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I know the great debate for or against luggage racks on our C3s will go on until the end of time. It seems it a "love'em or hate 'em" situation. I personally like the look of the luggage rack, and the convenience it provides for a weekend trip or t-top transport. I certainly respect those who prefer a clean rear deck with nothing detracting from the beautiful lines of the C3.
While surfing the interwebs, I notice that British sport/touring car enthusiasts put thought into the actual luggage itself, in addition to matching leather straps, ensuring that it is period correct for the vehicle. My long-winded question is . . . do any of my fellow luggage rack fans have a certain piece of luggage that they use only for carrying outside on the rack? Is it period correct 60's or 70's? Is it color matching? Do you use leather or nylon tie-down straps?
I know it's a non-issue for a lot of folks, but we put a lot of thought and effort into the appearance of our cars, why would a detail like this be overlooked? Just curious.
I sold my '75 where I installed a rack. I drilled 8 holes into beautiful, pristine fiberglass. I didn't hesitate doing so.
Although I dig the look of a rack, I will not do that to my '68. Can't explain it, but I won't.
Both of my Vettes have bubble windows, and I prefer that look.
I do have a Storm Case (similar to Pelican, but with better latches) that has flown all over the world, and has logged thousands of miles on the roof of a Jeep. If I had a luggage-rack C3, I'd look at getting a Storm or Pelican case, or other water resistant hard case, that fits the rack perfectly. Form follows function. Perhaps a Halliburton case is period appropriate?
Both of my Vettes have bubble windows, and I prefer that look.
I do have a Storm Case (similar to Pelican, but with better latches) that has flown all over the world, and has logged thousands of miles on the roof of a Jeep. If I had a luggage-rack C3, I'd look at getting a Storm or Pelican case, or other water resistant hard case, that fits the rack perfectly. Form follows function. Perhaps a Halliburton case is period appropriate?
A black Pelican may be nice. Weather proof and all. May have to put the C3 crossed flags on it.
Wife and I strap a vintage wicker suitcase to our luggage racked LT-1 vert (see avatar) when we drive up the country. It's awesome and it matches our saddle interior.
Wife and I strap a vintage wicker suitcase to our luggage racked LT-1 vert (see avatar) when we drive up the country. It's awesome and it matches our saddle interior.
I love the look of chrome immensely, but were I to put one on, I would be scared to death that whatever I strapped to it (especially TTops) was going to come loose and go flying.
I love the look of chrome immensely, but were I to put one on, I would be scared to death that whatever I strapped to it (especially TTops) was going to come loose and go flying.
My 72 came with a luggage rack and initially I was not that stoked to have it, however the last few overnight road trips have me wondering how I would be without it. I have modified the T-top case offered by most Vette vendors with a few plastic pieces to add more support and it is bungee corded to the rack. Doesn’t restrict the rear view and looks like it belongs imho
We had a trunk rack on our 31 Chevy, with an original 1930s steel luggage box. I still have that box, but it would be way too big to sit on the Corvette. Several years ago, a forum member from Europe posted pictures of how he used his tire tub for luggage & tools. He had a LOT of stuff laid out on the ground, then more pics after it was packed. I lost those pictures, and have tried many times, without success, to find them again. It was a brilliant idea!.
My wife loves luggage racks, and has one on her 65 Mustang....but they`re not for me. NO RACK for the Vette! So....she`ll just have to learn to "pack light".
I do strongly agree with the OP though....vintage luggage would be the ultimate "cool factor" for road trips!
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I know in '78, there was a set of luggage made to compliment the anniversary model. Silver with the anniversary logo on each piece. Only seen one set come up for sale and the price was outrageous seeing the condition of the set.
You could have a set made to match the cars color.
We had a trunk rack on our 31 Chevy, with an original 1930s steel luggage box. I still have that box, but it would be way too big to sit on the Corvette. Several years ago, a forum member from Europe posted pictures of how he used his tire tub for luggage & tools. He had a LOT of stuff laid out on the ground, then more pics after it was packed. I lost those pictures, and have tried many times, without success, to find them again. It was a brilliant idea!.
My wife loves luggage racks, and has one on her 65 Mustang....but they`re not for me. NO RACK for the Vette! So....she`ll just have to learn to "pack light".
I do strongly agree with the OP though....vintage luggage would be the ultimate "cool factor" for road trips!
The '31 looks great with that trunk!
That spare carrier idea is brilliant! That is creative thinking! Why should British and German car enthusiasts be the only one's that put thought into what luggage is used and displayed on their cars? We Corvette owners are just as sophisticated when it comes to our sport/touring vehicles. We just prefer the label "Made in America"
C3 Luggage
