Luggage Rack Mounting Brackets

[jfcrash]

Does anyone know of a source/vendor that may sell the mounting brackets and hardware for a 1935 Ford luggage rack ??

Does anyone have any info from which I could fabricate a pair of brackets?... or even have a picture of what they look like ?

Thanks, Jim

[JM 35 Sedan]

jf, there are two different length luggage rack brackets for '35-'36 passenger cars. Long set required for trunk back sedans and shorter length version for slant/flat back sedans, coupes, roadsters and cabriolets. A friend recently had a set made by wire burn/laser/water jet cutting (not sure witch method was used) using originals as a pattern.
Bob Drake has luggage rack sets shown in his latest big catalog. It doesn't say which length brackets come with this set. The picture in his catalog shows what these brackets look like. Maybe a call to Drake might lead you to the company making these sets and they may be willing to sell you a set of brackets separately. Worth a try as long as you don't have to call all the way to China .

[DavidG]

Girtz Welding (now Superior Car Parts) used to make the reproduction luggage racks and their brackets, but evidently no longer do so judging from their on-line catalogue.

[Don Rogers]

Please note that luggage racks were not made to fit coupes, cabriolets and roadsters. They were designed for sedans, phaetons, and conv sedans. The shorter brackets (48-18590/91- A) were for flat back sedans, phaetons and conv sedans while the longer brackets (48-18590/91- B) were for the touring sedans.

[VeryTangled]

I've collected a bunch of photos because we purchased an original luggage rack and most of one side bracket at Hershey 2011 and we were researching options. Eventually an original was donated (by, guess who?) to serve as a pattern and a replacement was fabricated by an expert smithy. I think dad was in contact with a supplier who used to do this work but things were vague and or expensive. Eventually when we did the mock-up with the one old and one new brackets there is interference with the tail pipe and we still need to do some modifications to either the tail pipe hangar or the luggage rack bracket before we can bolt things up.

Photos to be uploaded on Monday.

-VeryTangled/Jeff

Edit: I was incorrect about the donated bracket. When we purchased the luggage rack it came with one bracket, and the two links, I think.

[JM 35 Sedan]

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Originally Posted by Don Rogers

Please note that luggage racks were not made to fit coupes, cabriolets and roadsters. They were designed for sedans, phaetons, and conv sedans.

Don, can you please explain your posted statement in more detail? I have seen luggage racks on '35-'36 coupes, cabriolets and roadsters. Some of these were on high point show cars that received Dearborn Awards at EFV-8 Club national meets. The 1935-36 Ford Book (1st/2nd printings) state "These racks (Part No. 48-18575) were available for all models except Sedan Deliveries and Station Wagons. Special brackets were made for touring sedans." Catalogs that I have for reproduction luggage racks do not list them for just flat back / touring sedans. What am I missing? I have a '35-'36 luggage rack that I was planning to use on my '35 5w coupe. Are you saying these racks were not originally intended to be used on coupes, cabriolets, and roadsters even though they may happen to fit or are you saying they will not physically fit on these models? Would appreciate some clarification on this. Thank you.

[FL&WVMIKE]

Years ago, back in the 60s, I found an original trunk rack, but it had no brackets. I contacted the company who was reproducing the trunk rack later, and they sold me a pair of brackets, only. I do not remember the company's name. They fit my Cabriolet, perfectly.
MIKE

[Don Rogers]

Jim & Mike, While visiting the archives about 2 years ago I noticed that the engineering release for the 35/36 Luggage Rack assembly (48-18575-A) listed only the 700, 730, 740, and 750 models. There were no boxes checked for 710, 720, 760 or 770. That peaked my curiosity so I checked the engineering releases for the brackets only. The 48-18590/91-C brackets showed that they were used only on the 700, 730, 740, and 750 body styles. The 48-18575-B rack assembly and 48-18590/91-B brackets indicated use on the Touring Sedan body styles only.

I went back and checked my Chassis Books and sure enough....page 48 of the Nov 35 Chassis Book and page 131-132 of 28-36 Chassis Book confirm this finding. Since that time, I have found no reference in writing to the Luggage Rack being used on Models 710, 720, 760, and 770.

I changed the reference on page 124 of The 1935-36 Ford Book to reflect this finding before the 3 printing of the book came out and listed this finding in the corrections listing for the 35-36 Book on the Early Ford V-8 Club website.

[jfcrash]

Thanks for all your comments so far.......

My interest is for the 1935 Phaeton (48-750) on which I have seen pleanty of luggage racks.

In the next several days I will call a couple of the vendors that carry the complete racks in there catalogs and see if they will share their source with me and so I can call them direct for just the brackets..if not I will still try to make them.

This is not a show stopper as I have pleanty of loose ends to complete so I can get the Phaeton registered and inspected this spring/summer...

Jim

[Dave/Green Bay]

Jim:
If you don't find any let me know as I have a luggage rack on my Fordor touring sedan. They are the long brackets. I can trace the brackets for a pattern it all else fails. Let me know Dave/Green Bay

[Planojc]

I have an original rack and brackets on my 35 Cabriolet that fits perfect.

[VeryTangled]

Some bracket photos. More to come.

-VeryTangled/Jeff

[Bruce/CT]

This may be a dumb question BUT not having seen a trunk on a car WITHOUT a rumble seat....how does the car's trunk lid open? I'm guessing that the luggage trunk has to be lifted off; not easy if full.
Just wanting to know.
Thanks & Happy New Year.
Bruce/CT

[VeryTangled]

More luggage rack photos from '35 and '36 Fords.

-VeryTangled/Jeff

[VeryTangled]

I probably have more, and can get photos of the bracket we had made.

-VeryTangled/Jeff

[jfcrash]

Thanks again for all your support so far…

I called Mac’s and Early Ford V-8 Sales this am, they each get their complete luggage racks from a USA mfg…. probably the same place …Neither would say where, but, both guys will check with their vendor after the holiday for just the bracket kit…seems hopeful.

Jeff thanks for the photos, seeing them makes me hope they will be made available from the mfg….It seems I never took pictures of the luggage rack at any of the car shows I have attended…thank you.

Dave if I do have to make them, I will take you up on your offer.

Jim

[flatheadfan]

John-

I "think" I can shed some light on the restriction of luggage racks for some '35 models. Ford made three different tire carriers for '35s (1433-A/B/C). Each of them had a slight angle variation dependent on the angle of the rear back panel of the car. As an example, if you used a luggage rack on a coupe, the rack could not be tilted downward because the rack's edge would hit the locking tire band. To get around this you have three choices namely, 1) remove the locking band and use only the locking hub cap. 2) Use only the locking hub cap and the strip below the cap. Not the portion that connects to the carrier. 3) Notch the carrier rack to allow for the locking strip to clear or 4) Change the carrier to a different body model carrier.

The rack clearance is not a problem with a '36 because the locking tire band is not used on the '36 carrier. So, clearance between the rack and the carrier is ample.

This probably doesn't make any sense but enclosed pictures should help.

Oh yes, one more thing. I have a repo on my '35 and an original rack on my '36. Note the wood inserts on the backside of the rack. These inserts are seldom found on repo racks.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[Carl]

I have a pair of 35-6 main brackets like those shown in pics #8 & 9 by Very Tangled. They have slotted frame mount holes to allow for in or out rack assembly movement. That might solve the clearance problem as related by Flathead Fan. Of course, you're limited by the curvature of the bumper irons, too. Just my 2 cents...

[Henryat1140]

I think we have a bracket left over from our project, it would be the longer one, suitable for a trunkback model. It can be modified to use for the slantback/roadster/phaeton by cutting out a section.

Let me know it you are interested. I asked the supplier using Macs as a go between whether they would sell just the brackets, the answer was $265 for the brackets. We fabricated one by having it laser cut then shaped, but the end result was we didn't save much money.

If you are interested in the spare bracket, PM me.

[DavidG]

According to the original engineering drawing for the '35-'36 rack assembly on file at the Benson Ford Research Center, no wood strips were used on the back of the racks. There are some differences shown between the '35 and '36 racks and bracketry to add to their strength.

Judging from the Very Tangled photos above, the rack and brackets on the black '35 are the '35 version. The brackets on the maroon '36 are the '36 version, but the rack is the '35 version (the difference in the two rack versions being how the brackets are attached to the rack).

[JM 35 Sedan]

I'd like to thank Don Rogers, flatheadfan, Fordbarn members who pm'd me, and others who posted the information and explanations given here on why these racks do or do not properly fit on coupes, roadsters and cabriolets. Also, thanks to Jeff for his picture posts.

Happy New Year to all you Barners!!

[VeryTangled]

I was able to get the fabricated brackets out for a few minutes today. There are a pair of original links (wired together so it just looks like one) along with the fabricated links which are part of the hinges I think.

-VeryTangled/Jeff

[flatheadfan]

DavidG-

I don't doubt what you read at the Benson Ford Research Lab was accurate as to the wooden strips but it does leave some questions. First, are the four square holes. The original rack I have has four special carriage bolts with a large collar that fits perfectly into the holes. The bolts are only 3/4" long. The purpose of the bolts is to hold the two wooden slats to the backside of the luggage rack. They are countersunk in the wood. The wood slats are 14 1/4" long, 1 inch wide and 3/4" tall. When installed the strips are the exact same height as the metal end pieces. As a result, these slats lift objects carried on the luggage rack above the sharp edges of the rack stamping.

If the wooden strips were not part of the original engineering drawing it seems that they were definitely anticipated in its' application.

Tom

[DavidG]

The square holes are for carriage head bolts to attach a fitted trunk. If locked, the trunk in combination with the carriage bolts becomes theoretically theft proof.

[flatheadfan]

DavidG-

Interesting explanation for the "square holes." However, I don't think it is applicable to '35-'36's. If you had a bolted-down fitted luggage trunk, access to the spare tire is virtually impossible. To test this idea I placed a cardboard box on the luggage racks of my '35 and '36. The box was to assume the role of a medium size trunk. In both cases you could not access the spare tire. If you had a quasi-permanent trunk mounted and needed to get to the spare tire you first would need to empty the luggage trunk of whatever was in it and unbolt it from the luggage frame or (if that was not possible), disassemble the luggage carrier platform itself. To re-install the trunk you would need two people, one to hold the carriage bolt from below and another to place a nut inside the trunk on the protruding bolt from below. Needless-to-say, this would be inconvenient especially at the side of the road in a dark night!

As best I can remember items placed on a luggage racks were usually secured with either rope or leather belts or I suppose if, you lived in a particularly 'tough neighborhood," with a chain and lock. Some of the more "elegant cars" in the past that had bolted-down fitted trunks usually were accommodated with side mounted tires to avoid these mechanical gymnastics.

Tom

[Terry,OH]

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I was told by the Mfg. they would not sell to me directly but to contact Mac's (one of their outlets) and ask them to order. Your chances are good.

[FL&WVMIKE]

I am wondering why The Ford Motor Company did not market the trunk rack for all models. Why not the coupes, roadsters and cabriolets ?
I've enclosed photos of my original trunk rack, with the original "V8", mounted to my '35 with reproduction brackets and stainless strips. I am assuming that my reproduction brackets were patterned after an original set.
MIKE
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE - Twice

[jfcrash]

Thanks to all of you who have continued to share such informed knowledge to this post and to Jeff and others for their photos.

I was initially interested in a source for set of mounting brackets for an “original” rack, which I hadn’t seen yet and would not consider purchasing it if brackets weren’t available…after expressing an interest in it…I am told the rack its not for sale any more…which could be a good thing as it also had no hardware or trim pieces.

As far as tracking down a set of brackets, Mac’s said they could not get or supply them separately…. And would not say where their made. Drake said their complete rack assembly was mfg in Taiwan and brackets were not available separately.

Dick Spadaro did however check with his USA supplier and could offer the brackets and hardware for $190 …as usual they were the most helpful (IMHO).

Guess I will bite the bullet for a complete after market assembly…maybe for the wife’s birthday….

Thanks again, Jim

[TJ]

Jim, go for it. You wife will be very appreciative. I have convinced my wife that the Portland Swap Meet is the best place to go for our anniversary. It's always in April and so is our anniversary!

[FL&WVMIKE]

Originally Posted by Don Rogers

Jim & Mike, While visiting the archives about 2 years ago I noticed that the engineering release for the 35/36 Luggage Rack assembly (48-18575-A) listed only the 700, 730, 740, and 750 models. There were no boxes checked for 710, 720, 760 or 770. That peaked my curiosity so I checked the engineering releases for the brackets only. The 48-18590/91-C brackets showed that they were used only on the 700, 730, 740, and 750 body styles. The 48-18575-B rack assembly and 48-18590/91-B brackets indicated use on the Touring Sedan body styles only.

I went back and checked my Chassis Books and sure enough....page 48 of the Nov 35 Chassis Book and page 131-132 of 28-36 Chassis Book confirm this finding. Since that time, I have found no reference in writing to the Luggage Rack being used on Models 710, 720, 760, and 770.

I changed the reference on page 124 of The 1935-36 Ford Book to reflect this finding before the 3 printing of the book came out and listed this finding in the corrections listing for the 35-36 Book on the Early Ford V-8 Club website.

DON ....................
The trunk rack was not a factory installed part, but a dealer installed accessory. I doubt if very many Ford dealers turned down a sale, because the coupes, roadster and cabriolets were not listed in the engineering realeases. After all, the brackets did fit.
I think it would hardly be fair to dock these award winning coupes, roadsters and cabriolets for having trunk racks. There must have been thousands, installed at the dealers.
MIKE

[JM 35 Sedan]

I agree with you Mike. I can see why the engineers would have been asked to design luggage racks for sedans, especially the slant back models w/o any trunk accessible from the outside of the vehicle. If they fit, or could have been made to fit by the dealers, I am sure the dealers sold plenty racks to customers who owned other '35-'36 models. It will be interesting to see what happens when folks bring their cars to the EFV-8 meets and enter them to be judged in the Dearborn class and have luggage racks on models other than sedans/touring sedans. Since I have signed up to judge 35 & 36 vehicles at the GNM in Lake Tahoe, I plan to discuss this with the Chief Judge before the cars go on the show field. Furthermore, I plan to put a luggage rack on my 35 coupe and do whatever is necessary to make it functional. This car is going to be a driver, not a show car.

[Henryat1140]

Just to stir the pot a little, here is a very original '35 Phaeton with a luggage rack. The V8 logo looks different from those I've seen.

Don Rogers, do you understand the racks were built at FoMoCo or by one or more third party vendors?

[DavidG]

Zoom in on your photo and you'll notice that there's no rack behind the center width of the 'new' V-8 emblem and that it's attached with a single round head screw right through the middle of the upper oval of the eight. The V-8 emblem appears to be off a truck hood. The only thing original attached to the rack are the two upper stainless steel trim mouldings; everything else was added (or subtracted) post production.

Like most 'accessories', luggage racks were made by third party suppliers to Ford's specifications.

[Don Rogers]

Mike and John, I do my research at The Benson Ford Research Center (Archives) with no agenda other than to dig at the facts. My findings are not submitted to the Judging Standards Committee nor am I envolved in the creation of any judging rules for our V-8 meets. I found the information on luggage racks to be interesting and at odds with what I and many others had always thought. This discovery prompted me to look at Ford's Parts books and they seem to support my Archive findings. I also have looked at the limited group of Archive Vehicle photos that I have and have only seen luggage racks on Sedans. Fords emphasis on Sedans may have because Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters appeared to have ample storage room in the trunk/rumble area.

You comments that Ford dealers may have installed these racks on Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters may be accurate but I haven't been looking into that possibility and can't confirm that. I also haven't tried to mount a luggage rack on to one of these vehicles to see if they fit and function without modification.

Lets continue this discussion and see what else "pops" up

[FL&WVMIKE]

DON ..........................
I'm trying to leep this going to see what else "pops up".

Fords emphasis on Sedans may have because Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters appeared to have ample storage room in the trunk/rumble area.

It seems to me, that the sedans have more ample storage room, in the back seat, than the coupes, roadsters and cabriolets do in their trunk/rumble area. That is, with the same number of passengers.
I just can't understand why Ford did that.
MIKE

[Terry,OH]

I was told the two upper trim pieces next to the V8 were slightly different than the rest (slightly arched to match the rack) on the originals. The aftermarket all the trim is straight. This can be seen on above photos I believe.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Don, this probably doesn't mean that much but thought I would mention anyway and I am sure you are already aware of this....there was an approved accessory pamphlet published by the Ford Motor Company for 1935 that shows what they refer to as a Luggage Carrier. There is no mention in this publication as to which model '35's those carriers/racks should be used on.
Even though you do not submit your findings to the Judging Standards Committee nor are you involved with the creation of judging rules, the EFV-8C/A Books/Restoration Guides are frequently used on the show field at club meets in an effort to try to determine what is correct or what is not correct on these cars. It doesn't personally bother me because I could care less about winning awards/plaques/trophies with my cars, but some folks take this quite seriously.

[DavidG]

I'm the second owner of my '35 phaeton and its rack is original to the car. There is no curvature to any of the original stainless trim pieces, all of which were intact when I bought the car roughly 20 years ago. Also, I have a copy of the original engineering drawing for the '35-'36 rack and all of the trim pieces carry the same part number (i.e. they are all the same).

[Terry,OH]

Thanks David

[JM 35 Sedan]

Dave, do you have the four or five rung luggage rack? Just wondering since the 35-36 Book mentions a five rung rack that was shown in some 35 publications but may have been a prototype that was never produced. Also, could you please post some pictures of your rack showing details of the front and rear of the rack plus some shots of the mounting brackets? I have two racks and I am trying to determine if they are original or reproduction. Thank you!

[Don Rogers]

John, At least a few of the 5 rung models were produced. Here's a photo of one. (courtesy of John Swanberg)

[DavidG]

John,

My rack is the typical four rack version (the car is fairly early with a January, 1935 engine build date).

My apologies as I am unable to provide any photos; I am away from my car stuff for the winter.

Dave

[Henryat1140]

Here are some photos of a rack which is most probably a true original. It came from a local car here - '36 Phaeton which has been owned by the same person since 1949. Now, I'm sorry I didn't take more pictures of the main rack. At the time I was more interested in how the attaching hardware went together.

[DavidG]

Notice the doubling of the sheet metal reinforcing the bracket attachment in the photo in the lower left corner. According to the original engineering drawing, this improvement is a characteristic of the '36 rack (only) and distinguishes it from a '35 rack.

[rogergurney]

where can i get the chrome strips from for luggage rack
mine are missing
thanks
roger

[jfcrash]

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Roger

Earlier in this post I was looking for just the mounting brackets and did not find them on a stand-a-lone basis.....but Dick Spadaro's 1-800-222-3248 was willing to call his USA supplier and got me a stand-a-lone price.

Hope this helps.