1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

[Steve P.]

Can anyone pass on what type/size of plugs they have used for the holes after removing a luggage rack. Are most painting to match the plugs or a polished stainless look? Any experience on the subject will save a great deal of trial and error on my part. I would like to keep the option available if going on tour. Thanks in advance, Steve

[Paul D.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

Steve, when you remove that rack you will be left with 6 black rubber "well nuts" in the body with a brass threaded insert the size of the screws. I suppose you could fabricate a plug or just get come chrome (or stainless) washers and screws to cover them. I think I would rather see a nice, polished rack than those 6 "spots". Chip.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

Hi Steve,
I agree with Chip about leaving the rack in place.
Although I'm not generally a fan of the racks, I do like them on convertibles like yours.
I think most casual car people will think the rack was a factory option and like it just fine.
Regards,
Alan

[David P.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

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I agree with Alan and Paul. My plan is to remove the rack and fill the holes whenever I get around to repainting, but that may be YEARS from now. My rack is a little non-standard anyway.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

Steve, when you remove that rack you will be left with 6 black rubber "well nuts" in the body with a brass threaded insert the size of the screws. I suppose you could fabricate a plug or just get come chrome (or stainless) washers and screws to cover them. I think I would rather see a nice, polished rack than those 6 "spots". Chip.

As much as I don't like luggage racks (and I have one) I will agree. Leave the rack and no one will question it. Turn it into 6 big chrome or stainless spots on the decklid and every know-it-all at the local shows or in the grocery store parking lot is going to ask you questions about them.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

'Friend ordered a '69 coupe and had dealer accessory luggage rack installed. Parts provided him with a sealed clear plastic bag containing rounded top chrome or SS plugs. I do not recall if there was a part number on the bag. Does anyone else recall these? Steve

[Art B.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

As much as I don't like luggage racks (and I have one) I will agree. Leave the rack and no one will question it. Turn it into 6 big chrome or stainless spots on the decklid and every know-it-all at the local shows or in the grocery store parking lot is going to ask you questions about them.

I know this thread is about C3s, but I had to comment. When I bought my '61 it had a rack on it. I took it off the next day because I hated the look. I filled the 2 holes with stainless spots and it seemed that everyone was asking about what they were for. I finally got a body shop to fill in the holes and repaint the deck lid. The result was less than satisfactory in regard to color match and now I am looking to get the whole car repainted anyway as it is ready for a new paint job. I still remember, however, the C1 on Route 66 series had a rack on the trunk lid.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

Art, in '65 MG Mitten offered an AMCO removable rack with large suction cups on the legs, straps, and oak slats attached. I spoke with Marion Weber of MG Mitten and she told me that was the rack used on the Route 66 '60-'62 Corvettes. Years later I was fortunate to meet George Barris and he confirmed that was the rack he used on the Route 66 cars. I tried to order one a couple of years later and they were no longer available in that configuration with the oak slats. Steve

[Art B.]

Re: 1969 Luggage Rack Plugs

No doubt that rack was a lot different and much better in quality than the "el cheapo" that came with my '61. Mine came with two middle attaching legs and rubber bumpers that were on the outer legs. I didn't even bother to keep it to try to sell at a swap meet. It went right in the trash.