75 Luggage rack
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
75 Luggage rack
Got a luggage rack for Xmas. Never plan to put any luggage on it but I think it looks good. Any hints on how to install it? Looks like the gas tank has to be dropped to get at the rear lid. I'm thinkin' about drilling the holes and siliconing the thing on, probably save a lot of time, and I'm never gonna carry anything on it anyway, just like the way it looks. I can imagine my golf clubs flyin' off on some x-way off ramp.
Markeymark
Markeymark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
http://ecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=46057&dept_id=173
use these. you stick them in the hole and when you tighten the bolt it expands to lock in. no need to drop the tank and please DO NOT use silicone. i know you are not bubba
use these. you stick them in the hole and when you tighten the bolt it expands to lock in. no need to drop the tank and please DO NOT use silicone. i know you are not bubba
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge La
Unless you bought it used, it probably came with well nuts which I believe someone linked you to. They're very easy to use for the luggage rack, though I don't recommend them for the side view mirrors 
. You just drill holes in the rear deck, making sure not to too deep and puncture the gas tank and them drop the well nuts in.
. You just drill holes in the rear deck, making sure not to too deep and puncture the gas tank and them drop the well nuts in.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
another point to consider
I assume that the rack came with a template to locate the 6 holes. A 1975 car should use a 6 hole rack not a 8 hole. The 8 will filt but will not be period correct. If you received a 8 hole you may want to consider exchanging for a 6 hole.
But I have seen luggage racks that were installed a few inches forward of what I beleive was the standard location. As another member stated you want to allow for the fuel tank to open. My car is a 71 and the fuel cap door has about 3/4" gap between it and the back side of the luggage rack tube when the door is open.
Also I remove mine from time to time to wax under it. I agree no reason to remove gas tank to drill the holes or install.
Just measure several times and put some tape on the bottom of tubes. This way you can lay it on the car with out damaging the finish and test the palcement and centering and squaring off before marking holes.
The Fiberglass should drill very easily but I do suggest palcing tape around the hole marks just in case the drill slipps.
Also be sure to use proper drill bit size per the weld nuts requiremenys. They need be pushed in with a little bit of pressue. Then one you tighten the screw it will squeeze up tight and hold.
But I too agree that the luggage rack adds to the look of the car.
David
But I have seen luggage racks that were installed a few inches forward of what I beleive was the standard location. As another member stated you want to allow for the fuel tank to open. My car is a 71 and the fuel cap door has about 3/4" gap between it and the back side of the luggage rack tube when the door is open.
Also I remove mine from time to time to wax under it. I agree no reason to remove gas tank to drill the holes or install.
Just measure several times and put some tape on the bottom of tubes. This way you can lay it on the car with out damaging the finish and test the palcement and centering and squaring off before marking holes.
The Fiberglass should drill very easily but I do suggest palcing tape around the hole marks just in case the drill slipps.
Also be sure to use proper drill bit size per the weld nuts requiremenys. They need be pushed in with a little bit of pressue. Then one you tighten the screw it will squeeze up tight and hold.
But I too agree that the luggage rack adds to the look of the car.
David
Last edited by dmayhew; Dec 30, 2007 at 04:57 PM. Reason: additional info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Took my rack off. I think it looked like crap to begin with. And washing, and drying the car was ridiculous. Let alone waxing it. If you don't have holes already drilled into your deck, than for god's sake forget this madness and put it up for sale on Ebay!!!!! 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
I hate to be roude
As I read the gentelmans posting he seemed to like the rack he got as a present and wanted help installing it. But to refer to his gift as looking like Crap goes against the sprit of this forum.
It would be my guess that not too many family members would buy something like this as a gift for someone as a wild guess. My guess is that he asked for it or someone knew he wanted it.
I have also seen cars with the entire rear end busted and shattered and the body shops can fix them like brand new. So if that can be done the I feel pretty sure that 6 1/2" holes could be glassed over if in the future this man or anyone wants to remove their rack.
I think this is a place to offer the help asked for with cautions and just so you know type of feed back, and leave the judging of what someone else wants to do on their car out or at least leave out some of the negative wording.
David
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
Man , I think postings like this are un called for on this forum. I have enjoyed this venue and have gained lots of knowledge and helped others as well. I have meet lost of great people.
As I read the gentelmans posting he seemed to like the rack he got as a present and wanted help installing it. But to refer to his gift as looking like Crap goes against the sprit of this forum.
It would be my guess that not too many family members would buy something like this as a gift for someone as a wild guess. My guess is that he asked for it or someone knew he wanted it.
I have also seen cars with the entire rear end busted and shattered and the body shops can fix them like brand new. So if that can be done the I feel pretty sure that 6 1/2" holes could be glassed over if in the future this man or anyone wants to remove their rack.
I think this is a place to offer the help asked for with cautions and just so you know type of feed back, and leave the judging of what someone else wants to do on their car out or at least leave out some of the negative wording.
David
As I read the gentelmans posting he seemed to like the rack he got as a present and wanted help installing it. But to refer to his gift as looking like Crap goes against the sprit of this forum.
It would be my guess that not too many family members would buy something like this as a gift for someone as a wild guess. My guess is that he asked for it or someone knew he wanted it.
I have also seen cars with the entire rear end busted and shattered and the body shops can fix them like brand new. So if that can be done the I feel pretty sure that 6 1/2" holes could be glassed over if in the future this man or anyone wants to remove their rack.
I think this is a place to offer the help asked for with cautions and just so you know type of feed back, and leave the judging of what someone else wants to do on their car out or at least leave out some of the negative wording.
David
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: PYOTE BOMBER BASE TEXAS
I think that Your Luggage Rack is a Wonderful Christmas Gift....given by someone who loves you Greatly....and it will not look out of place on Your Corvette....If you received it as a Kit...the Sealing Nut will pull up on the gas tank side of your fiberglass deck and distort to form a seal...so, no sealant will be required...as this New assembly will be on the outside of the Driver/Passenger compartment......
Take care, and we will see you down the Trail
Take care, and we will see you down the Trail
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Everyone is entitled to an opinion aren't they??? This is America the last time I looked.
Last edited by VettePower; Jan 1, 2008 at 09:22 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
Nice try , but you missed on the back pedal
And yes this is America , And in the America I know people keep pissy comments to them self unless they are asked for their openion.
As I recall the question was HOW DO I INSTALL?
It was not WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LOOK OF LUGGAGE RACKS? I GOT ONE AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT , AND SHOULD I INSTALL IT OR SELL IT ON E-BAY
I am done with this subject
Have a happy new year
David
Last edited by dmayhew; Jan 1, 2008 at 11:21 PM. Reason: tpyo
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I got the wellnuts with the rack but didn't really look at them until I read some of the replies. Thanks for the info. I see they're pretty much like rubber toggle bolts.
Markey mark
Ya know if I had to I would silicone that thing on and it would never ever come off. 5 minute epoxy works real well too.
Thanks again.
By the way done any engine work? I 'm lookin' to upgrade the 165h.p. It,s probably only about 125 now, it's pretty tired.
Markey mark
Ya know if I had to I would silicone that thing on and it would never ever come off. 5 minute epoxy works real well too.
Thanks again.
By the way done any engine work? I 'm lookin' to upgrade the 165h.p. It,s probably only about 125 now, it's pretty tired.
