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First off, it's nice looking. I'd prefer the black over chrome but I could see why two versions are needed.
Any thoughts to custom body colors to blend it into the car a little better on lighter colors like white, or yellow?
Great job.
I am glad you brought the color up. I have already had this conversation with the person who does the Power Coating and they are able to change the color to match the Vette Colors by Paint Code. That would be more though since they would have to go out and buy the colors.
Another option my guy mentioned is that we can also just leave it aluminum for those who want a billet look or for anyone who just want it powder coated any color they wanted by their own person.
Now it is time to put on a lot of miles and test thoroughly before I make it available to any others who are interested in buying one for their Vert. Now that I have the final costs on this to make, I will figure out what I believe is fair to sell for. Not looking to retire on this product but rather be able to help others out who would like one at a reasonable price and enjoy the freedom to pack what you like for trips.
As far as I know, there are no racks on the market for C6 Verts. Unless someone made one since I started this endeavor.
Looks Great
I'm sure you'll make it even better after road testing.
And I think you'll be surprised at the demand you'll get for this luggage rack once word gets out
Excellent job
I am glad you brought the color up. I have already had this conversation with the person who does the Power Coating and they are able to change the color to match the Vette Colors by Paint Code. That would be more though since they would have to go out and buy the colors.
Another option my guy mentioned is that we can also just leave it aluminum for those who want a billet look or for anyone who just want it powder coated any color they wanted by their own person.
Hi all, I added pics to show the actual mounting on my original post one and changed the name of the title so as to let everyone know but I guess it doesn't change the actual name of the title in edit.
One thing I forgot to mention which I dont have yet is that there will be an optional "lip" for the back of the rack. It will be able to mount simply to the existing rack and provide a bar across the back for added support in case anyone needs that. It will also be adjustable on what pitch you want it at. This is not welded on but is really easy to just clip on the back bar when needed and then removed if not needed. More later on that.
I thought this was kind of cool. I went to the Chevy Dealer this morning b/c they needed to replace a weather stripping and when I pulled up to the Service Dept there was a sales person standing there. When I got out of the car he started asking a bunch of questions about the rack how he liked it.
Has there been any testing done on weight capacity. Not so much from the standpoint of how much the rack can hold but how about from how much the 4 stress points can withstand.
Being fully loaded, driving down the highway at 65 mph (okay 70-75) I have to imaging it will tend to vibrate / shake some and in time wouldn't the stress points (where the rack's clasps grab the deck lid) begin to fracture?
Just curious.
I love by the way how neatly it fits into the trunk....really neat.
I have an '07 vert, Monterey Red, and the only way I would consider getting one is if it was power coated close to my color. It would be great for golf clubs. Let us know about prices and color options as you go forward.
To test the market demand, you should do polls in the C6 and C5 sections.
From the feedback that I have been getting here on the C6 forums, I think there are people interested. I already have 7 emails that they would like to purchase one. Obviously if the price is reasonable.
I did post on the C5 forums. I think only 2 people responded. If I find out later there is interest (not from the forums) but when I get my website up, I can always modify to fit a C5.
Originally Posted by IDSRVIT
Has there been any testing done on weight capacity. Not so much from the standpoint of how much the rack can hold but how about from how much the 4 stress points can withstand.
Being fully loaded, driving down the highway at 65 mph (okay 70-75) I have to imaging it will tend to vibrate / shake some and in time wouldn't the stress points (where the rack's clasps grab the deck lid) begin to fracture?
Just curious.
I love by the way how neatly it fits into the trunk....really neat.
Great question. I haven't mentioned this in the past, but my Fabricator actually owns his own shop. His shop actually does parts and stuff for Off Road Vehicles. I wanted the clip a little thinner but he told me a while back that the current version is the thinnest he felt comfortable with for the same thing that you bring up. The mounting hardware is steel. The tubing is Alum.
Originally Posted by The chief07
I have an '07 vert, Monterey Red, and the only way I would consider getting one is if it was power coated close to my color. It would be great for golf clubs. Let us know about prices and color options as you go forward.
Jeff
Actually, my powder coater would get the Monterey Red based upon the color code. However, that would be a custom order and might cost a little more. Or, I am planning on offering just the Alum version (no powder coat) for a little less money. That way someone can take it to their person and color it any way they want.
I give you a lot of credit for coming up with the idea and fab'ing it out. Get it patented before MidAmerica or someone else knocks it off! And yes, it also reminded me of Route 66. I had an Avanti that had one on the trunk as well....never used it, but I really liked it....made the car look neat....see pic attached. Good luck with your product.
I give you a lot of credit for coming up with the idea and fab'ing it out. Get it patented before MidAmerica or someone else knocks it off! And yes, it also reminded me of Route 66. I had an Avanti that had one on the trunk as well....never used it, but I really liked it....made the car look neat....see pic attached. Good luck with your product.
gilby, I did my first Car Show today as a participant and there was a Red Avanti there. Cool car!! I have no idea about that car or if there kind of rare now, but I really liked it. Who made these? I think maybe I have only seen 2 or 3 ever in So. Cal.
Regarding the Patent. I have run this by a few people in the know, and the feed back is that someone could just change something on my design and I really would have nothing to stand on. Interesting you mentioned MidAmerica. I have had a number of PM's suggesting to me to contact them to see if they would resell my rack.
Thanks for the kind words about me coming up with the idea. Whatever happens, it has been fun seeing an idea I had for something I want to come to fruition.
LOL, my bank account if it could talk would say different.
Avanti was made by Studebaker and they were ahead of their time. I drove one back in the '60's. Unfortunately, imho most of Studebaker's cars were also ahead of their time which doomed them.
Avanti was made by Studebaker and they were ahead of their time. I drove one back in the '60's. Unfortunately, imho most of Studebaker's cars were also ahead of their time which doomed them.
A small group of investors bought the Avanti name and all tooling when Studebaker went under. For a while I think they were built in Canada. In 2006 they opened up a factory in Cancun, Mexico. According to their web site (http://www.avantimotors.com/) they produced a 2007 model coupe & convertible with a small-block aluminum V8 and fiberglass body. If they're still in business, the Avanti would be a very limited edition niche car.
Didnt mean to steal his original posting. Avanti was never built in Canada. Was built in Southbend Indiana for many years (ie: the Avanti II), Ohio and in Mexico in the end. Now is dormant...but it will be back sooner or later. Its known as "the car that wouldnt die". Here is a pic of my current Avanti....a '63 original Stude. A fiberglass car by the way, original bodies were made by the same manufacturer as the Corvette.
I think the confusion is that Studebaker did move their plant operations to Ontario, Canada for a time, however, from what I can see they did not make the Avanti there.
I would be interested. I like the simplicity and it really doesn't detract from the cars looks. It sure would be nice to have one larger suitcase along for extended trips.
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