Information and a question

[firstbird05]

I've been out of touch for quite awhile and missed the Bird information. Wanted to tell you (not selling on this forum - just info) that I listed some pristine belt buckles on ebay today. 1955, 1956 (2), and a 1957 30-year commemorative. I also have many, many issues of the Early Bird magazine inherited from my father-in-law. Now, my question - has anyone found waterproof luggage that sits nicely on the trunk rack for our retro birds? I can wrap things in plastic and look like the transplants from The Grapes of Wrath movie but know there must be a better solution. Thanks for any suggestions (other than packing less as I have had the same wife for 42 years and that ain't gonna happen).

[5bird7]

Re: Information and a question

I would suggest moving the spare to the trunk rack and using that additional space for packing.

[MATBird]

Re: Information and a question

Dot that may be a good idea...in fact, if we did that then Bunny Lou could probably make a tire cover to match the car color with a TBird logo on it. Hmmmmmm

[bwlewis]

Re: Information and a question

Google ATV or mortorcycle luggage. There are a lot of options out there. I checked a local motorsports dealer and it appears that ATV may be the way to go. Several sets available that are modular. Some had a set on a Torch Red at CBT, but I can't remember who it was.

[Leroy]

Re: Information and a question

I think the spare tire weight is more than the weight limit of the luggage rack. I also don't think it would safely fit on it. Leroy

[rmarshal]

Re: Information and a question

Click and Clack's review of the '02 'Bird says the trunk is only 2 cubic feet bigger than the Miata's trunk. Maybe Miata sites might be a good place to start for luggage options that work with the 'Bird.

[5bird7]

Re: Information and a question

I think the spare tire weight is more than the weight limit of the luggage rack. I also don't think it would safely fit on it. Leroy

geesh, Leroy, You made me go out and lift the tire out of the trunk and weigh it - 29#, well within the advertised specs of 50# for the rack. I also put it on the rack and took pictures. It fits quite well from front to back and definitely with plenty of room to spare on the sides. The only problem I saw was that George will need to move the rack back about 1/4 of an inch as the weight of the tire did make the front bar sag just enough to touch the center rear brake light. He had not followed directions for fitting the rack to the car to a T and clearance tolerance is critical when installing rack.

If any one with a rack is planning to put the tire there, be sure to have some woven straps to strap the tire on - bungy cords just are not safe to use. Once good bounce, the cords stretch and may come undone.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Information and a question

NOW WE HAVE A LATE FIFTIES CHRYSLER MOD.

[Ediron]

Re: Information and a question

Dot looking at the rack with the tire on it ,it looks to sag a bit .I would be worried going over a rough road as the rack may rub the trunk lid.Also you have to remove the tire everytime you have to get into the trunk.Better to pack light keep the top up and use the well. Remember when traveling and rinising cloths out an iron dries things when damp

[5bird7]

Re: Information and a question

The sag was very little, Ed. I looked underneath and there was still about 1 1/2 inches of clearance. The sag was only about 1/8th of an inch - the bars are stiff and will hold more weight. George had not used the cardboard rule that the instructions said to use, so it would clear the center brake light correctly. Even where it's at right now, it'll clear the brake light when the trunk is lifted.
The front and back bars are curved up to help hold contents strapped to it but the flash makes it look like the other bars are flat against the trunk but not so, they are about 1 1/2 inches off the trunk.

[My Raven]

Re: Information and a question

Who cares about the "sag" ... It looks like the Clampetts ...

[5bird7]

Re: Information and a question

I was barefoot when I put it on but you do what you gotta do when you're in a pinch.

[Leroy]

Re: Information and a question

Wow, I stand corrected. I wonder if the other four wheels are that light too? It does look kind of stange on there, but I guess if you had a flat and the trunk was full, it would be better than putting the flat in the front seat. Unless you had a passenger. Leroy

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[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Information and a question

I THOUGHT THE CHRYSLER MOD WAS A NICER WAY OF SAYING THAT.