The Ruby Luggage Rack

The Ruby Luggage Rack is an excellent idea, but when the rack is lowered, in operation, it inevitably rests on the body rear lower panel, at least the one fitted to my car does. This results, even if the carrier is loaded considerably below the maximum capacity of 561bs., in damage being done to the lower panel, which is accentuated on rough, uneven roads when the carrier bounces and comes down heavily on the back panel.

To eliminate this problem I have positioned a bolt, at least ½” Whit, to support the carrier and give clearance between the carrier and the back panel as illustrated in the diagram.

Firstly lower the carrier and place a packing strip approximately 1/8” thick between the lower panel and the carrier. Take a bolt about ½" diameter, obviously this is not critical, whatever you have suitable, screw the nut just onto the end of the bolt so that the thread does not protrude. Now hold the bolt into position tight under the carrier with the nut flush against the carrier support plate, as illustrated.

Now carefully tack weld the nut in position, remove the bolt and complete the weld, carrying out the procedure on the other side of the car.

When the carrier is not in use and folded away, it is well clear of the welded nuts and the bolts are removed for safe-keeping. When the carrier is to be used, lower it until the bolts can be screwed into the nuts, then the weight on the carrier is supported on the bolts not on the lower back panel. Hence no damage.

Bill Robinson Midlands Austin Seven Club with many thanks