Jump to content

1950s Car Top luggage carrier


Recommended Posts

Posted

Hi

I recently acquired a 3 foot square welded wire luggage carrier with 4 suction cups. I have searched and searched the internet and can find nothing like it. I am thinking of restoring it to its original condition, but cannot decide between rechroming it or powder coating it. Anyone have knowledge of this. The suction cups were made by a firm in Wisconsin, but the exact is not readable. Email me for pictures, I am not sure how to attach here.

Jon Westberg

Anderson, CA

Posted (edited)

In the 40's and 560's an aftermarket roof rack for luggage could be purchased at JC Whitney, Western Auto, Montgomery/Ward, or Sears.

I believe they were painted silver, gray, or gray with a black fleck finish.

They may have been chrome but I doubt they would have spent the additional money.

Our neighbor had one on their 55 Ford but the top rail was straight, not curved.

Just as a guess, check if yours fits a VW as they were common for traveling.

The VW dealerships even sold them.

Edited by huptoy (see edit history)
Posted (edited)

Yes, the ones I remember were heavier duty, about 1/2 inch tubes.

Black VW is a model not the real thing.

Also, the racks were held on by straps to a drip rail with "J" shaped hooks.

The suction cups were used to protect the paint on the roof.

I have seen the nylon straps and "J" hooks at auto stores, not sure about the suction cups.

Cleaned up & painted, it should have value to a collector.

post-41405-143139185062_thumb.png

post-41405-143139185056_thumb.png

Edited by huptoy (see edit history)

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...