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!

 

 

 

 

 

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!