Luggage rack install

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Jun 21, 2009 | 07:41 AM

#21

Jinks

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,241

Likes: 7

From: Daytona, Fla.

The tape & mark method has been well described & it works. I also recommend takin' the pins out of the hinges & workin' with the lid on the bench. However, for drilling the holes I find that if you have a dremel tool you can use a rotary saw blade. It makes a small neat hole near the center of your marks, then you just ease it out to the edges. Single tool that makes gettin' the hole the right size, in the right place easy.

Hey T.L., how long you been lurkin?

Jun 21, 2009 | 08:07 AM

#22

peddler

Club Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,582

Likes: 72

From: North East

All good suggestions. But don't forget the last, most important step. No matter how perfectly positioned the rack is, to some people, it will always look "just a little off." If you are one of those people LET IT GO!!! When your freinds compliment your new rack DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES say "thanks but it's just a little.......

LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!No matter how perfectly located if you obsess about it it will always look "just a little off."

The quickest way to stop obsessing about the rack location is to install something else you can obsess about. LOL

Let me tell you how I know.

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:26 AM

#23

katobird

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,716

Likes: 8

From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864

Pretty much place and tape like everyone is saying..pilot holes, be careful,

I used 1" round washers underthe lid to distribute the load and used silicon on the 4 bolts.
wide washers and silcon for leaks...
took a grand total of about 2 hrs

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:36 AM

#24

rinja64

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 884

Likes: 26

From: Mesa, AZ

Agree with everyone - Drilling the first hole is the toughest but you can do it - make sure you have new drill bits since they are the sharpest - By all means, pilot and take your time -
Good luck

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:53 AM

#25

FLYER

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 751

Likes: 9

From: Portland, Oregon

Drilling the first small hole 1/8" is a great idea. But do not use regular drill bits to expand. Regular bits can grab and crack the fiberglass. There is a drill bit called a unibit that is stepped with a single cutting lip. It is a single drill that starts at 1/8" and gets larger in small increments. The single cutting lip makes for a smooth drilling action that will not grab.

The bit doesn't cost much and they are available at most hardware stores.

Jun 21, 2009 | 11:12 AM

#26

tlmitchell

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 239

Likes: 0

From: Southington, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinks

Hey T.L., how long you been lurkin?

Not long, been bouncing all over a lot of boards recently. Haven't posted much but unfortunately I've got a lot of time on my hands today and am stuck in the Lair.

Jun 21, 2009 | 11:46 AM

#27

bigskyhd

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 8,051

Likes: 50

From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)

Thanks to all for the tips. My project tomorrow! Good info.

Jun 22, 2009 | 08:22 AM

#28

Ohio HD Guy

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 407

Likes: 6

From:

Eye ball it, the directions SUCK...
Measure the rack from the top left hole to be drilled to the bottom right. this is after you trace the outline of the rack hole supports.
Taped the areas to be drilled, use a sharp bit and drill pilot holes first.
PM me if you need any help, I have done several of them.