Hi there

Unfortunately my build sheet is not readable anymore. However I got now a copy of the dealers invoice.
I realized, that on the invoice the luggage rack option (V54) is not mentioned.
As I learned (please correct me if I'm wrong) this option was a GM dealer option and therfore installed by the dealer himself.

Now I'm about to order a reproduction of the windows sticker. Was this sticker printed at that time by the factory and without this additional option, or was the sticker printed by the dealer including the options he added?

As I'm about to restore my car (an early 77) I also would like to hear your opinion about the luggage rack. Shall I install it back ar not? What would be considered as original?

Personally I like the car with and also without the rack.

My personal pros:
- It will be as delivered to the first owner
- Here in Hungary I dont know an other car with this option installed (so maybe it will be the only one in this country)

My cons:
- It will be not as it left the factory
- I'm concerned about the holes. Could they be filled without having troubles later with the new paint?

Regards from Budapest
Peter


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Regards from Hungary
Peter

The V54 luggage rack WAS available from the factory. IF ti is not listed on the dealer invoice, the car was not originally built with one. Yours was most likely installed by the dealer for the original owner.
Personally, I would keep it. In Judging situations, if the car was not originally equipped with the rack, the rack itself is is ignored, and points taken for the "missing fiberglass"(the holes), and missing paint where the holes are. A minor deduction. Trying to fill the holes, and make it look right never really works out, in most cases....they will always show thru eventually.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

If it were me and it had it I'd leave it on.  Personally they look good and the chrome on the back dress it up a little.

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God  Bless, rick

Keep it!  I would like one but since the aftermarket right mirror I put on keeps coming loose, I hate to try a luggage rack.
You'll be glad you have it to carry stuff from the parts store!

Tx for all the feedback's.

Now only the window sticker is a question mark. But I think I will just order a reproduction including the luggage rack.

Wish to have a US parts store just around the corner, so that I can fully load the rack with parts (here even to get some screws can screw up your day ).

Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My '77 Corvette


(modified large image to link-aapple)


|UPDATED|12/24/2013 10:43:31 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Regards from Hungary
Peter

 That rack would have been the factory style, OE rack for the early '77...just dealer installed. The later racks had 8 supports/bolts, where the earlier ones had only 6. When they finally(in '77) made the racks able to hold to t-tops, they went to the 8 bolt racks. 

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I learn every day something new. tx

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Regards from Hungary
Peter

Just an FYI - a few years I wanted to replace my 6 hole rack but found the replacement did not line up with the existing holes. The local Vette shop where I bought it suggested I try their 8 hole replacement and it matched the existing 6 holes perfectly, just needed to drill for the other 2 holes above the gas cap. Suggest you measure the dimension / hole locations and compare with both the 6 and 8 hole replacements being offered by your vendor - they may have the dimensions on their website. As an example, Eckler's does provide this information as an illustration for each type: http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=luggage+rack

|UPDATED|12/24/2013 7:23:45 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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 Ya...there were(are) several manufacturers for these racks, so the hole locations can be different from one to the next. Most vendors do provide info on measuring to see which replacement rack will work. Sometimes, even the racks the dealers installed were different from the OE, factory installed racks.
The racks also come chrome, or stainless steel. I prefer the chrome ones meself. The stainless racks just won't polish out enough to look gud to me.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I ordered my 69 coupe with the luggage rack option and the dealer priced it as part of the total. When the car was delivered without the rack, the dealer checked with the factory and determined it was a dealer installed option, so he ordered it and installed. In 1969 the rack was chrome with wood-toned bars and 4-post supports.  It is still installed and has proved very useful on cross-country trips throughout its life. 

Luggage racks were not available as options from the factory until '77. Until '77, they were dealer(or owner) installed accessories only.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"