Bike Rack

andrewgoh · 02-10-2003, 10:28 PM

Hi,

Has anyone tried to install a bike rack on the 944? I am more interested in a hitch set-up in the rear bumper area. The roof rack has a tendency for scratching the roof paint.

I'd thought of this set-up (see version #3 on webpage), but was informed that the "modular rack" unit is no longer offered by Thule:

http://www.sbclub.org/bike_rack.htm

Thanks!
Andrew

divezic · divezic's Garage

I don't know about the hitch mount but I have a roof mount Yakima rack that has never scratched or marred the paint in any way. I am careful how I store the rubberr mount pads and clean the paint carefully before I install the rack. I carry two bicycles with no problem.

todwic · todwic's Garage

I have a "Upfixin Der Porsche" Vol IX I think, and it has a couple articles about bike racks n such. I'll grab it in the morn and get back with ya.

AFJuvat · 02-11-2003, 03:40 AM

Porsche actually sold a bike rack for these cars - call the dealer

AFJuvat

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

I have been looking for a roof rack-divezic, which Yakima do you have?

scottmandue · 02-11-2003, 11:54 AM

IIRC my PO had a Yakima roof rack, I tried to buy it off him however he found it fit his other car so he kept it.
I see no scratching or damage on the roof.

944jeff · 02-11-2003, 01:27 PM

I soemtimes carry 2-3 winsurfers and gear, about 100 lbs, without any noticeable problems. This is with a Thule rack.

andrewgoh · 02-11-2003, 08:34 PM

Thanks for all for your replies! I'll investigate the Thule or Yakima roof option.

Andrew

andrewgoh · 02-11-2003, 08:42 PM

Just found this on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2403494463&category=33651

I believe it will only fit the turbo version (i.e., without the gutters). Unfortunately, my 1984 has gutters....arggghhhh!

awilson40 · 02:23 AM

I built one very similar as the photos. What I did was buy a 'roof rack rail from Performance Bicycle. Took 2 peices of 1 in aluminum square tube stock. Look under your rear bumper...see the holes to get to the bumper shock bolts? I made some large 3/8 'T' nuts by welding nuts to flat bar that slide up in the holes. Then bolt the alum stock to these. This gives you 2 pieces of square stock sticking out the back under the bumper. Bolt the bike rail to these just far enough back so your handle bars clear the spoiler. Now you have a roof rack rail running parallel to your rear bumper.
Works great for 1 bike

andrewgoh · 02-12-2003, 08:03 AM

awilson40,

Your method sounds great as I am only looking for a setup for 1 bike. Do you have any pics that you may be able to post here for us?

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

Mee too me too! do you have the performance P/N also?? Sounds like a good cheap alternative to a 150-300 $ rack!

andrewgoh · 02-12-2003, 01:24 PM

Here's is a quote for a hitch system from a rack shop in Portland:

* 1985 944 hitch: $165
* Installation of hitch behind bumper: $50
* Yakima 2-person bike rack (1-1/4" hitch): $129 - $199 (various depending on whether you need locking features, straps, etc).

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

OUCH! thats kinda what I expected. I am only taking my MB, I guess I'll just pull the wheels and fit it in the hatch with all my other stuff.. I was trying to avoid a 400$ expenditure on non-essential stuff prior to my trip.

awilson40 · 02-13-2003, 02:20 AM

Sorry, I dont have a digital camera. I checked Performances site
and I dont think the sell just the rail anymore. You may need to look around for used roof rack, that will give you all the parts to build what I have.
It looks like the guys above, except only 1 rail and the square tubing goes up under the bumper and bolts thru the bumper shock mounting holes. I glued rubber strips to the top of the tubing so as not to scratch the underside of the bumper.

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

I really cheaped out- I took off the pedals, wheels and packed it into my hatch. takes up at least half of the hatch tho- i'll have to put my tool chest in the front pass side. Arrgh. at least I'll have my MB in Moab and slickrock.

andrewgoh · 03-25-2003, 08:36 AM

Here is a license-plate bike rack option:
http://www.flash.net/~duetto/bdi.htm

I believe Performance also sells a similar setup.

Has anyone tried this?

andrewgoh · 03-25-2003, 09:35 AM

Here is the one from Performance Parts:
http://www.************************/ProductPage.aspx?productname=Performance+Bike+and+ Ski+Rack&productid=104581&producttype=20

andrewgoh · 05-17-2003, 06:49 PM

SunCoast Porsche is selling a stock of new discontinued roof racks. The starting bid is $50. I got mine for $76 + $15 shipping. If anyone is interested, check it out here:

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=suncoast_porsche