 6 point rack.
Sorry, have no better pic available right now.
I like the rack even that I don't use it. But you never know !
And yes, it is painfull when you drill the first hole into the perfect deck lid.
The 2nd one you do already without crying and after the 3rd hole, you can't wait to see the rack installed.
On a convertible, I would install it again. Breaks the lines up abit when the roof is down.
Günther
Here my 68 without the rack
and here with a chrome 6 point rack.
Sorry, have no better pic available right now.
I like the rack even that I don't use it. But you never know !
And yes, it is painfull when you drill the first hole into the perfect deck lid.
The 2nd one you do already without crying and after the 3rd hole, you can't wait to see the rack installed.
On a convertible, I would install it again. Breaks the lines up abit when the roof is down.
Günther
Last edited by WESCH; Jan 24, 2006 at 12:48 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Look here: seller of bracket sets .. has pictures of mounted
tops at bottom of page.
http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/a.r.contracting/
tops at bottom of page.
http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/a.r.contracting/
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Land O' Lakes FL
Originally Posted by MartyW
Not sure if I caught the end of your Bunghole thread, but did you ever actually get your corvette yet? or are you still in the research stage?