Luggage Rack on The Roadster - 'Show Us Yours' + thread

[GWL]

First, I like to see any luggage racks that have been mounted on the roadster with any details that you can provide for myself and others.

Second, Has anyone bought and mounted the Whitby’s Luggage Rack? The same rack designed by PHILLIP, They call the wind MARIAH car. I have one of Phil's prototypes that I got from John Olson.

I'm looking for the Whitby's mounting directions. In the attached pictures, I show Phil's prototype rack on my unfinished MK IV but I'm thinking about moving it further back on the trunk. However, the trunk lid interior is a bit challenging to mount it because of the shape of the strengthening fiberglass.

My car is now finished with the holes filled in and I'm wanting to remount the rack but don't know where or how I will so I'm looking for suggestions or ideas.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056518778_39c306af60.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj4gpQ)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056971750_e2e9be59fe_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj6A4G)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056518728_c8fa35e709_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj4goY)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056720579_ea8c099b56_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj5ipa)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056518688_fda2778982_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj4goh)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52056971650_47021da8fd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj6A2Y)

My car waiting for a luggage rack
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52057232220_ee2177df3b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj7Vuy)

Thanks, George

[Railroad]

I guess you checked for the rack clearance with the trunk lid open? Nice car.

[GWL]

I guess you checked for the rack clearance with the trunk lid open? Nice car.

Yes, there is no interference except if I have a suitcase on the rack it may hit the convertible top when up. However, I don't think I'll be lifting the trunk when there is a heavy weight on it. Back in the day, I would open the trunk of my '68 TR-250 with all kinds of stuff on the luggage rack. That trunk had a positive catch to keep it up whereas the present roadster has the gas/air shocks. I was quite rough on my old cars whereas I'm going to be much more careful of my present roadster.

Here is an even older picture of me with a '62 MGA in '65 with the luggage rack loaded. A JC Whitney rack. I'm the guy on the right. I've got a picture of the TR loaded somewhere too. Later....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52057507965_5c7baf0b0c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj9ksM)

Thanks for the comments, George

[Jeff Kleiner]

You know George you could have saved us both a bunch of trouble if you just hadn’t asked me to fill the holes
:p :p :p :) :) :)

Jeff

[GWL]

You know George you could have saved us both a bunch of trouble if you just hadn’t asked me to fill the holes
:p :p :p :) :) :)

Jeff

Yes, I know but as I said Jeff, I have been thinking about moving the rack to the rear of the car a bit. I'm just thinking through how to secure it from the inside of the trunk because of the shape inside.

So, no one has the Whitby rack or instructions?

George

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, I know but as I said Jeff, I have been thinking about moving the rack to the rear of the car a bit. I'm just thinking through how to secure it from the inside of the trunk because of the shape inside.

So, no one has the Whitby rack or instructions?

George

Just joking with you George :)

Are you still planning on Open House? Hope to see you there!

Jeff

[egchewy79]

maybe DM GTBradley.
I know he did a luggage rack on a spare truck lid so he can swap out the lid as he pleases.

[GTBradley]

I looked at the Whitby rack and it looked like the ones that were originally installed on these cars; however,

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146348&d=1618509157 https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146267&d=1618502822 https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166545&d=1652193894

at $600 I just couldn't justify it. I did buy their soft top and tonneau but the instructions were minimal for that installation. I found a very similar Amco luggage rack on eBay that was from a 1958 356 Porsche for less than a third of the cost of the Whitby. I believe the dimensions are the same but it has one more support bar.

I made my own mounting system and positioned the rack based on historic pictures, my stripes, the pre-existing Cobra badge and front edge of the boot lid. I did write it up on my build thread too (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?30668-GTBradley-s-build-side-pipe-sound-mod-removable&p=452524&viewfull=1#post452524).

[Vspeeds]

I have the 289 Cobra and used the Whitby rack. This rack is a replica of the original Amco brand racks that was used in the era. Its an expensive product but is also a great product. I use it quite often when I go on overnight trips. It's bolted on with just the outer layer of the fiberglass trunk; with the weight distribution of the 4 mounting points, it holds up well and can hold a small suitcase, overnight bag, and a big umbrella strapped to it. But I don't put heavy luggage on it. I don't remember if it came with instructions, but I doubt if it did. I did buy rubber grommets and placed them at the mounting points between the fiberglass and rack. I'm not at home to take better pictures of the installation, but here are a few pics of the general car.


https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166539&d=1652154513
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166538&d=1652154502
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166537&d=1652154487
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166536&d=1652154462

[GWL]

Just joking with you George :)

Are you still planning on Open House? Hope to see you there!

Jeff

Yes, I do plan on going. :cool: My trip plans are changing a bit as I had originally planned to pass by your area to connect with my friend in Monmouth, Ill. but I need to shorten the trip because I can't be away from home that long. So, it looks like I'll head up the coast from my place in Southport, NC. Don't like the idea of driving through the NY city area though.;)


I have the 289 Cobra and used the Whitby rack. This rack is a replica of the original Amco brand racks that was used in the era. Its an expensive product but is also a great product. I use it quite often when I go on overnight trips. It's bolted on with just the outer layer of the fiberglass trunk; with the weight distribution of the 4 mounting points, it holds up well and can hold a small suitcase, overnight bag, and a big umbrella strapped to it. But I don't put heavy luggage on it. I don't remember if it came with instructions, but I doubt if it did. I did buy rubber grommets and placed them at the mounting points between the fiberglass and rack. I'm not at home to take better pictures of the installation, but here are a few pics of the general car.




Vspeeds, great pictures, thanks for posting them.

When you get home would you take some pictures of the inside of the trunk showing the mounting. Also how far back the rack is on the trunk? I've sent you a PM with my email address.

Thanks, George

[GTBradley]

That reminded me to look at the underside mounting. I positioned my front supports so they would go through the middle of the strengthening rib that runs near the front edge of the lid.

[Vspeeds]

Vspeeds, great pictures, thanks for posting them.

When you get home would you take some pictures of the inside of the trunk showing the mounting. Also how far back the rack is on the trunk? I've sent you a PM with my email address.

Thanks, George

No problem. I'll get home Thursday evening [5/12/22 (Pacific Time)]. When I get home I'll send some pics.

[GWL]

That reminded me to look at the underside mounting. I positioned my front supports so they would go through the middle of the strengthening rib that runs near the front edge of the lid.

Yes, that is what I'd like to do but my mounting points are wider and run into the higher raised sections at either side of the trunk where the hinges attach to.

Ideally, I'd like to have the mount at about 3" from front of the lid edge but see how it runs into the raised portion.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52065420619_508b75b1ba_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2njQTBR)

Today, I put up my top and worked with the rack into several different positions. The rack is not 'square' but off set a bit and there are a few compromises I'm having to make while trying to make it look ok over the stripes.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52065472079_1cc536c29b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2njR9V6)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52065187076_141c26599b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2njPGcf)

Regardless, of where the rack goes the trunk lid touches the convertible top a bit. Not worried about it though.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2njPLRC]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52065202758_0bdf459114_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2njPGcf)

And then while working to remove an all thread from one of the legs, the leg snapped off the rack. The attachment point looks like it was resistance welded, it was not tig welded. Tomorrow, I'll get with a welder to see about tig welding all the joints.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, George

[Nigel Allen]

Yes, there is no interference except if I have a suitcase on the rack it may hit the convertible top when up. However, I don't think I'll be lifting the trunk when there is a heavy weight on it. Back in the day, I would open the trunk of my '68 TR-250 with all kinds of stuff on the luggage rack. That trunk had a positive catch to keep it up whereas the present roadster has the gas/air shocks. I was quite rough on my old cars whereas I'm going to be much more careful of my present roadster.

Here is an even older picture of me with a '62 MGA in '65 with the luggage rack loaded. A JC Whitney rack. I'm the guy on the right. I've got a picture of the TR loaded somewhere too. Later....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52057507965_5c7baf0b0c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nj9ksM)

Thanks for the comments, George

Great picture George. Looks like carefree times.

Cheers,

Nigel

[GTBradley]

Yep, that’s difference in the racks. Mine has the supports closer in than yours. Hopefully Vspeeds will have the answer for you.

[Vspeeds]

Keep in mind I have the 289 body. However, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the trunk sizes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166638&d=1652394031

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166636&d=1652393970

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166635&d=1652393970

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166634&d=1652393970

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166633&d=1652393970

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166637&d=1652394031

[GWL]

Vspeeds,

Wow, great pictures and thanks a lot.

Looks like my feet are a bit wider than yours as you can see in my previous post.

However, as I said earlier, I snapped of one of the legs off. Well, I'm thinking about trying to snap off the other front leg and adding some stainless bar between the bars and place the legs closer together like yours are. I'll have them welded back on and have him do some more welding on those resistance welded joints.

I'm getting it to him tomorrow.

I've got to get this all settled soon as the plan is to drive to Wareham, MA by June 11.:cool:

Thanks again for those pictures, George :D

[Vspeeds]

Im confident you'll work it out George. Wanted to point out I did add this washer set to go between the rack foot and the fiberglass body.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=166571&d=1652225765

[jolsen42]

George. just measured mine and the front leg is the same as V Speeds. From the edge of the trunk lid to the center of the front of the rack leg is 3 1/2 inches.

John O

[GWL]

Thanks John,

Here is what a resistance weld looks like up close. Looks great, but second & third photo are after it's been stressed.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52076590191_43952e669d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nkQ8WF)

Note there is only what looks like 1/3 possible penetration.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52075547422_bbf5307d51_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nkJMXU)

This one looks like a stronger weld but only took three easy whacks with a ball peen hammer.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52076821539_0b780617b6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nkRjHr)

I made a jig and am having the entire rack rewelded and the two front supports brought in one inch to avoid the unevenness inside the trunk.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52076595558_93aedbd8e3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nkQaxd)

I pick it up on Tuesday.

To be continued, George:cool:

[jolsen42]

Oh my, I sure hope your welder can repair it. Good luck!

John O

[Avalanche325]

Luggage rack? I don't need no stinking luggage rack!
166974

[Jeff_J.]

Looks great! I remember the MG's with the trunk racks, I was thinking of the same thing - glad some others have done it too, I was a little reluctant to suggest it. it makes practical sense for longer tours.
Jeff J.

[GWL]

Oh my, I sure hope your welder can repair it. Good luck!

John O

My welder did a good job. He didn't totally weld up the joints but made it so it would not come apart again. However, I'm not going to mount it.

My welder, Jake, and I have been talking about reproducing a couple or more of the AMCO style racks. And with your rack, John O, to get some measurements off of and pictures we may make a go of it.

Are you available in the next week or two for me to drive up from Southport for the day?

I'll post, at a later date, to show our progress.

Thanks also to everyone for your contributions and thoughts, George

[JohnnyB]

I opted for a removable rack. For the few times I’ve used it this one has worked great.
It started out as this universal rack I purchased from Amazon then modified to fit the Cobra boot.
167040
167041167042167043167044167045

[GWL]

I opted for a removable rack. For the few times I’ve used it this one has worked great.
It started out as this universal rack I purchased from Amazon then modified to fit the Cobra boot.


I'm going to look at a friends Miata tomorrow which rack has the same concept.

Thanks, George

[jolsen42]

Here is a picture of mine.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v668/jolsen42/.highres/011_zpsb56d2ff5.jpg

John O

[NC Cobra]

Here is a photo of mine. Very rare photo with the top on too!

167543

[R. Button]

I made my own luggage rack back in 2005 and still have it. I bought some square tubing and a solid round rod from the hardware store. welded the tubing and over the top of the tubing I used the D weatherstripping to stick on the top of the tubes. The round rod I formed a hoop that would hold what I put on the rack. I tracked down some woven straps with rubberized hooks on the end of them - often used for strapping a canoe to the top of a car. Used the straps to hold the rack in place. Then found some rubber suction cups that had a threaded bolt that I could then screw into the legs of the luggage rack.
Here is a picture of the rack
167546

Then at the 2021 London Show we picked up an ice cooler for someone and strapped it to that same luggage rack to deliver it! :)
167547

[Waterman]

I recently added a luggage rack to my MK4 and did something a bit different so documented in my build thread.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?49630-Watermans-MKIV-Build-Kit-207937
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