C3 luggage rack load
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 4
From: IL
C3 luggage rack load
I have eight post luggage rack on my 76. I have a pop up canopy/tent, weighs 35 pounds. Anyone know if this is alright to carry on the luggage rack? I cannot find a load limit in any literature, and want to bring canopy to shows.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New York
I wouldn't think it would be a problem. 35 lbs isn't really that much. The t tops are probably around 20. As long as the weight is evenly distributed. Do a test, put the canopy on it and see if it bows. If it doesn't, you're good to go.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17,140
Likes: 3
From: Houston (NW of) Texas
I would also worry about wind drag. If it is one of those pop-up canopies with a lot of canvas on one end then it could provide a lot of wind resistance on one side. Might not be a good thing above 50mph.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Thanks for the info, guys. I found that putting anything on mine interferes with the rear view. My car only has the driver door mirror so blocking the rearview made for some anxious moments and lots of head turning to keep the blind spot in check.
I've since bought a matching passenger door mirror to mount up if I wish to carry the t-tops in their carry bag back there again. It's got to help feedback who's off the rr fender before any lane changes or when backing up.
I've since bought a matching passenger door mirror to mount up if I wish to carry the t-tops in their carry bag back there again. It's got to help feedback who's off the rr fender before any lane changes or when backing up.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I've put that amount on my 6-post rack many times. If you were going over rough terrain (in my Corvette?? not!), you might put more stress on it; but normal road travel shouldn't be a problem.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 43
From: Choctaw Country
not so much the load as the drag. I replaced mine the other day and was amazed at how simple it is on there, couple of expansion inserts and then screw it down. NOT the best system for ANY kind of load or abuse. Like another member mentioned it is more for decoration and maybe a little beer too.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
You will get a mix of answers on this one, but....Yes....go ahead. In 1979....
....my wife's daily driver was a 70 LT1 Coupe. We used to load that rack up with camping stuff. It went camping in N. Ga many weekends. Sure wish I still had that one...and the 69 ... 
....my wife's daily driver was a 70 LT1 Coupe. We used to load that rack up with camping stuff. It went camping in N. Ga many weekends. Sure wish I still had that one...and the 69 ...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
According to the GM Instruction sheet that came with the rack, it says 50 lbs maximum. You can view a copy of the sheet here:
'77 Documentation
'77 Documentation
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 4
From: IL
thanks, you are truly the man. I have all the original documentation for my 76. Strange, even the rips in the sheets are in the same place. Must have been that old assembly line mentality that everything is the same on the line, including glue.
Best thing about looking at my Chevrolet brochure is remembering that they actually made a Monza.
Best thing about looking at my Chevrolet brochure is remembering that they actually made a Monza.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
According to the GM Instruction sheet that came with the rack, it says 50 lbs maximum. You can view a copy of the sheet here:
'77 Documentation
'77 Documentation
Great Post as usual from Binnie
