Re-Chrome Luggage Rack
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Re-Chrome Luggage Rack
I am actively working on our 77 Red project car and I am trying to use the evenings to learn more about options for parts I will need later on down the road. Specifically I have a pitted luggage rack I have removed from my car and I wanted to know if any of you have ever had the rack re-chromed in the past? I would buy a new one but the hole alignment issues has me a bit worried about making a new one fit properly.
I can get the repair kit for the legs, tips, etc. but wanted to know if any of you have ever chromed the part.
If you have any pictures you can share I would love to see them.
Thank you.
Oh, as long as I am asking. If anyone knows a good Chrome shop within 50-100 miles of Easton, PA that would help too.
Thank you.
77Sleeper
I can get the repair kit for the legs, tips, etc. but wanted to know if any of you have ever chromed the part.
If you have any pictures you can share I would love to see them.
Thank you. Oh, as long as I am asking. If anyone knows a good Chrome shop within 50-100 miles of Easton, PA that would help too.
Thank you.
77Sleeper
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
I have had the luggage rack on my 77 rechromed. It took awhile to locate the correct rack as it was removed before I got the car. If you could post a pic. of the rack it would be easier to define "pitted rust" If it is badly pitted I wouldn't bother with it. I had a plater in NJ do mine it wound up being the price of a new rack. But we know the new racks don't line up as the original do.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
I have had the luggage rack on my 77 rechromed. It took awhile to locate the correct rack as it was removed before I got the car. If you could post a pic. of the rack it would be easier to define "pitted rust" If it is badly pitted I wouldn't bother with it. I had a plater in NJ do mine it wound up being the price of a new rack. But we know the new racks don't line up as the original do.
Not sure I can salvage it but thought I would ask.
Has anyone sand blasted a luggage rack and painted it rather than Chrome it? That might look interesting.
Thanks for your help.David Howard
77Sleeper
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the rack [and the rest of your car] are original, I would re-chrome the pitted pieces before spending the same money for an aftermarket stainless rack. It's pretty easy to tell the difference in them.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
77,
There's a very good plater named LIBRANDI near Harrisburg. They do really beautiful work. They have a spot at Carlisle so you could drop your pieces off there if you're planning to attend.
Regards,
Alan
There's a very good plater named LIBRANDI near Harrisburg. They do really beautiful work. They have a spot at Carlisle so you could drop your pieces off there if you're planning to attend.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
The rack is original. The rest of the car is not numbers matching but true to the year. I will see about getting it re-chromed.Thanks for the advice.
David
77Sleeper
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Outstanding, thank you. I will make contact with Librandi this week and make plans to visit them and drop off the parts at Carlisle. What a great idea. Thank you very much. I owe you a beer if you are at Carlisle...
David Howard
77Sleeper
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
If your car has a replacement engine a SS new rack may be a better choice as it will not rust if you get it wet.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
The only issue I have with a replacement rack is alignment of the holes for the rack. If I didn't have that to contend with then it would indeed be the better option for me. Thanks for the input, much appreciated.
David Howard
77Sleeper
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
The washers are big that covers the holes and I was able to adjust a few holes to make a new rack fit. When you remove the rack see if the washers made a print in the paint or you have some wiggle room.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
There may be some wiggle room. I'll verify and see what I can do. Thanks. David Howard
77Sleeper
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Thanks to you all for your help. I have learned much on this thread and from direct contact that the Chrome luggage rack on my 77 is a dealer installed authentic part and not an aftermarket replacement. 
So the decision to have it re-plated is an easy one and I will also see about having an after market stainless steel rack installed to match for my use. The Forum and the contacs here have been outstanding and I thank you all. See you at Carlisle.
77Sleeper
