Luggage rack install question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Luggage rack install question
My 72 had a luggage rack installed at one time and a previous owner removed it for a repaint. The hole repairs bother me more than a luggage rack would so I’m reinstalling one. Question….whats the best type of drill bit to open those repair areas?
Also, (apart from 50% saying “don’t reinstall it”) are there any precautions I need to be aware of (apart from drilling thru the top of the tank) and/or any tips to make the reinstall successful? I’ve read one old thread in which someone cut the stanchion post height down maybe a 1/4” or so which naturally gave it a lower, sleeker profile.
Thanks in advance.
Also, (apart from 50% saying “don’t reinstall it”) are there any precautions I need to be aware of (apart from drilling thru the top of the tank) and/or any tips to make the reinstall successful? I’ve read one old thread in which someone cut the stanchion post height down maybe a 1/4” or so which naturally gave it a lower, sleeker profile.
Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1,165
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Removing the fuel tank will make it very easy to install. Drive around till tank is empty, then Removing it really is not difficult.
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Then you have clear view of the old filled holes.
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Just my two cents....
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Then you have clear view of the old filled holes.
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Just my two cents....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1,165
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Yea,, when I did my EFI set up, I dropped the tank for the in tank fuel pump Installation and realized all the room it revealed,, I have a " luggage " rack, so I easily tightened all the fasteners at that time. You'll be happy you took the time to reveal the working room.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,088
Likes: 1,647
From: Long Island
if you don't have the original rack, be careful. there were a few bolt hole patterns and they all don't match.
I lined up the rack I had and drilled the holes through the holes in the rack, then opened them for the rubber well nuts,
All my C3's have the rack. The hole pattern is different for all 3.
I lined up the rack I had and drilled the holes through the holes in the rack, then opened them for the rubber well nuts,
All my C3's have the rack. The hole pattern is different for all 3.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,084
Likes: 7,703
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
That was my first thought. If the OP doesn't have the original rack that came off, he's likely in for a world of hurt.
I personally would get the holes repaired better.
I personally would get the holes repaired better.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 1,192
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I take my rack on and off and use painted plugs to cover the holes.
When I remove the plugs I go under the rear and push them up using a 1/4” socket extension. There is a reasonable gap on mine between the center holes and the tank so drilling is unlikely to hit the tank. If you are worried put a piece of steel on top of tank.. the outer holes are above the mufflers so no issue. Now as said already there is a few different racks so just do some visual checks first.
I bet if you look from below you will see the repairs done when the holes were patched.
As for lowering the rack height I did it because I liked the rack but not the stock height.
When I remove the plugs I go under the rear and push them up using a 1/4” socket extension. There is a reasonable gap on mine between the center holes and the tank so drilling is unlikely to hit the tank. If you are worried put a piece of steel on top of tank.. the outer holes are above the mufflers so no issue. Now as said already there is a few different racks so just do some visual checks first.
I bet if you look from below you will see the repairs done when the holes were patched.
As for lowering the rack height I did it because I liked the rack but not the stock height.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 1,192
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ourney-60.html
and when I finished it…..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ourney-97.html
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Yeah…..see that looks really slick just a bit lower like that. Nice job. I see you did it with a small cutoff wheel. I may try that or with a band saw. Guess a needle nose vice grip to hold them while cutting. Gotta believe they get pretty hot from cutting.
Last edited by ettev; Jul 22, 2025 at 04:41 PM.