1969 Corvette luggage rack
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: SoCal California
1969 Corvette luggage rack
I have a 1969 Corvette Coupe L71 (427/435 Tri-Power with factory side pipes) with a rear luggage rack. I was told that the luggage rack was a dealer installed item (rather than a factory installed item). Is this true? My car has an original luggage rack, but I think it's somewhat lame and would like to remove it ... if it is a dealer installed item NOT a factory installed item then I will remove it during the car's restoration.
P.S. Of course, if I sell the car the luggage rack will go with the car.
P.S. Of course, if I sell the car the luggage rack will go with the car.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I have a 1969 Corvette Coupe L71 (427/435 Tri-Power with factory side pipes) with a rear luggage rack. I was told that the luggage rack was a dealer installed item (rather than a factory installed item). Is this true? My car has an original luggage rack, but I think it's somewhat lame and would like to remove it ... if it is a dealer installed item NOT a factory installed item then I will remove it during the car's restoration.
P.S. Of course, if I sell the car the luggage rack will go with the car.
P.S. Of course, if I sell the car the luggage rack will go with the car.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,687
Likes: 3,139
From: Shamong, NJ
Of the 68-82 Corvettes, 77 was the only year that the luggage rack was available as factory installed option, and that was because it was part of the T-top carrier option. A luggage rack on any other year Corvette, would have been dealer or owner installed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
It was dealer optioned and installed, but the options catalogue was printed by GM, ( wasn't it ? ).
So it is debatable if it can be considered to be a GM option.
I like it because it gives a certain flair to the otherwise naked tail, specially on convertibles.
The one shown in Vettebuyer's picture is a horrible looking one !
Rgds. Günther
It was dealer optioned and installed, but the options catalogue was printed by GM, ( wasn't it ? ).
So it is debatable if it can be considered to be a GM option.
I like it because it gives a certain flair to the otherwise naked tail, specially on convertibles.
The one shown in Vettebuyer's picture is a horrible looking one !
Rgds. Günther
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Huh? Don't follow what you're saying. The original racks were sold at GM dealers and sold over the counter for pre/post delivery installation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
What I'm trying to say is that you couldn't order this option ( same like the passenger door mirror and some other stuff ) direct from the GM options list, but GM had this dealer options where one could order this and get it installed by the dealer, if wished, before delivery of the car to the customer.
It is not a GM option, but I consider it 99 % because I believe that this dealer option catalog of which I have a copy , was printed and issued by GM .
Rgds. Günther
What I'm trying to say is that you couldn't order this option ( same like the passenger door mirror and some other stuff ) direct from the GM options list, but GM had this dealer options where one could order this and get it installed by the dealer, if wished, before delivery of the car to the customer.
It is not a GM option, but I consider it 99 % because I believe that this dealer option catalog of which I have a copy , was printed and issued by GM .
Rgds. Günther
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi
I think what we're talking about here is the difference between an 'option', (with an option number), and an 'accessory', (with a part number; 993862 for the luggage carrier).
Regards,
Alan
I think what we're talking about here is the difference between an 'option', (with an option number), and an 'accessory', (with a part number; 993862 for the luggage carrier).
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 28, 2011 at 05:21 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
The real 'issue' is that NCRS considers "original" as only including those things that are installed by the assembly factory. Items that may be sold by the dealer...even if they are GM "approved" are not 'factory original' equipment according to NCRS.
The rest of us, of course, consider it as being "original" to the car when received new from the dealer. (But, what do we know?)
The rest of us, of course, consider it as being "original" to the car when received new from the dealer. (But, what do we know?)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that horrid looking luggage rack on Vettebuyers car is an after market Ecklers rack from the 70's.
The smaller, stainless, 6-hole, dealer installer rack actually looks good on some cars, especially convertibles.
The smaller, stainless, 6-hole, dealer installer rack actually looks good on some cars, especially convertibles.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW: If you remove the rack, you will need to fill the holes in the rear deck.
NCRS folks are not ****. A dealer installed luggage rack won't cost you too many points, but none were installed at the factory.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,502
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From: Scottsdale AZ
We had one on our "new" 73 back in the day - -dealer installed as reported- and at the time, I thought it looked great. We never actually put anything on it, but with the chrome bumpers, I thought it really spiffed up the car.
then again - -it was the 70's.
FWIW . . no plans to add it to this `73 . . (I know . .gotta change the avatar . . )
then again - -it was the 70's.
FWIW . . no plans to add it to this `73 . . (I know . .gotta change the avatar . . )
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
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From: San Jose CA
I think it is indicative of you Mike.
My reservations about NCRS are almost all based on your past posts. I would not want to be surrounded by a bunch of Mike Ward-type clones.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I thought so too, but someone showed me an old "accessories" catalog for a dealer that showed the same thing. It. Was. Awful. Maybe they were ordered/dropshipped through Eckler or they got them the same place? I don't know for sure.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,997
Likes: 6,213
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Given the fact that the entire purpose of the National Corvette Restorers Society is... restoring Corvettes... why is it necessary to take a shot at them for being concerned with "correct?" Isn't that what they do?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
For some people, learning about what was original, and trying to restore a car to that originality standard, is pleasant work.
Not for everyone, maybe even not for most people, but for some people.
Regards,
Alan
With (1985) and without (2011) luggage rack.
For some people, learning about what was original, and trying to restore a car to that originality standard, is pleasant work.
Not for everyone, maybe even not for most people, but for some people.
Regards,
Alan
With (1985) and without (2011) luggage rack.