Vintage car roof rack for sale

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   • Dan Hay H.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
   • Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
   • Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
   • Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
   • Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
   • Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club
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   Dan Hay H.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

   Let's see some pics of roof racks NOT on wagons. The reason I'm asking is that I have a large family that require a lot of accessories (crap) when we travel. We want to take our 39 sedan on some trips but the trunk fills up pretty fast.

   I have an OT German "people's car" that commonly had roof racks in the 50's and 60's. They are made of small round bar bent into shape with wood slats to make up the bottom. I have this car and my 39 sitting side by side in the garage and was wondering about a roof rack for the 39, that would be similar, using feet that sat in the drip rails, with a hold down clamp in the door jamb.

   Best case scenario for my lack of skills is that I buy one off the shelf for the OT car and widen/lengthen it to fit the 39.

   But, I'm open to other ideas of racks that were common back then. Just seeing what's out there.

2. What about a receiver hitch rack? That way you don’t scar up the paint.

3. 

   Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

   In theory the rack shouldn't scar the paint, they have rubber boots over the part that lays in the drip rails. A receiver rack would work in terms of practicality but would not look right. I may end up doing that but wanted to explore a period correct option.

4. When did roof racks first appear?mid 50’s?

   
   

5. 

   Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

   I think so? Not exactly sure. I'm guessing there were makeshift units made during the Grapes of Wrath migration of the depression but I want something more refined then that with a vintage look.

8. I was thinking of using a receiver hitch with the old “trunks” like a steamer trunk etc. disguise the hitch portion to just kinda go away.
   

10. 

    Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

    Hmmm, that's a good suggestion, probably closer in dimension to my sedan
    Ah, that makes sense. Yeah that could be cool. When you said it before all I could think of was those modern tray style ones that hang off the back of Suburbans.

12. Last edited: Jan 19, 2022

13. Hello,

    Nice Ford sedan. It would be a difficult decision to get clip on racks for the rails on that sedan. Those racks put on a lot of stress and with the weight of the suitcases, bags, tents, etc, it might overtax the whole system. Each of the racks for newish cars comes with a weight limit. 125-150 pound limit on what you can put on top.

    That nice shiny rack with wooden slats looks good on VW bugs, but I have never seen one full of stuff. They are an accessory item that just makes the old car look historic. The weight of that particular rack might be too much for your roof and stuff. It does weigh more than just some clip on rail surfboard racks. A sheet of plywood on the racks rated at 125-50 lbs will weigh less than those with a steel frame and wood slats.
    This one looks nice, has the gutter clips and seems like it would fit, but the problem is the weight of the complete rack and then with all of your family's stuff, more weight for those poor drip rails.

    We thought about surfboard racks for our Flathead 40 Ford Sedan Delivery, but it only had drip rails on the door area. With two-three original 1959-60 longboards, it was at least 130 lbs. Luckily, the answer was for us to slide those heavy original longboards in through the open rear door window and stuffed with old t-shirts to seal up any openings.
    
    Old surfboard racks with rubber suction cups are lower and can take a lot more weight, but remember what it does to the surface of your roof and the possible outcomes. Paint and body work after heavy weights are put on the surface. IOHO, It is not worth the effort to pack stuff on the roof of such a pristine Ford Sedan.

    Jnaki

    Also, perhaps your family might have to slim down the amount of carry on baggage to take on trips. We used to go traveling with a large suitcase and a mid size suitcase for the two of us. These days, it is one over the shoulder bag with wheels for being lightweight and accessible from the trunk.

    On a three week trip, we had stopovers in laundromats in places like Zion National Park and Lake Powell. (Prior to the pandemic) That makes the amount of stuff that has to be packed, less and easy to lug around.

    That rack that you showed is usually an accessory item for small cars. It may not fit the 40 sedan. Also, any alteration may add additional weight to the overall structure. Weight is your key and weight limits of the racks is also an item to consider, let alone what happens to your pristine Ford sedan.

    An alternative is to get a small trailer if it is absolutely necessary to pack a bunch of stuff behind the Ford sedan. Trailer driving is not for everyone, but we can all adjust to the situation. You just might need a trans cooler and better shocks. YRMV

15. 

    Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

    @Nailhead Jason yeah, the pop up and the cooler are the bulky items that don't necessarily weigh much that could go up top. That one on your 51 is very functional and looks good.

16. Honestly it would be a snap to make this one. I even got all new rubber cups and straps for it. easy enough to bend up the sheet metal and cut a couple hardwood boards for it. https://www.strapworks.com/ is the place to go for new straps, you can custom make whatever you want in what ever length you need, i spent about 40 bucks getting new ones for mine all with black sewn webbing and black rubber coated hardware.

17. Look for 40's to 50's Advanced Design suburban roof/luggage racks. If you find one with the original
    fasteners, a big plus. Typically going for $700 or more, and pretty rare.

    MO_JUNK and Dan Hay like this.

19. You could make one yourself, using emt conduit as was said. Also, look at boat supply houses for
    cool rail parts in stainless steel. All sorts of angles and fittings.

    51504bat and Dan Hay like this.

20. Yea, one must know their audience right Bill!

21. Dan, my buddy pat makes what your looking for I’ll gather some pix and info and post later.

    Long as he can find a car to measure etc he can make it for ya

    Dan Hay and Bob Lowry like this.

22. Have you thought about a Mullins trailer? Either steel (orig) or fiberglass (repop). It would look "period-perfect" and allow you plenty of cargo capacity. I know, pulling a trailer is a pain, but so is the potential headaches associated with a roof rack and the damage that could result. BTW, you've got a great looking car!

24. Pats contact info and IG

    Bob Lowry and Dan Hay like this.

25. 

    Dan HayH.A.M.B. Chapel37-38 ChevysNorth Texas HAMBers1940 FordTarrant County Social Club

    @Tim That's pretty cool. I'll look him up on IG.

26. Just me But, some way to haul your stuff out back would hide that beautiful, sedan rear body.
    The thought of needing to climb up to a roof rack, begs me to want it out-back. Easy

    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022

27. I'd do a little enclosed trailer.

    The roof racks are cool looking but a pain to load and secure everything, keeping it water tight is an issue. Plus that paint is very nice.

    Here's one in Venus TX
    https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/241508691331826/?ref=facebook_story_share
    Howe TX
    https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3071178043130208/?ref=facebook_story_share

    It doubles as a secret parts stash when youre not puling it.

    

    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022

28. And those have the original, cool, vintage hold downs. NLA. VERY pricey on the web, but they are what
    you want if you are going to have one. Very cool pictures. Bob

29. Look up Quick N Easy mounts on ebay, they are the original version of the sweet patina mounts. Also the same as that ones Tim posted above. The price ranges from 90-150 for the arms. but it the most versatile so you can mkae what you need as a rack.
    

    I actually like the one Nailhead Jason posted, those also show up on ebay, for around 100-150, but you have to get new cups and they touch on your paint, but these can be stowed in the trunk until you need a rack. I like that part of it.
    

    The last one J hansen posted is a Carpac, hard to get- but looks the best on wagon type vehicles. depends where you at you can find a deal or pay a ton. 450-2500
    

    The ones you are referring to might be too specific for VW or European cars, do you might want to see and try in person or find samples of cars like yours and then match the rack, better than buying something and then not being able to return it.

    I got both the Carpac and the quick n easy. Might get the suction stick to have the trifecta

    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022

    Bob Lowry and Dan Hay like this.

30. I've never been a fan of roof racks... awkward to access (kids always want the shit that is dead-center of the load), stuff is hard to weatherproof, they look like the Grapes Of Wrath! They also put a lot of load on those 80 year old drip rails (figure you're pushing another brick through the wind as you head on down the highway). The truck hanging out the ass-end ain't too pleasing to my eye, and I wouldn't like that load hanging out there. Plus, 'the kids always want the shit that's in the trunk of the '39, so there you are again.
    That leaves the third option... take stock of what you REALLY need on a family trip. How large is your family? What does each person need (not want)? How long are you gonna be on the road? Properly 'thinned out', between the '39s trunk and the package tray for light, soft things, you can probably haul everything you need within the confines of the car. Think about it... that's what families did in 1939!
    If the above doesn't trip your trigger and you still want to pack crap on top like a Yellowstone Bus, take a look at how late model SUV roof racks are done... hardware bolted down to the roof in multiple spots, using nutsert-type inserts in the roof. You would have to use a sealant when installing the nutsert to prevent water intrusion, and when you remove the roof rack, screw in a fastener (button head allen bolt) to close the hole. Or maybe leave the base mount in place. If you choose this route, look at boat supply sellers to determine if marine handrail hardware will work for you.
    Good luck!

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