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Sun Apr 22, 2012 1:24 pm

What to look for. What to stay away from. I want to use it for camping. Maybe throw sleeping bag, camp chairs, or tent on it. Or one of those easy up shade canopies if ya think it would hold it. Figure I'll keep ice chest n clothes inside the car. Probly remove back seat n make a flat shelf for more "trunk" space. I usually camp with tarp, tent, air mattress, sleeping bag or 2, suitcase, ice chest, 2 camp chairs, a bag of supplies, and a bag of food stuffs. I would like to take a 10x10 shade canopy on some trips if possible.

Sun Apr 22, 2012 1:40 pm

Check this out. I have one similar to the last one and am happy with it.
I wouldn't hesitate to load 200 pounds on mine. They really cut down on the MPG though. You can carry a lot with the backseat removed. 1/2" plywood will work as a cover until the seats go back in.
Marvin
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=488771&highlight=luggage+rack

I also found a picture of the front of mine.

Sun Apr 22, 2012 2:41 pm

Nice. Good to see 'em more than for looks. I might take it off when its not needed. I wanna build a rat rod volksrod similar to this..

Sun Apr 22, 2012 5:56 pm

You might get more answers and info in the Accesories Forum. I've got a roof rack, no idea what kind though!

Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:21 pm

A couple of things would help, what year is your bug? All metal or metal & wood slats? Repop or vintage? You might want to cruise the classifieds or the galleries just to see what's out there and what they may run and you might also want to check some of the acvw dealers. My personal taste is the all metal ones as they look a little more vintage and a little less showy (for lack of a better term), but I don't own one and have no plans to get one at least for my current bug.

Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:49 pm

I would prefer a all metal, painted, basic roof rack. Nothing too shiny or pretty. I want something on the cheaper side, yet dont want a piece of crap I can't actually use. Are there different mounting options and is one way better than another? And is there a brand I should avoid?

Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:09 pm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1220704
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1285917

something like these?

All of the repops I've seen are wood slat. The vintage metal rack name to look for is Bekowa. I do recall at least 1 forum discussion on Bekowas and what to look for. Do a search of the forums for that Bekowa discussions. I could most certainly be wrong about there NOT being reproductions=I'm sure somebody will chime in. Do note that the metal Bekowas came in at least 2 types - lower for sedans and taller for ragtop sunroofs.

Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:08 pm

I like the style n price of the 2nd one posted. Maybe use some DIY bed liner on it. I take it you dont have any problems with it moving, since its basically clamped on and not really bolted down?

Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:28 am

Like I said, don't have a roof rack, but the friends I have that do have NO problems with them. All you might want to do it check the clamps for "security" measures, so it's not stolen if you leave your car unattended outside for periods of time. A friend always goes to shoes with a old metal cooler & a surfboard strapped on time of his ride. Just check around the classifieds and shows for one near you as to save on shipping if you can. Good luck in your hunt and post a photo of your ride when you put on the rack and load it up! When buying used, things to watch out for - missing legs,bent legs, broken welds, or modifications, rust, missing clamps (or clamps not provided) - most sellers are pretty upfront about these things and the racks will be price discounted accordingly, but try to look at the rack and compare it with other photos.

Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:45 am

Thanks. 8)