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MG MGA - Straps for Luggage Rack

I have seen lots of threads about luggage (boot) racks but have not seen what people use to strap a case or bag to the rack. Got pics and sources?
Steven B

These are mine that I had tailor made in leather by a friend for my picnic hamper. When I have other luggage I use ordinary Stretchable (bungy) straps.

Steve

Steve Gyles

I always used bungee cords hooked onto the bars though I do recall seeing 1" leather straps with buckles used to fasten down the picnic basket.

The problem with the modern nylon straps with the ratchet tighteners is that they can generate enormous force if you ratchet them down too tight.
It would be very easy to bend the tubes of the luggage rack and even distort the boot lid if you overtighten them.

My son once borrowed my estate car and my windsurfer and used those 1" nylon straps to fasten the windsurfer onto the roof rack.
him
When he got there he phoned me to ask why didnt I tell that the both the windsurfer and its mast were cracked through the middle?

When he got home I had a look and noticed that the roof bars were also bent inwards until they were almost flush with roof!
If he had tightened the straps any further the roof would have probably been folded in half also!

So you must be able to apply literally tons of force with the ratchet type straps.

I would keep with either bungee cord or a short length of thin rope if I was you.

Steve, your MG straps look really good.

Colyn

PS If you use bungee cord, always attach the end furthest away from you first, just in case you let go as you are stretching it! I have scars to prove why this is a good idea!
Colyn Firth

Thanks - Steve, those are beautifulstraps! How do they attach to the rack? Are those double snaps on the ends, they look like rivets.
Steven B

Steven

They are strong 'popper' studs, so potentially the weak point although they have never popped out in use.

I am not sure if the craftsman is still alive. He was getting on in years when he made the straps for me about 18 years ago (for my old TC). He learnt his craft in our Royal Air Force Regiment whilst manning mortar trenches during the Dhofar Wars in the late 60s.

Last heard of (by me) running a post office somewhere in our Lake District.

Steve
Steve Gyles

While not very "period" LBcarco.com (Jeff) sells the "spyder bungee". It can't be beat for functionality. It has 8 legs and a plastic center ring. I have used it for thousands of miles. It works very well and I'd recommend it.
Chuck Schaefer

Any good saddler can make these up to your specs. They normally carry all the necessary buckles, studs etc.
Gary Lock

I'm really boring and use a pair of nylon webbing straps (from Halfords) with a steel buckle that allows you to pull the tail through to make it tight and releases when you push the spring-loaded lever down. Not at all stylish but simple and safe.
Lindsay Sampford

I got rubber "bungee" straps from a truck stop that work very well with big S-hooks on the ends. I got one long set and one short set for different sized stuff.

JIM
AJ Mail

Why such expensive bespoke leather items? TK Max and other cheap stores have very nice, long, gents leather trouser belts with good buckles that look the part and work well around your picnic hamper or old leather suitcase, for just a few quid. Use two - one each way round, horizontally and vertically so to speak, to be secure.
Bruce
Bruce Mayo

Bruce

Mine cost me a bottle of wine and had the MG badge cut into the leather! Not a bad deal.

Steve
Steve Gyles

That's what I did Bruce - I got mine from Poundland. The idea of having them in both directions is a good idea to keep the load more secure. Steve G's embossed ones look great - wish I had the skill to do it.
Cam Cunningham

I have a TJ Max across the street, guess I'll check them out !

Steve
Steven B

Steve G -- That's a nice set of leather straps. Got a larger picture?
Barney Gaylord

Barney

I will take one and email it to you.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 19/04/2012 and 20/04/2012

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