Vettesic

I've been trying to track down a set of these optional T-Top carriers that were offered from 1980 to 1982 according to the Black Book. There were about 9000 in total ordered for those years, so I figure a Forum member may know where I could get a set. Also, if anyone has this option, how do they mount to the shark? I'll post this in the parts wanted section of the Forum also. Thanks, L8TER, Paul.

Chris Fowler

There are 4 tapped holes that the rack screws into. I've got the holes on my vette, but no rack.

The racks are apparently around $300 when they're found on Ebay...

I'm not necessarily sure I'd trust them, either...just scary to me to have my t-tops hanging off the back of the car. :eek:

Vettesic

Yea Chris, I would not be drivin with the tops on the back :eek: I just thougt it would look cool at the car shows. Thanks, L8TER, Paul.

Gator81

That's RPO V54. I've got 'em on my '81. They're actually quite secure. The tops "mount" onto the racks the same way the mount on the car, with the bayonet tabs slipping into slots.

But, nevertheless, I still don't use them. Each rack has little rubber pads that sit on the paint on the rear deck, so as to provide points of contact in addition to the two thumbscrews that hold each rack on the car. The rubber pads will vibrate enough to rub holes in the paint. I fixed those rubbed spots when I got my car painted, a few years ago, and I just can't bring myself to use the racks again.

Like you said, they're cool for car shows, so I won't be parting with mine. (Sorry! :) ) I glued black felt onto the bottom of the rubber pads so they don't scratch the paint while the car's sitting still, but I'm sure they would still rub holes in the paint due to vibration if the car were driven any distance at all.

Good luck finding a set. :seeya

The_Dude

The only set I've ever seen is the set that came with my car, but I'm keeping them. I imagine that if you watch ebay long enough, some will come up.

Chris Fowler

I'm pretty sure that when I finally get around to repainting mine I'm going to pull out the plugs and glass them in...

SuperFast80

Anybody have pics? I also have the holes with no rack.

BSeery

Try 3M "Helicopter" tape on the car. It is a thick, clear tape that is used for rock chip protection on many applications. Originally made for the leading edge of helicopter rotors. Very good stuff.

Put it on the car where the roof panel mounts and you will not rub through the paint.

Another, temporary idea would be to just use a "painters" masking tape at those spots while you were driving the car with the rack on, like for long distance trips when you need the rear storage areas and want the tops off.

Desertdawg

I don't have the holes in mine, and I saw the page in the AIM showing where they are. Boy was I surprised, I never knew they had a rack for the fastback window...

I would love to see a picture of this setup...

Vettesic

OK Guys,
Here is the best pic I can muster-up. Sorry about quality of photo, but you get the idea. I'm not quite sure how just suction cups would hold this set-up secure? I think the guys that are referring to screw holes on their sharks had luggage racks not t-top racks. Correct me if i'm wrong. Unless another CF member would be kind enough to take a pic and post of the real thing. L8TER, Paul. Here we go.......


[Modified by Vettesic, 7:49 AM 12/14/2001]


[Modified by Vettesic, 7:59 AM 12/14/2001]

Easy Mike

My car came with the optional carrier. All I have left are the mounting points in the rear panel. I've been chasing the rack parts for a while now. They are plastic, apparently easily broken if not used with care, and very difficult to find. Gary Gruhala told me they were very hard to get and very expensive when/if a complete and unbroken set is located. Good Hunting.
:)


[Modified by Easy Mike, 11:51 AM 12/14/2001]

john's '81 mouse

Quote:

"I'm not quite sure how just suction cups would hold this set-up secure? I think the guys that are referring to screw holes on their sharks had luggage racks not t-top racks. Correct me if i'm wrong."

My '81 came with the rack, and although the rack is long gone, (as was the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, owner's manual, and original am/fm clock radio), but I still have the black plugs in the rear deck. Paul these are plastic or rubber plugs, which appear to have threads inside that allow for a pretty secure attachment of the racks to the body, not done with suction cups.

The_Dude

I'll put it together and take a pic tonight or tomorrow and post it. Although I haven't used it yet, the previous owner showed me how to put it together and it seemed plenty secure. It's not something I'd use all the time, but if you had the rear full of stuff and wanted to take the tops off, it is mighty handy.
Dennis

Vettesic

John,

Thanks for that lesson. It sounds like what you are describing are I think called "well nuts". They are brass studs with a rubber gromet surrounding, that insert into a pre-drilled hole. When the matting screw is tightened, they mushroom out under whatever they are installed into. Now I'm not sure I want to drill holes into the back deck of my brand-new painted silver shark!! These things sound extremely rare anyway. I didn't think I'd have any trouble finding them. I did discover a set on Ebay, however they were for mounting onto a luggage rack. The final bidding price was $150.00. Not too bad. Most of the on-line vette parts sites that I have checked with do not have the racks. Guess I'll keep lookin. L8TER, Paul.

daves80

i use mine all the time - i dont carry the glass tops because they are heavy - i have a set of fiberglass tops that i use - it is true that the rubbber pads will make wear spots in your paint - i live in washington so its something i live with since you never know when it rains and i can't stick them in the rear area since my dog rides back there - i will attempt to post a pic - you might find a set at pacific corvette - they had some- i got mine off ebay for $125 - it was the most nervous thing i had done in a while when i had to drill the holes in the rear panel - actually a frend did it as i had to leave the room - there is a fiber glass reinforcement in the aim that shows it - i had to fabricate and glue them in place - dont over torque the mounting nuts that come with the rack it may cause some spider cracks - dave

i'm doing about 50 mph in this shot - this is the whibey island cruz a year ago



[Modified by daves80, 11:02 PM 12/14/2001]


[Modified by daves80, 11:16 PM 12/14/2001]


[Modified by daves80, 11:22 PM 12/14/2001]

Gold82

Hmm I did not realize they were so hard to find, I never use mine because I have nighmares of my tops blowing off

Vettesic

Dave,
That's a cool lookin set-up. It makes the shark look really vintage and unique!! Thanks for the pics. They just reinforced my desire to find a set for my Vette. I'll give Pacific Corvettes a shot. All of the used parts guys I've tried so far do not have the carriers. L8TER, Paul.

Ganey

While mine is the 68-77 body, have cruised long distance over 100 w/ them on the rack. They did stay on the rack, however arrived near deaf.

:cheers:

Nhatheway

I'm looking for one side piece. If anyone needs the mounting bolts that screw into the rear fiberglass I have a set.
Thanks

Buccaneer

I have that option on my 82. I also have the carrier and leather case that mounts onto straps on the right back side wall in the car. I installed the carrier once just to see how it worked. I would never carry my original glass tops on the back of my car. I could see the tops coming lose and flying off the back of the car on the freeway.

What condition are the bolts in you have? Are they all faded? Pics? Thanks