Hi all

Finally got it done. Thanks again to everyone for suggestions/comments as well as to those just interested in following my progress.

The biggest changes you will see from where I started to where I ended up is as follows:

*Made the size and tubing smaller
*Changed from Steel to Alum. A LOT lighter. Might be around 5-6 pounds. Will have to weigh it later.
* Added in a extra bar for the final version
*Rounded the corners for the final version

There were other changes along the way but not going to bore you all. I am very happy with the results. I only have one or 2 very minor changes left. Going to use black nuts on the mounting.

The Final version you will see is Black Powder Coating. Going to also make a chrome version.

Mounting takes about 4-5 mins. In case you never saw any of my previous 2 threads, this Rack is TOTALLY REMOVABLE. NO DRILLING. I put that in caps because it took some serious time to get it removable from when I started without damaging the edges of the car.



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.

Here are the original Threads for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project that explains why I even did this. There are also pics there that you can see my progression.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...rack-pics.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...rack-pics.html










Here are the pics for the actual mounting. I will put a little narative before each pic. I am showing how to mount if it is only 1 person doing it. It is really simple. I made it this way on purpose to mount since I may be putting it on myself with no help or if others want to as well. I spent a lot of time on the mounting to hopefully get it right.

This is a picture of everything that comes with it to mount. The rack, the 2 front mounting brackets and 2 nuts (they will be black). You will need 3/4 wrench.



If you are mounting by yourself, you will need something to prop the trunk up. I used 2 boxes to get the right pitch so as to be able to get the front clips in over the lip



Just lift the rack up and slide onto the trunk. It is really light. Also, so that I wouldn't have to guess where the center is, I made the outer edges of the rack to line up with outer edge of the inner brake lights. Its pretty darn close.



Now take the front bracket and take the part that has the circle hole and carefully go under the front bar so as to put into the bolt



Here is another picture after I put under the front bar about to put into the bolt



Once underneath, then mount the front clip onto the trunk and put the back part hole into the bolt and push until the clip is seeded on the trunk lip.



Then take the nut and screw on by hand and tighten with wrench. Even with taking pics it took about 6 or 7 mins only.



For those who asked about will it fit in the Trunk? Here ya go..fits PERFECTLY.

 

First off, it's nice looking. I'd prefer the black over chrome but I could see why two versions are needed.

Personally I would never put it on my car because in my opinion the convertibles actually have a good size trunk that fits mine and my wife's luggage needs. Also, If I ever take a trip that calls for stuffing the trunk full as well as needing the luggage rack to hold additional stuff, than I'm taking my suburban.

Any thoughts to custom body colors to blend it into the car a little better on lighter colors like white, or yellow?

What's you're projected units per month you think you'll sell?

Great job.

 

First suggestion...let someone with a steady hand or better camera take the pics.

 

If you need a luggage rack, that's a beauty. Sort of like Rt.66.

 

Great product! Wish you much success with sales.

 

Good luck. As the owner of a Corvette convertible I can say I see no situation in which I would put one on mine but I am just one data point.

What do you intend to charge for one of these? Ballpark...

 

I absolutely agree! Very much reminds me of Route 66 Todd and Buzz. Good luck with it.

 

Geez, you old guys remember that show

 

Hmmmm.... I have a vert and I can say that this is an interesting thing. I have gone on weekend trips with the wife and have had to use a small Nike sport bag for my stuff because the wife takes up all the room in the trunk.

I could see using it to get where we are going... then quickly taking it off when we arrive. Maybe I can have some non crushed shirts on our next weekend trip!

Post again with pricing when you have it all sorted out.

 

You have done what I have been thinking about - let me know when you have pricing. How about the easy on, easy off part - pics of what is left?

 

I am sure it will meet the needs of some Vette owners, nice job and good luck with future sales.

 

You should try having her sit up front with you....

Sorry - had to do it...

 

You better not let your wife see this post.

 

Can you put the top up or down with the rack on? I know mine doesn't have a lot of clearance betwen the trunk lid and the tonnou cover.

 

looks good,,,,,

 

Nice Job! That is very sharp.

 

I'm in..I have gone on 3 trips where we had every aviailable nook and cranny stuffed, this would have been very well used. I dont know what your price point will be, but I would certainly look at buying one all the way up to 400.00. I think anything more than that I'd sure have to think hard..Good luck and let me know when you have product for sale..See ya..GKB

 

Reminded me of route 66 also! Good idea.

 

I'm very much interested in one of these if it can be easily installed and removed. This would solve luggage problems on long trips.

Tom

 

Thanks everyone for your interest in my project.

I will take some pics tonite showing how the mounting works.

Yes you can put the top up and down with the rack on. That was a criteria I had from the start. I will show you a picture of the clearance later tonight. Also, you can pop the trunk and open it all the way and it will not close by the weight of the rack.

Sorry about a few of the photo's being a little blurry. I will redo them. I was pressed for time last night and just wanted to get some photos up.

Regarding the price. I really hate to give a ballpark at this time until I figure out what I believe is fair and what the incidental costs would be for things like shipping, shipping material and how to actually order cost (website with Pay Pal). Also, my fabricator that I worked with to bring my idea to fruition has given me a 3 tier pricing based upon quantity I order at one time. It seems there is interest just here on the forums, so I may just roll the dice and go for the large single order to keep costs down to the end customer.

For those that are interested and would like to be contacted once I complete my personal test to make sure there is no damage, feel free to send me an email. I will notify you personally to see if you are still interested especially once you see the final price.

Last note, if all works out and I feel confident that I can take this to market, I will be looking for 5 people to use so that everyone can see feedback other then from me. Of course there would be a nice discount on the price.


Thanks Bill

pronetwest@aol.com