Rainproof bag for luggage rack

My new 356 Cabriolet will have a luggage rack. I am wondering what the best or most common recommendation is and what is the best or most common method of securing the luggage to the rack. My concern is to find something that is obviously rainproof, flexible and safe. Any recommendations for a system or a supplier? Thanks.

Check out Dusty's hand crafted leather luggage rack straps ( hood straps too), the best you can buy...for water proofing luggage carry a Hefty brand trash bag...

Douglas:

Another question to ask of those who already have a luggage rack on their replica, is what amount of weight would they feel comfortable loading onto their rack??

Remember that these racks are usually mounted to a non-reinforced, fiberglass engine cover which was never designed to hold a rack, let alone the luggage it is supposed to carry.

The original, steel 356 actually had reinforcing gussets welded to the engine cover to accept the rack. The engine cover was also more substantial than it's fiberglass counterpart and could hold an amazing amount of weight. I've personally seen over 100 pounds mounted to an original 356 rack, whereas I personally wouldn't put much more than 25-30 pounds on a replica rack.

Let's see what others who already have a rack on a replica say about what they would load on there........

gn

x2 on the Hefty trash bag (can also double as waders for occupants driving in rain) and 25-30lbs load limit.

50 lbs easy....the wife always packs extra shoes...

Wow, a speedster with a drag chute! Wouldn't follow one too close!

Douglas, Eastern Mountain Sports and Bass Pro Shops make several waterproof duffel bags that are designed for canoeing ,kyacking, and camping. I used them for motorcycle camping for years. No clue on how much weight you should put on a speedster rack but I would go as light as possible. A small bump might magnify the force on the deck lid.

Douglas,
Don't even consider more than 30 lbs!! Also, keep the suitcase small as it creates a lot of wind drag and makes rear view difficult. These suitcases,for most of us, are just for show. I carry my polishing gear in mine.

If you need straps contact me directly at DustyJohn AT aol.com. I make them in tan and black for $120.

Happy Trails,
Dusty

I tried carrying one empty, but my wife kept throwing her $hit in it.
I also started small, and look what I ended up with...and that's just the overnighter. I actually considered a small trailer, but in the end I put my foot down...Told her she needed to ship her stuff ahead....so here I am with the trunk....let's not forget who carry's the goods (if you know what I mean)

I know it's a classic look , but the thought of an aerodynamically designed car ( advanced for its time) having a clunky rectangle attached to its rear seems contradictory.Do any of you drive long distances with those suitcases attached? Or are they just for the short trips for shows?

We've been up and down the coastline of California many times - no problem plus a little extra carrying space for lighter items like polishing cloths, poo-poo undies and other contraband.

Jim Ward (R.I.P.), Ernie F, Hoss, and a few others have been around the country with theirs.

Thanks for the info everybody. Nice to know that when I have a question or a problem I am not the Lone Ranger and can simply ask for help from people who know what they're talking about. I'll try to limit the contents of my suitcase to just fresh underware, toothpaste and Mothers Car Wax.

you are obviously not married

Actually, I am married. It's just that we wear each others underwear and use the same toothpaste. But the car wax is mine.

"Fruit of the loom" I imagine.....

Don't talk about wearing each other's underwear ! That just gives Vince and Gerd ideas! Eeeyew !!! Now I have to go clean the barn just to get that image out of my head. la,la,la,la,la,la,la,

" It's just that we wear each others underwear..."
Tops and bottoms? ;)

What a bunch of degenerates. All I wanted was some dope on luggage and I ended up ordering leather straps from Dusty which appear to be just like the ones used on straightjackets or by a sadist. And, I am not that weird; we only share the bottoms. Her tops don't fit well because the straps dig in too much. Thanks for help boys.

Doug,
Thanks for the order and our thanks to you for UPGRADING us to degenerates !! That is the nicest thing anyone has called us in a long time

:-)

DUSTY
I FIND IT OFFENSIVE THAT YOU WOULD INCLUDE ME IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS VINCE.
THAT BEING SAID DOUG CAN U POST A PIC OF YOUR WIFE IN YOUR UNDERWEAR, EMAIL VINCE A PIC OF YOU IN HER UDERWEAR
THANKS

Ok--I've had enough. I was happy with getting benefit from the technical knowledge I have gotten from this site----like how much air should I put in my tires, and what radio stations should I listen to, but I just realized that,what the hell, this could be a money making deal,and all I thought about was comraderie and meeting new friends---something I love about this site.---how dumb am I???

I need some product or some scheme to sell on this site---that's right; Make some damned bucks and thanks to free marketing!! What a concept--right? Others are getting bucks hawking merchandise and I want to do that too. Hell--only two or three folks are making money here---why not me??

So--I will award a very nice prize to the winner--whoever can come up with the most appealing thing I can make to resell on our site. Have fun and make a buck at the same time---And maybe an event about a new EVENT--a tour of Dogpatch thrown in hosted by me and the AGAFSATHWBHA (always georgeous Alice, fantastic, sexy, always ---)Dammit,I forgot the rest.

Seriously, I am glad that EVERYONE is not here just to sell shit.

Give it a rest.

Peace---out!!---Jack

DOUG
WHEN DID YOU ORDER YOUR CAR?

I've been skipping this post because I don't have a luggage rack, or luggage to put on it. That said after reading this thread I like the new guy, he'll fit in just fine here.
Can't wait to see the SAS in August. Got any deets on it? Pics yet?

I ordered the car on 12/8/08 from SAS. There was a cancellation so I imagine I moved into that "slot" for delivery (which is estimated for early August). No pictures yet but will post when I have something from SAS to show. The car will be Creme Brule with a Tan Top and Dark Green Interior. We have a very short season here in Northern Michigan so I hope Steve holds the delivery. More important is the quality and performance - if I have to wait a little longer than August I am prepared to wait. I am a big fan of SAS and I know that I will end up with something very special. As far as pictures of the little woman and me - the Post Office should have something current on the wall. She's 4'6", weights 632 lbs. and has numerous tattoos plus a club foot. You really don't want to see the pictures.

GERD.. from that discription I think I know her!