Clamp on luggage rack?

Does anyone know if a "clamp-on" luggage rack ever been made for a 356?
I know about the drill and bolt types but would like a rack that can be removed without leaving holes. If not, how about some of you inventors out there coming up with one, I won't even charge you for the idea, just send me the prototype.

Duct tape?

$.99 vise grips off the tool help rack

Vice grips? Duct tape? Why not big suction cups? I did find a forum where a couple guys had clamp-on luggage racks for 356/911 Porsches, however, their links to the places that carried them turned out to be duds. When I checked their posts again I see that they were made back in 2001. The one pictured looked pretty good and could support up to 70 pounds since the weight was distributed over a larger area of the engine lid. The rack was secured at the top, bottom and sides of the engine lid and the paint was protected by rubber lining of the clamps. I couldn't tell how the clamps were drawn up to secure the rack. I'll see if I can find that site again and post the picture. If anyone invents one, it can called the Clamper, "Clamp On, Clamp Off, The Clamper!

I have a Chesil Speedster which has a bolt on luggage rack accessory. It uses bolts that hold on the rear engine lid vent. It's SS.

Here's the photo of the clamp-on luggage rack on a 911 Targa. I was mistaken about the side clamps and not sure how the top part is secured.

I had a universal clamp on rack many years ago and used it on everything from my old Opel GT to my Alfa to my Spitfire. It was a rack that had 4 suction cups and then straps with hooks that you could tighten up with a simple rachet. If you're handy I'm sure you could adapt any rack to be like that with some rachet tie downs and some suction cups or pads to rest on the deck.

The holes you drill are in the rain shield area behind the engine grill --- they aren't in the finished painted body work. So you could remove the bolts and use black plastic/rubber plugs to fill the holes. There is a nice stainless steel Leitz replica rack available on the SAMBA - think it was $275.

If you just want functionality why not adapt a bike rack like this one?

http://www.discountramps.com/transfer-car-bicycle-rack.htm

Easy on and off, endlessly adjustable and will take the weight.

Nolan,

I've talked to Carey about what I may do. Merlot has a Lietz stainless steel rack The mounting fasteners pass through the grill into rubber grommet and spacers which have rubber cushions. Lock washers and nuts underneath. So, I plan to replace the nuts with wing nuts!!! 4 removed by hand and she's off! Also, the the fasteners could be reversed with the wing nuts on top.

Those all sound like good ideas, I'm still mulling over a mod I could do on a 356 rack.

Nolan,

Why do we need removable racks? I know, to show off the badges that have been put on the air intake grill, right? I have some beauts that I bought on eBay from Germany 3 or 4 years ago. These little add-on now cost a mint. The Mille Miglia and a wine touring badge that I have are now going for over $200 each. So, I've not put them on! Should I?

Right on Aaron, the badges need to be seen. The rack will be only used for travel. Sure my SAS has a usable trunk front and rear, but there's no room for souvenirs and such or the folding chairs so needed at Carlisle.

Nolan,

A lot of stuff can be put on the Lietz rack. I travel very little with any passengers. I place most of the my gear on the passenger side under the tonneau. That location helps balance the car. I plan on using the wing nuts. It would be nice to find them with a nyloc type inserts and made from stainless steel.