SeventySixer

For those of you who had luggage rack on the back of your Corvette and removed it; what was the reason?

I am thinking about taking mine off only because they are becoming tarnished and a bit rusted. I found a couple of replacement racks for around $200, but if I took them off, what would I do with the holes left behind? There are chrome (or maybe stainless steel) collars that cover the holes but is that enough for a clean look. What's the downside of removing the rack and not replacing it? I never actually plan on using them either in case you're wondering.

WHITE 1974

You can have the holes filled but apparently its hard to make the disapear and stay that way starting with the 8 hoke racks in 76 you can get the apparatus to attach the t roofs so you have more cargo area.I have a dealer installed one on my 74 with the six holes and the apparatus wont work with mine wish it would though as I have a speaker bar installed in the back and there is no room for the t roofs and anything else so I have to put them in the trunk of my crown vicroria before I leave...or carry them up to the 10th floor of my apt.

toolman0114

I removed mine off my 74.
For me the rack was cosmetic more than functional, so I removed it in favor of a turbo wing on the back. Looks better than with the rack.

vettebuyer6369

My obligatory contribution to the luggage rack threads...

SeventySixer

Thanks guys.

And for what it's worth, I think yours looks much better without the rack VetteBuyer. Thanks for the visual.

U17

I would NEVER have a Corvette without a rack.... It's where my tops live for one thing..... All the "storage" room inside is open... And sports cars are supposed to have them.....

crf311

If your paint is in good shape you could use stainless steel pan head bolts and washers polished out to fill the holes. Also there is the black rubber plugs you can get from Home Depot, also you may find some chrome pop in metal plugs to put in there. Almost every job I have seen where they filled the holes and painted, I could always see at some point and lighting.

I would remove it , but it's your vette do what you like. Just my .02

79CalShark

I really like the luggage rack, I think they complement the rear panel on the early to mid 70's but you may want to shop around. I remember seeing a replacement rack for a '76 at around $140.00. Can't remember the vendor, but I remember thinking how reasonable that was for a new replacement rack.

chstitans42

My humble opinion on luggage racks:

For me it depends on two factors, 1. What year your Corvette is, and 2. How often you drive your car

If your car is a '74 and newer car, I think the luggage racks add a bit of chrome touch that is obviously missing. The older cars have the bumpers so enough said.

If you actually drive your vette to more than shows etc, the rack often comes in handy. Its not like there is alot of storage in these cars to begin with.

jimo

At the end of the day, it's your choice, I personally don't like them, but that's my thoughts!!!