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Topic: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted

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Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (1/18)
6/21/16 1:39am

daveo76
Former Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

So here's my eBay luggage rack:

The guy was honest about the condition, but I was still a little disappointed with the fade, discoloration, and micro-cracks. There's not much serious corrosion except for one small area on the bottom which is not real visible when installed. (Didn't come with the hardware kit - that's all thanks to one of our members, Alan (Knotacare). Thanks, Alan!). When I was buying the rack I made the really bad assumption that chrome re-dipping would be relatively easy and affordable. In checking around in the Portland/Vancouver area, I've come to the conclusion - it's not. Numbers seem to be coming back around $400 which is way out of my budget. Long lead times, too. I have to either live with what I've got, or find a better one for sale. Or not install at all - my car has never had one. I know that's the correct answer, but I've always wanted the luggage rack - even before I had a Corvette! Any opinions or an option I'm missing for improving the appearance of the one I've got? Can I claim that I'm just going for the "patina" look rather than perfectly restored???

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (2/18)
6/21/16 11:17am

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Rockland, MA - USA

Vette(s):
76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd

Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 584

Hi Dave - I went through the same process 10 years ago, mine was rusting in places and needed to be redone or replaced. I thought about having it powder coated, but eventually I bought a new stainless one with a new hardware kit instead. The only thing I use it for is to carry around my folding cruise night chairs.

I say try to sell the one you have and buy a new one and a new hardware kit.

Good luck

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (3/18)
6/22/16 1:17am

daveo76
Former Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks for the input, Dennis. I may do just that. I was thinking of installing the one I have as-is, and then, if I hate it, replace it at a later date. I'm assuming the re-pops have the mounting holes in reliable locations so existing holes can be used?

If you don't mind me asking, which vendor did you get the rack from and are you pleased with it? Do you have 8-hole or 6-hole - sounds like us 76ers can have either?

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (4/18)
6/22/16 9:25am

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Rockland, MA - USA

Vette(s):
76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd

Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 584

Hi Dave - I bought my rack locally, but I think it came from Corvette America. I'm not sure how many companies manufacture these, so the vendor would be your favorite. I bought a stainless one and it still looks like the day I put it on.

My original one was a 6 hole and I replaced it with an 8 hole because the new 6 hole ones did not match the existing holes. For some reason the new 8 hole ones matched perfectly and I never did drill the 2 extra holes.

If I were you, DO NOT install the one you have, wait until you get the one you really want. The holes you drill now may never match up - and I'll hear you Censored

Censored

, at my house, on the east coast.

Have fun - Dennis

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (5/18)
6/22/16 11:16am

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

Willis76 said: If I were you, DO NOT install the one you have, wait until you get the one you really want. The holes you drill now may never match up - and I'll hear you Censored

Censored

, at my house, on the east coast.

I agree.....don't drill into the deck until you are SURE you have the rack you want to use. There were(and still are) so many different makers of these racks that hardly ANY of them used the exact same hole spacing. If you drill for the rack you have now, and then decide to change it down the road, the chances of the holes matching up are slim to none.... Ouch

Ouch

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (6/18)
6/22/16 6:44pm

Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Dave - the pics actually look pretty good to me for a used rack but don't put it on if your not 110% happy with it. As previously stated, once the holes are drilled, your pretty much stuck with that rack !!

I worked on a '75 last year for a friend and the car had holes but no rack. We tried several but could not find one to match up with the existing holes. They got filled in before the car got painted and he is "rackless".

I do have another source if you want to look at addition used racks. There's a guy in Chehalis WA. that specializes in used C3's. I'm sure you've seen his adds on CL. His name is Jerry and he had at least 6 racks in inventory last time I was there. He might have something better than you have ?? Maybe stop in there on your way to Tacoma next month ??

FYI, the rubber compression anchors you'll need if you install are available at Ace Hardware, much cheaper than most of the Vette suppliers.

Good Luck !!!

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John Sigmund

valkman57@sbcglobal.net

NCRS Member 61302

NW NCRS Chapter Member

Duct tape is the new Black !!

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (7/18)
6/23/16 3:08am

daveo76
Former Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks for the tips, all. I had no idea on the variability of the mounting hole locations. Everything I've read has indicated that there was really only one supplier for the original racks (which I believe this one is, but not 100% sure) and that the holes were consistent. But it's tough to argue with your guys' actual experiences! I'm going to hold off for now. I still may install the one I have, but it will be after I've made the decision that I can live with it forever or commit to spending the $$ to get it re-chromed.

John, your guy in Chehalis intrigues me. I've been keeping an eye on Portland Craigslist, and just now checked Seattle, and came up with nothing. Do you have contact info? Maybe he'd be up for a cash-infused trade for a better one. I do have to admit I'm more interested in original racks and I know they'll be more $$. And I was hoping to get this installed before Tacoma, but maybe I could make a quick run up to Chehalis some day after work.

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (8/18)
6/23/16 8:24am

manchestershark

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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2387

Just as an F.Y.I., the luggage racks were NEVER original equipment. They were a dealer added option. So..... not all dealers got the same rack or the same bolt pattern. When we painted my car, all holes were redone and filled. THEN redrilled for the new Corvette America chrome rack. It has held up well and looks good. It's just for asthetics, not much weight is designed to be on them. No support underneath them. Very pleased with mine.

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (9/18)
6/23/16 12:25pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

Yes, all luggage racks were available as dealer installed options directly from GM. But....the dealers also had outside vendors for them also. Add that to the fact that GM used more than one vendor over the years to supply the racks to the dealers, you can start to see just how you can wind up with so many different variations on them. Unfortunately, most of the variations are so far off from one another that it's next to impossible to mix-match the different vendor's racks easily. Ouch

Ouch

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

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

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (10/18)
6/24/16 2:12am

daveo76
Former Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks, guys. I'm convinced on the variability. I knew they were all dealer installed, but I thought that they were all from one or two GM approved suppliers. I didn't know the part about some dealers sourcing their own racks. Here's something I found on Willcox's site. Not sure how accurate it all is, but interesting. He insists there was just one rack supplier. But he also insists that there was no or very minimal variability in the hole spacing dimensions which goes against what many of you all have found!

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1968-1982-corvette-luggage-rack-original-gm-or-repro-history-updated/

Willcox, Corvette Central, Ecklers, probably others, all post exact dimensions of the hole spacings for their racks on the web. At first I was excited - my rack matches the 14 1/4" short dimension that most post exactly, but I am definitely longer on the long dimension - they post 38" exactly and that dim on mine is more like 38 3/8". Short version: you guys are correct in that I better be sure I want to keep that rack forever before I drill those holes!

______________

1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (11/18)
6/24/16 10:22am

nextdoor76
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Kimberling City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Stingray

Joined: 12/2/2012
Posts: 49

I always wanted a rack also, for T-tops or luggage. Went with Corvette America stainless steel which matches my trim and rims. Dull from age! No whole for top holder, so luggage and chairs will be on it...LOL.

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (12/18)
6/24/16 1:15pm

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Titusville, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe (White), 2006 Convertible (Victory Red). NCM Life Member #2221.

Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 154

I would get the stainless steel one...of which I've installed the 8 hole one on the wife's '77. I'll be getting the strap and brackets as well so I can actually use the rack for carrying the T-Tops. Besides...it's a very sexy look! Wink

Wink

|UPDATED|6/24/2016 10:15:13 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (13/18)
7/11/16 2:01am

daveo76
Former Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks for all the opinions and info, everyone.

Well, I pulled the trigger in the last few days and installed the one I have, for better or worse. Those that recommended I not install or buy a different one - please don't think I ignored your advice. I did take drilling those holes very seriously, knowing that it may be difficult to match up a different rack in the future. However, I have a few options. 1) Live with it. (I think it looks pretty cool, blemishes and all. But in direct sunlight the different hues on the bars do show.) 2) Get it re-chromed. It's only money! 3) Replace it. I agree with y'all on the variability, but my rack does match pretty close on the hole spacing dims published by both Ecklers and Corvette Central. In one dimension, it is identical and in the other the holes I drilled would only be out about 1/8." The long screws and rubber well-nuts should accommodate that.

I also wanted to correct something in my original post. I attributed the gift of the mounting hardware to Alan (Knotacare) when I should have attributed it to Dick (VetteCountry). I had been PM'ing with Alan as well as Dick since Alan offered to help us with a contact at the LeMay museum for the Gathering. Thanks, Alan for that and thanks, Dick, for the mounting hardware - all of which I used! It matches the "vintage" of my rack pretty well!

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (14/18)
7/11/16 1:11pm

Vman73
Former Member
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Dave, I think it looks great !! A bit of a head rush looking at the pics, but it looks great. See you on Wednesday.

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John Sigmund

valkman57@sbcglobal.net

NCRS Member 61302

NW NCRS Chapter Member

Duct tape is the new Black !!

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (15/18)
2/9/23 9:56am

mikey8
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Vette(s):
1973 red Convertible/ white top with dark red interior 454 with 4 speed

Joined: 12/1/2021
Posts: 5

I know old thread, but I was considering one too. I didn’t know they made them in stainless. I will have to look into that. Is one better than the other?

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God Bless Our Troops!

Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (16/18)
2/9/23 11:57am

manchestershark

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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2387

Hi, I have a stainless one, and am Very happy with it. Once in a great while, each spring, I have to use steel wool around the screw heads, as some oxidation starts to show.

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (17/18)
2/22/23 1:12pm

Steevo
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San Diego, CA - USA

Vette(s):
'73 L48 Coupe, 383, M20, A/C, Electric Windows. Matterhorn White Jet-Glo w/ Dark Blue interior. Rochester, Edelbrock, Blackjack Ceramics, Borlas w/ 2.5" mandrel X over, Cooper Cobras on both OEM Steel and Aluminum Wheels.

Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 53

I found a used chrome rack that had some pitting, and since I wanted some contrast, bought it and had it powder coated flat black.

Just me. 😊

Steve

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Re: Luggage rack - Opinions wanted (18/18)
2/22/23 1:28pm

manchestershark

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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2387

WOW! The black looks nice. Need a closer shot. Contrast is Very Nice! I chucked my old one. Needed more that power coating. More like a Powder Charge, and a small piece of fuse. Some of the bolts and retainers were worth saving, so they are in a bag, SOMEWHERE!

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