81 Rear Deck Rack
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
81 Rear Deck Rack
Hi I just purchased my first Vette. Its a 1981 coupe. On the rear deck there are some mounting holes for some type of rack. I was told the car may of had some type of T-Top holder. Can anybody give me more info on this? Also where can I find a rack to purchase. Thanks for any and all help Tim
I might have my terms wrong here. The mounting holes are to the rear of the rear window and in front of the rear bumper spoiler.
I might have my terms wrong here. The mounting holes are to the rear of the rear window and in front of the rear bumper spoiler.
Last edited by Tim81; Aug 22, 2006 at 12:14 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
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From: Baltimore MD
If you don't want to go for that option. The 2nd option was an actual luggage rack - a four poster which is extremely hard to find. All current aftermarket luggage racks are either 6 or 8 post. 1980-1981 used 4 posts only due to the new fast back shape of the rear window.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,711
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From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Originally Posted by The_Dude
I have one, but haven't ever tried to use it.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Originally Posted by 1Cool80
Same here. I think it takes away from the looks of the car but I'll keep it for originality's sake.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,725
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From: Hanover Maryland
HEY, he stole my picture
I posted that a couple of weeks ago for a fella who was inquiring about the 80's style C3 racks. When I posted the photo, I think it scared him off. Not the prettiest option offered on the C3's.
I do have the four mounting bolts and cover caps that go in the holes for the T-Top rack. I removed them from my 82 that had this option. I choose to have the holes filled during the restoration for a cleaner look (just my preference).
These parts are impossible to locate due to the limited number of racks ordered when new.
I posted that a couple of weeks ago for a fella who was inquiring about the 80's style C3 racks. When I posted the photo, I think it scared him off. Not the prettiest option offered on the C3's.
I do have the four mounting bolts and cover caps that go in the holes for the T-Top rack. I removed them from my 82 that had this option. I choose to have the holes filled during the restoration for a cleaner look (just my preference).
These parts are impossible to locate due to the limited number of racks ordered when new.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 82MDVette
HEY, he stole my picture
Me too, Peace,,,Moosie 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 691
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
Hey, if you live where it rains a lot they come in handy. And I agree, without the roof panels on they ain't much to look at. But four hand turned bolts and the whole thing comes off.
If you have anything behind the seats (grocery's, bike parts, a bag of this or that, etc.) your T-Tops aren't going to fit. The rack gives you one more option.
I didn't trust them at first... decided I'd put them on and belt them in and went for a quick around the neighborhood cruise. And before I realized, I was out on the expressway (forgot they were back there) doing 85ish when I remembered and (gulp) looked into the mirror to find them still there in the rack. Checked them when I got home and they were snugged in and hadn't moved a bit.
Check my sig pic for what they look like with the T-Tops in them.
kdlp
If you have anything behind the seats (grocery's, bike parts, a bag of this or that, etc.) your T-Tops aren't going to fit. The rack gives you one more option.
I didn't trust them at first... decided I'd put them on and belt them in and went for a quick around the neighborhood cruise. And before I realized, I was out on the expressway (forgot they were back there) doing 85ish when I remembered and (gulp) looked into the mirror to find them still there in the rack. Checked them when I got home and they were snugged in and hadn't moved a bit.
Check my sig pic for what they look like with the T-Tops in them.
kdlp
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
Originally Posted by kdlp
Hey, if you live where it rains a lot they come in handy. And I agree, without the roof panels on they ain't much to look at. But four hand turned bolts and the whole thing comes off.
If you have anything behind the seats (grocery's, bike parts, a bag of this or that, etc.) your T-Tops aren't going to fit. The rack gives you one more option.
I didn't trust them at first... decided I'd put them on and belt them in and went for a quick around the neighborhood cruise. And before I realized, I was out on the expressway (forgot they were back there) doing 85ish when I remembered and (gulp) looked into the mirror to find them still there in the rack. Checked them when I got home and they were snugged in and hadn't moved a bit.
Check my sig pic for what they look like with the T-Tops in them.
kdlp
If you have anything behind the seats (grocery's, bike parts, a bag of this or that, etc.) your T-Tops aren't going to fit. The rack gives you one more option.
I didn't trust them at first... decided I'd put them on and belt them in and went for a quick around the neighborhood cruise. And before I realized, I was out on the expressway (forgot they were back there) doing 85ish when I remembered and (gulp) looked into the mirror to find them still there in the rack. Checked them when I got home and they were snugged in and hadn't moved a bit.
Check my sig pic for what they look like with the T-Tops in them.
kdlp
