luggage rack problems

[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

Paul, Look at my link. We got what we got and this is all that is available for our cars. You deal with what you have to work with.

[PaulD]

Re: luggage rack problems

Paul, Look at my link. We got what we got and this is all that is available for our cars. You deal with what you have to work with.

I know. I intend to order one when TBC has them back in stock. As an engineer, I was just thinking of alternative ways to skin a cat.

[Mark501]

Re: luggage rack problems

Man I butchered the strap install. I think it's a good product I just didn't install it correctly.

[Gobird]

Re: luggage rack problems

Mark, Don't feel too bad, so did a few others.

[5bird7]

Re: luggage rack problems

Haven't used the rack for anything yet but for the "looks" of it so have had no reason to read instructions about the straps. Haven't had a problem with no weight on it.

From the looks of Mark's photos, maybe the rubber feet need a little bit of a cup in them to keep the metal foot from sliding off?

[Leroy]

Re: luggage rack problems

I think if I were installing one of those racks, I would put the front straps on and then pull the rack back till they were tight then clamp down the feet. Leroy

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[94mcd]

Re: luggage rack problems

I have used my rack loaded(30 - 40 lbs) with two ATV waterproof bags. The trip was to Carolina Battleship Thunder and included two severe thunderstorms in VA. The rack worked without any problems except for the pad problem. Mine did not slide off but did let light round scratch marks where the pads touched the paint. Scratch remover took care of the issue. I also use a small piece painter tape under metal hold downs to avoid any scratching on the edge of the trunk deck. I do think a better pad is needed to stop the slipping members are experiencing. One other thought, the slippiing could also occur if there is wax on the spots where the pads sit. I wiped mine with rubbing alcohol which may be why I had some scratching but not the slipping.

[tbird6t4]

Re: luggage rack problems

I have experienced the pads sliding off the feet also and although no scratch issues despite one pad being 40% squeezed out from under the one foot, it stopped my heart for a few seconds.

I have removed the rubber pads and re-glued them onto the feet using as small dab of "GOOP" automotive adhesive and let it dry throughly (48 hours) so far so good.

The front edge straps are definately a must with or without a load. I don't know why someone couldn't get them to fit into those existing slots in the trunk, I know mine just snapped right into place. When I remove the rack I leave the straps tucked inside the trunk for future use and don't remove them.

Gord

[007Cruiser]

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.

Can anyone give me more specifics on this plastic? Is it in the auto section of Wal-MArt?

[Mark501]

Re: luggage rack problems

No, the plastic is in the "Material" section of Wal-Mart. Many of them are doing away with that section, but it comes on a roll and they measure it off by the foot.

[Leroy]

Re: luggage rack problems

I think one cause of the pads coming unglued is probably extreme heat on dark colored cars exposed to the hot sun. Lighter colored cars may not have this problem? Leroy

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[007Cruiser]

Re: luggage rack problems

Thanks, Mark.

[Mark501]

Re: luggage rack problems

Gene, sure thing. I called it plastic but it may be a clear vinyl, you will know it because it is thick.

[T-Bird Concepts]

Re: luggage rack problems

Hey Everyone,
If anyone has any problems with their Thunderbird Concepts trunk rack, please PM me, and I will make sure you are taking care of!

Happy Tbirding,
Aaron



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[Bradford]

Re: luggage rack problems

I put my rack on when I first received it, mainly to become familiar with how to install. I kept the rack on for a couple of months and noticed the same as others here, the pads were slipping out from under the metal "feet" of the rack. I took it off immediately to prevent any paint damage and have been very reluctant to put it back on at all.