luggage rack problems

[ewclement]

I bought a luggage rack from thunderbirdconcepts last year. I took the bird out yesterday in 90 degree head and the rack slid off the foam pads that came with the rack. This is the second time this has happened to me. The last time it happened I made sure the rack was tightened down but it happened again. I bought some felt stick on furniture leg pads at the hardware store but I not sure if the felt will scratch the paint. Any solutions?

[PaulD]

Re: luggage rack problems

I bought a luggage rack from thunderbirdconcepts last year. I took the bird out yesterday in 90 degree head and the rack slid off the foam pads that came with the rack. This is the second time this has happened to me. The last time it happened I made sure the rack was tightened down but it happened again. I bought some felt stick on furniture leg pads at the hardware store but I not sure if the felt will scratch the paint. Any solutions?

Sell it to me? I am looking for one.
I thought they were supposed to have a strap that looped through the front of the trunk to keep it from sliding back.

[Sealy]

Re: luggage rack problems

I don't think anyone with an aesthetic appreciation would use the straps - except, maybe, to hold on luggage. Mine fell off it's pads, as well. I tried to put rubber cups on the feet, but they interfered with the hold it on clamps. Ended up cleaning the old pads and using 3M tape to stick them back on. That was about 2 months ago and so far so good. Just need to keep an eye on them.

[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

Ed, It does sound like you did not install the strapes that came with the rack. With these installed there is NO WAY the rack could slid off the trunk lid. If this is the case respond here and I will instruct on how to do this.

[Sealy]

Re: luggage rack problems

Thunderbird Concepts install video says straps are only needed if you are loaded. If you want the install videos (rack and straps), they are here . . .


http://www.thunderbirdconcepts.com/trunkrackvideo.html

[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

Sealy, These straps are not for holding down anything on the rack, they are for holding the rack in place when it is loaded. I installed the straps on my rack and it has never moved from day one.

[Sealy]

Re: luggage rack problems

Sealy, These straps are not for holding down anything on the rack, they are for holding the rack in place when it is loaded. I installed the straps on my rack and it has never moved from day one.

After re-watching the video, yes. Point being: you should not have to use the straps to keep your rack from going anywhere when it is not loaded. I'm opting for strapless and just keeping an eye on it.

[Mark501]

Re: luggage rack problems

I checked mine just now. I had the straps on because I carried a small load on it to Thunder Blues. One side is secure, the other is beginning to slide. I may not have had the tension on the "Sliding side" tight enough, but this is going to require a fix. Fortunately the sliding side did not hit the paint. George Lang (0bird2) bought protective plastic from Wal-Mart and installed it under the pads. I bought the same plastic but had not installed it. Typical Mark501 action.

[islandtime]

Re: luggage rack problems

I reposition mine about once avery 2-3 months. It's going to get a serious repositioning in a few weeks when I transfer it from Goldilocks to Moondoggie for Dearborn. I just deal with it...it happens.
Straps? I didn't get anything like that with mine! ???

[Mark501]

Re: luggage rack problems

I don't think I had my straps tight enough, here are some photos. A near miss for me. Here's the photos of my issue Spence. Rack mishap

[Sealy]

Re: luggage rack problems

2004 marlow with marlow hardtop

Forgot to note to EW - love me them marlow Thunderbirds. Ain't nothing prettier.

[Leroy]

Re: luggage rack problems

I didn't like the looks of those clamp-on pad supports from the very begining. I don't think the rack was tested before it was put on the market. I would think it would have to be straped to keep it in place with a full load at highway speeds. I think the rack is a good idea, but not this design. When I found out that it wouldn't fit in the trunk when not in use, that nixed it for me. Leroy

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[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

I will post pics. The straps that are posted are not hooked up the proper way. Read the directions that came with the rack. They get hooked under the trunk lid in two holes that are already in the trunk lid on the bottom side of the lid and you have to pull the liner of the lid to fit these hooks under the trunk and replace the plugs that hold the liner in place. I will have to wait till tomorrow to post these pics.

[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

I thought I posted this before for the install of the rack. With things like this look at the install section of TBN and you might find what you are looking for.

Here is the link for installing the trunk rack.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=23812

[PaulD]

Re: luggage rack problems

A more functional and visually elegant solution would have been to add two more feet at the top edge of the trunk lid with the same screw down connectors. Since I do not have a rack yet, I am assuming they would fit that lip of the trunk like they do on the sides.