Luggage Rack: The Install

[FUN X 3]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Question. Once you put a bunch of luggage on the rack, strap it down and you're cruising down the road, can you get a ticket for the third brake light being totally blocked from view by the luggage and rack? Would the police consider this a safety or law violation?

[snowbird]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Dave, your photos are great.... I must say that the look of the luggage rack on a black bird is very impressive... thanks for taking so much trouble with the various shots of the luggage rack.

So I wonder if I will see one of these racks within the "Toronto convoy" pack which will make it to Ottawa in May?.... hmmm...

Probably will Mark: Gord, 'tbird6t4' has one. He likes anything chrome on that black bird. (except for a red stripe). Our count for Ottawa is 6 or 7 so far.
MartinB.

[FritsB]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

One note: the Lid is quite heaveier now!!

Aaron, I think the next you need to come up with is a hydraulic lift to open the trunk lid for some members that like to do extensive shopping...and since I am already in trouble now I will not post names

[islandtime]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Aaron, I think the next you need to come up with is a hydraulic lift to open the trunk lid for some members that like to do extensive shopping...and since I am already in trouble now I will not post names

Watch it, Frits - you're the one who will be driving the Bird that carries all my treasures!
Dave - good pics. Sadly, I had to buy washers for mine. All of my hardware was loose in the box and couldn't find all four, and couldn't find the exact size, so replaced them all; slightly smaller diameter, but they worked.

[T-Bird Concepts]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Wow Dave.... very nice documentation! The Rack looks really good on your Tbird too.



....

[Leroy]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Here are my thoughts so far as to the rack, after looking at the excellant coverage from Dave. The rack would be a very useful accessory for our Thunderbirds becuase of the limited cargo space. But there are a couple of things that should have been corrected, I believe before the rack was produced. First, I think it should've been designed to fit in the trunk when not in use. Second, It appears that it's very simple to install and would be even easier to remove. So easy infact, that a thief could have it off in no time. With Stainless Steel at a all time high at scrap yards this would be easy pickens. As far as blocking the third brake light, I don't think that's a big deal or the rear window visablity. Alot of viehicles on the highways don't have a third light or rear window visablity. As far as leaving marks on the paint finish, only time will tell. I think if I put one on my car I would put tape down where the pads rest on the trunk and I would be real cautious as to how tight the screws were so not to leave marks on the edge of the trunk lid. The two straps don't seem to have much of a purpose that I can see other than maybe keeping the rack from sliding back during acceleration, but what about when braking? Bottom line, I think Ford should've made a rack available as an option, similar to the ones made for the C-3 Corvettes. If you bought a car with out one you could have it installed and if you bought a car with one and didn't want it it could be removed and the holes patched and repainted. The idea of having a rack that is removeable has opened up a can of worms. Leroy

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

UPDATE:

I put the straps on WRONG. Apparently, they are not "Too Long". Aaron tells me the tabs fit into slots/holes in the trunk lid, not on the edge.

He will update us.

thx, and sry bout that!!!!

[LBPatt]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

What is the chance of the rack vibrating against the deck lid once you have it loaded? May want to put something between the rack and the lid to protect it when in use.

[T-Bird Concepts]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

I think Dave did a great job documenting the installation with those detailed pictures.

We have some installation videos up on our website that might help as well;

http://thunderbirdconcepts.com/trunkrackvideo.html





................

[FritsB]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

[B]Watch it, Frits - you're the one who will be driving the Bird that carries all my treasures!
B]

Elle, you will be the only one during the event with a personal treasurer

[SixPac]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

This thread is about Ol'Dave's trunk rack instruction. Very good instructions.

It's not about whether Ford should have offered a rack or if a rack looks good on a Corvette or if it should have fit in the trunk or if it is subject to being stolen. Why all the negative remarks?

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

I think Dave did a great job documenting the installation with those detailed pictures.

We have some installation videos up on our website that might help as well;http://thunderbirdconcepts.com/trunkrackvideo.html
................

AND A LOT BETTER LOOKING THAN DAVE!

[PaBlkBrd]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Question. Once you put a bunch of luggage on the rack, strap it down and you're cruising down the road, can you get a ticket for the third brake light being totally blocked from view by the luggage and rack? Would the police consider this a safety or law violation?

I asked the same question back when this was in the development stage, and got the same response as you Phil, nothing.

I don't know about everywhere else but in Pa. you can not obstruct rearview mirror vision 100%.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

1. The third brake light is not obstructed. it is below the rack. Traveling at a normal safe distance behind you, it can be seen. The rack does not sag. At least with the 50lb suggested limit on it.

2. That's why you have side rear view mirrors. What about trailering larger items than your vehicle? No violation there either, becasue you have side mirrors. I have pulled many a hauler, which by the way blocks both the thrid light and the center rear view. It is a non-issue.

[doubutsu]

Re: Luggage Rack: The Install

Dave, is it me or is there a i hope this fails vibe with some of the members