[Chrome_GT]

Has anyone ever fitted a chrome Boot Rack onto their 156? Similar to what is used on sports cars mx5, triumph, mg, porsche etc.
I'm doing everything i can to make my car more practical for travelling so have considered this as well as roof racks, roof boxes etc.

 

[TheGrimJeeper]

I'd be worried about the gas struts and bashing the rear windscreen when opening it...


You can get weatherproof bags that attach to the boot for soft-tops...

 

[Giorget2]

Yes, I would also think the gas struts probably wouldn't cope with that much weight, and you'd reduce the opening of the boot, as it comes pretty close to the rear window already when fully open.

So if you want to fit something like that, you would need to fit it in such a way that it doesn't contact the glass when fully open, and then be OK with not being able to open the boot while a anything is loaded on top of the rack.

I'd say roof rack is probably the best way to go in terms of practicality.

 

[Chrome_GT]

I'll have to have a look tomorrow at the gaps when the boot opens. A very good point!
The rack mounted luggage would be the last thing to go on, first to come off. As long as struts don't break.
Roof Racks is a no brainer usually but I'm having trouble with that. Getting a fitting kit in New Zealand is proving to be a real nightmare. I have another post about that issue so will keep this one about boot mounted racks only. Getting genuine roof bars is even harder. Unless i'm willing to import (which i defenitely am, but I'm on a budget so only looking at used bars). But appreciate the comparison and recommendation for sticking with that plan.

Still interested to see if this has been done so welcome further notes.

 

[TheGrimJeeper]

Careful with the roof bars:
Another AOer had a fight with ARUK over the official roofbars
that buckled the roof of his 156 (He won.)

 

[Giorget2]

Ah, right. Then the boot rack idea makes some sense.
It's unlikely that the weight of a rack alone would break the gas struts. Only thing might be that it could upset the balance of the bootlid, causing it to not open easily or possibly to not stay open properly.
In the closed position, surely the boot does not exert any weight on the struts?

Then your only additional concern would be whether the structure of the bootlid is itself strong enough the carry the weight of luggage on top of it.

Another option could be a towbar-mounted luggage compartment - probably more expensive though.

 

[David C]

It's unlikely that the weight of a rack alone would break the gas struts.

Is the boot rack lighter than a spoiler...?

 

[Chrome_GT]

The below image is the item i'm considering. Likely steel bar with chrome. So probably heavier than a spoiler, but the weight is centred much closer to the hinges so i think you've raised a good point. Perhaps the struts will lift the boot ok with an empty rack.

 

[Chrome_GT]

Image

 

[dgmayhead]

I've got a set of Alfa roof bars but I'm fairly sure Thule or similar will fit just as well. Boot rack is a terrible idea.

 

[David C]

Boot rack is a terrible idea.

Yep
Guaranteed to smash the back window I think!!

 

[Chrome_GT]

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-andamp-gt/1002089-wanted-roof-racks-156-a.html

i'm looking into roof racks as well