C3 luggage rack

[Jim M.]

My 69 coupe did not come with a dealer installed luggage rack however I like the looks of them on the 68 to 73 models and plan to install one. I purchased one from one of the usual Crovette suppliers and it looks like a nice one with the proper mounting for my year. However the instructions for exact location don't help me much. The picture used in the instructions would be from a 74 on up with the plastic bumper and it shows the dimension as being a little over four inches from where the plastic type bumper meets the body, measuring from the crease. But nothing for the 68 to 73 years. Does anyone know the dimensions and where the measurement would be made from on a 69?

[Tom H.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

Try this link and see if it helps.

http://www.corvettepartsblog.com/68-82corvette/1968-1977-corvette-luggage-racks/

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

OK, I know it's your car but I'll be the first one to say it....

You sure about that?!?

I've got one on my 72 and wish I didn't. The only time I've ever used it is to hold my judging sheets when going through NCRS judging. I've heard all too often how the luggage rack detracts people from buying a car, and I fully understand. If you ever decide otherwise, filling in those holes is one of the worst fiberglass projects around.

Just making sure you really, really want one before you go down that route.

Patrick

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

I have been looking at my luggage rack on my 1970 since I installed it for only for one trip from Dallas to San Diego and back to Dallas in 1975.
Wished I had not done it because it has been used very little since that trip in 1975.
I agree in that the luggage rack does not look to bad on a C3 coupe.

I had the chance to remove it and fill in the holes in 1990 when I repainted the complete car. Had read to many times that the repaired holes show up again in the paint and decided to keep the luggage rack.

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

I LIKE the looks and utility of the luggage rack on my '71. I've had to use it in a couple of 'pinch' situations where this/that simply wouldn't fit inside and it served its purpose in spades...

On locating the rack, the exact dimensions CAN be critical IF it's going on a convertible. There's an upright cross member beneath the rear deck that you can wind up trying to drill through if you get the rack too far forward...

On 'patched' holes ALWAYS resurfacing, that's an old wive's tale. That will happen every time if you try to patch using simple bond. But, if you do the repair job right and layer it up with real McCoy fiberglass, sanding in between, individual THIN layers, it'll be as solid as the original press molded panel...

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

On 'patched' holes ALWAYS resurfacing, that's an old wive's tale.

I guess that I've then seen way too many old wives on display.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

I guess that I've then seen way too many old wives on display.

ME 2 -- AND THEY ARE UGLY OLD WIVES.

But it is Jim's car and he can do what he wants. I might have what you want -- the earlier instructions. I once had, and think I still have someplace, instructions for the luggage rack for both chrome bumper and rubber bumper. If no one else can help, I'll stage a search mission.

[Jim M.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

Terry, If you find those original mounting instructions, I would really appreciate it. I'm a little reluctant to move forward with the installation until I'm pretty sure I've got the right location. And thanks to everyone else for your comments. I know that they are not very popular however I like the look it gives the back deck on a coupe and I guess there's always a possiblity that I may at, some point, actually use it but probably not much.

[Terry M.]

[Warren S.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

My 69 coupe did not come with a dealer installed luggage rack however I like the looks of them on the 68 to 73 models and plan to install one. I purchased one from one of the usual Crovette suppliers and it looks like a nice one with the proper mounting for my year. However the instructions for exact location don't help me much. The picture used in the instructions would be from a 74 on up with the plastic bumper and it shows the dimension as being a little over four inches from where the plastic type bumper meets the body, measuring from the crease. But nothing for the 68 to 73 years. Does anyone know the dimensions and where the measurement would be made from on a 69?

Jim, I will save Terry some trouble trying to find the installation instructions. I have attached a copy of the installation instructions that I received with a rack that I bought in 1974 from GM. I does apply to steel bumper cars.
Warren(11327)

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

Thanks Warren. That is just like what I remember seeing. Now of course I'll stumble across it as I am looking for something else. It always seems to work that way.a

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

Just as a hint, leave the gas filler door in the upwards/open position while you are marking the holes to drill. There's not much clearance between the door and the rack.

[Jim M.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

Thanks so much Warren, that really helps. Now if the weather in the Northwest would cooperate so I would feel like getting out in the garage and working on the car, I would be set. jim

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 luggage rack

And, my hunch is when you're judging you don't ask each owner to drop/remove their spare tire carrier to see if a given car has had luggage rack carrier holes repaired correctly. You remember the 'botched' repair jobs which are common...

It's not much different from the case of Shark cars with 'bulges' at the rivets holding the front header bar in place. The factory original glass CAN be cut out and the holes filled without time deteriorating tell tale evidence IF the glass work is done correctly...