There certainly is no lack of opinion of luggage racks. I recently purchased a 71 and it has one. I'm not disappointed as I plan to take the car on the Hot Rod Power Tour and believe the rack will come in real handy. The car is a convertible so storage space for two is quite limited.

Just curious why folks hate them like they do and why others like me seem to appreciate them as a necessary evil.

 

The only opinion which matters is yours.

 

Hi 69,
I really think the strong opinion about the luggage racks has something to do with the difficulty that arises when there's one on the car and the current owner wishes it was there.
Owners who had one and went through the trouble of removing it feel strongly that they would NEVER have one again.
While other owners with cars that have a rack like it and don't care to even consider removing it.
Some folks also have feelings about whether they look better on coupes or convertibles.
I guess… "love the one you're with".
Regards,
Alan

Installed one in 1971, didn't even consider leaving it in place during the restoration.

With:


Without:

 

Haters will hate. I use mine to store my t-tops. Can't see why anyone would want to store them behind the seats as it takes up too much space if going on trip. I also used it for my duffle bag once when I crossed North America from Victoria, BC to St. John's, NL. Yeah, it's handy, to say the least.

 

necessary evil? Sounds like even you are damning them with faint praise,

You asked and i will start with agreeing with mike the only opinion that matters is yours then alans point that there is a stigma about removing a rack and filling in the holes and the fill not showing a ghost...that subject has resulted in many ranting long winded diatribes on here but cutting to the chase the simple fact is the holes for a rack can be filled with no show through and many top shelf cars on here attest to that fact, any good body man can do it...i suggest those wanting a rack removed go with a down to earth body man not making it all epic a job who will provide pictures of his or her work or a body man recommended from people on here who have had the job done,
That is moot to you because you like the rack...i like them better on convertibles than coupes and nothing after 73, i find they add out if place looking sofistication and function to beasts that for me flow and look better without them...i dont like t tops or junk back there in the weather or asking to get stolen,
But i respect people who do have them and like them and put them to use.

You asked that was my 2.5 centovos

 

I like the extra chrome they provide.

 

I'm another for them. Mine originally came out with one so it's staying on there even though some of the well nuts are turning on it. It would be nice to get it rechromed at some stage also.

Not many cars came out with such and I just think they look better with a luggage rack.

 

Like the extra chrome, but feel the car has a cleaner look without. Kind of a pain when refueling, especially if luggage is attached.

 

I use mine for important things!

 

I personally think the rack looks better on a 74 to 77. After the rear bumper was no longer turned up, the rack makes sense.
On a 73 and newer, I think it looks better removed.

Just my opinion of course, but it's entirely up to you what you do/want.

Ken

 

My car came with the rack. I've never used it but I'm not bothered by the look! Certainly wouldn't go through the trouble of removing it.

 

You'll scratch your paint if you don't have the RACK.



Have a Great Day,

Bill

 

Bottom line is how you feel about them as it is your car.
Myself, I like them without the rack. When I bought my '72 back in '74, it came with it. I was able to talk with the original owner and he told me that he couldn't quite come to terms with the salesman on the '72 sitting on the showroom floor. To swing the deal, the salesman agreed to throw in the luggage rack and he bought the '72.
I removed the rack when I bought it and plugged the holes. I could easily remove the plugs and put the rack back on it if I wanted to. My intent was to eventually glass the holes in whenever I repainted the car.
My boy and I have done many Power Tours in the '72. If you get real creative, you can pack for the trip especially if you select gym bags sized to fit optimally in the back. You can also get a couple of smaller gym bags to fit long wise behind the head rests. If your '71 is a stick like mine, be sure you have a new throwout bearing installed before the Tour, lol.

 

Some people don't like how they look. I couldn't take mine off my car fast enough. Not much more to it than that.

 

It's just a matter of how the rack looks to YOU. However, if you car already has a rack, and you want to remove it....THAT'S when the problems start.

On a '68-73 coupe, I like the rack and the extra chrome it provides. And, on occasion, I will use the rack. On convertibles, I don't think they look that good.

 

My 72 coupe had 1. It also had P02's. I suppose it was a half hearted attempt by GM to make the car into a " luxury" sports coupe. Personally I dislike them both. Neither were kept during my restoration.

 

Oh so very true !!! And it certainly won't be the first or last time I did something because it's what I like.

I was wondering if there might be some issues with them but from what I'm reading it's a preference thing only.

 

Luggage racks look great on station wagons and mini vans... YMMV

 

my 70 has one, org owner had it installed as all were by dealer, but I won't remove it.

 

+1 for the rack.
hear me out......
When I take off my T-tops, I lay the storage bag out 1st on the rack.
I then have a support under the fiberglass top while inserting it in the bag.
The last thing I need is to drop an original 68 top on the asphalt.
It serves a special service to a slightly uncoordinated middle aged male.
GM knew these things would happen as the C-3 owners aged.

Now you'll never look at your rack the same way will ya
Marshal