Luggage rack install tips

[aevansgatech]

Hey guys,

Picked up a used luggage rack for a good price, but my trunk lid doesn't have the holes for it.

Any tips on aligning the holes and drilling through the metal?

I'm also missing one angled adapter, but was debating just using rubber spacers. Any tips on installing without the angled adapters?

[KevAndAndi]

I'm a firm believer in "to each his own" and the fact that car owners should do to their cars whatever makes them happy. That said, gosh, I wouldn't drill holes in my trunk lid if I were you. My thinking is, why introduce additional places where moisture and rust can get a foothold, and where the lid can get deformed and bent?

However, if you really have your heart set on it, I'm sure someone here can share some tips on mounting it.

[divace73]

I'm the same with drilling holes where they are not any, however I have a strange love for the luggage rack even though I don't have one. When I do get one, I'll be getting a boot (trunk) cover as well so I don't have to drill holes in my boot now and swap the two depending on my 'mood'.

That being said, to mark the hole, either make a template of some sort, OR find the location you want to place the rack (Put masking tape first as not to scratch the paint work) and then mark with a marker or liquid paper (correction fluid) or the like on the hole and that should mark the point.

[bradartigue]

Many racks were installed without the angle things...so that's no big deal.

I'd ask someone with a drilled lid to measure the top two holes for you, that's the only measurement you need to line it up.

It is painful to think you'll drill a solid trunk lid. That's my opinion of course, but you can't ever un-drill it. These were not factory parts, they are ANCO aftermarket things installed by the dealers. I like the look but wouldn't drill a car to get it. Get a punched lid and have it painted.

[DUCeditor]

For what its worth I've seen plenty of rusty Spiders, but none I remember with rust around the luggage rack mountings.

-don

[spider2081]

I measured 3 luggage racks and found the mounting holes differ by as much as 3/4 of an inch, measured diagonally. None measured the same but it was only three that I measured. I would put contact paper on the trunk, Place the luggage rack where you want it, and mark the contact paper where the legs are. The centers of the legs are the mounting holes.

[DieselSpider]

Pay attention to the bracing underneath or you might end up with a hole in a blind spot or where the edge of the brace is located making it so you would have to cut access holes in the bracing or patch the holes you drilled and relocate the carrier.

I just tape a paper sheet over the lid or roof when I install a rack, locate the rack where I think it looks appealing, measure to center using pencil on the paper to mark the locations and then check underneath for issues before center punching and drilling.

That said I would opt for a clamp on rack before drilling out the lid:
http://www.classicluggageracks.com/the- ... orary.html
http://www.classicluggageracks.com/comp ... rices.html

Two or so owners back they drilled 10 holes in the trunk lid to put a rack on mine however the rack was tossed by the previous owner leaving just the 10 holes which I have temporarily stopped up with rubber plugs to keep water out until I get around to patching the 10 holes or replacing the lid entirely. After dealing with the 10 holes I would be hard pressed to make new ones.

Did I mention the 10 holes? What were they trying for - A spaghetti strainer/colander?

[GeorgeT]

If you drill holes, put a strip of masking tape over the spot you will be drilling; this will help keep the bit from "drifting" and will keep the paint around the hole from chipping. I've had two Spiders, one with and one without a rack: the one with the rack required a prop to hold the trunk lid up the other did not.

[aevansgatech]

Thanks for all the tips guys, I"ll mask it with tape and pay attention to the underside bracing

I agree drilling for a luggage rack isn't worth it for a great condition Spider, but it is a common add-on item not a random aftermarket piece. In any case, my Spider has had a bit of a rough life, some body work, a re-paint, etc before finally reaching me. If I had a pristine Spider there's no way I would drill the lid

[bradartigue]

Many were poorly installed and cut through the bracing. Most ended up being used the slam the trunk shut, and you ended up with slightly warped trunks. It isn't a handle.

Another way to do this may be easier - take a big flat piece of cardboard, like a broken down box, lay it on top of the rack and punch the holes through it. Then use it as a template on the lid.

[Seajunkie]

I'm always staring at my luggage rack trying to figure our how to get rid of it and fill those holes. I like them better without.

[DieselSpider]

I'm always staring at my luggage rack trying to figure our how to get rid of it and fill those holes. I like them better without.

I have my copper spoon and welder ready its just having to deal with 10 holes some of which are through the edges of the bracing that are holding me back from digging in. Right now there are 10 rubber plugs (glove box door bumpers) filling the holes and keeping the water out.

[aevansgatech]

So I decided just to go for it yesterday.

Turns out it had a luggage rack at some point. I could tell from the bottom of the trunk lid that there were holes in the right spots, but had been filled in and painted over, like much of the body. I had no issue drilling through and it's in the right spot such that the top holes are in the "flange" space and don't interfere with the bracing. The lower holes do align with part of the bracing, but that had already been cut. No paint chips, no alignment problems, I think it looks great! I used the angled adaptors on the bottom posts, and rubber washers on all 4 so it feels very sturdy and water proof.

You can see in this picture part of the POs odd repairs, namely the tail light situation, but I'll slowly change some of that. For now, it looks real sleek, paint job is OK but not great, and most importantly the engine, mechanicals, trans, top, and interior are in good enough condition to enjoy as I restore the rest!

[1983Pinin]

I never considered a trunk luggage rack, but after backing into my front end loader, I now have a nice foot-long gouge in my trunk lid.

After getting an estimate from a really good shop that it would cost $1,400 to prep, paint and blend in a used trunk lid with the top of the quarter panels ( this repair shop does really good work) , I think a cheap DIY repair of the damage, followed by installation of a luggage rack to cover the repair may make a lot of sense, and save me a ton of money.

Where's my drill?

--Peter

[DieselSpider]

How about having it wrapped with the Italian Flag to hide the repair? No holes will be required.