The zip it rack

[Brentwood Bob]

Just published a YouTube of the zip it rack.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xAAZ7qNTa0E
Thanks.

 

[Brad in Germany]

The originals were called the "Zip-a-Rak" made by the Peters & Russell Inc. of Springfield Ohio.

They were first introduced in June of 1929.

Here is the introductory advertisement that appeared in the June 1929 issue of Ford Dealer and Service Field:

Brad in Maryland

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Thanks Brad. Apparently, an old accessory.

 

[Redbird]

Yankee ingenuity at its finest!

 

[John]

It is correct that the reproductions are no longer in production and haven't been for many years. I did find an original at Hershey a couple of years ago and now it awaits restoration so the originals are still out there.

 

[larrys40]

One of my old A friend locally had one in his unrestored tudor. His son had it now but it is a pretty cool trunk rack . If anyone sees one I’d snag it.
Larry

 

[w.michael]

I have one of these (reproduction) on my 60B, which looks quite a bit like the photo in Brad’s ad. It was installed by the previous owner, so I don’t know where it was purchased, or when. I like it much better than any of the folding racks I have tried to use with rear spares. It is not really noticeable when closed—looks like a small bumper guard.

W. Michael

 

[Brad in Germany]

Here are some other write-ups on the ZIP-A-RAK:

From April 1929:

From later in 1929:

From May 1930:

par= Peters and Russell, Inc.

Brad in Maryland

 

[Chris Haynes]

I would love to have one.

 

[Vern]

The reproduction Zip rack on the back of the roadster came from a friend about 15 years ago. I found another at the Big 3 swap a couple of years ago and bought it for another couple who wanted one. Aside from the chrome plating of the rear bar, it doesn’t seem that making one would be that difficult.

 

[History]

I’d really like to have one of these, a reproduction would be fine. I like the tag as well!!!!!!!

The reproduction Zip rack on the back of the roadster came from a friend about 15 years ago. I found another at the Big 3 swap a couple of years ago and bought it for another couple who wanted one. Aside from the chrome plating of the rear bar, it doesn’t seem that making one would be that difficult.

 

[rickblack]

It is correct that the reproductions are no longer in production and haven't been for many years. I did find an original at Hershey a couple of years ago and now it awaits restoration so the originals are still out there.

A new reproduction is in the works as of Summer 2024. Stay tuned!

 

[rfitzpatrick]

From the Internet: RickBlack44@gmail.com
Phone: 541-499-1356


OK, my fault -- he's looking for one. SORRY

 

[Bob Bidonde]

I have the folding type luggage rack that I install for long distance travel. Otherwise I remove & store the rack which is a chore I want to avoid in the future. Actually, my 81-year-old-body is getting tired of hoisting this rack around. I would opt for a reproduction of the Zip-A-Rak for my Victoria.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Rick black, great news! The nesting, and the dimensions are important. Will support a spare engine. But the steering will be quick.

 

[ModelA29]

I have the folding type luggage rack ..... I would opt for a reproduction of the Zip-A-Rak for my Victoria.

I picked one up because it's basically invisible when not in use. I was getting a Victoria and thought it was important not to mess up the look with a folding rack. The Victoria deal didn't work out but I have the rack and trunk.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Nice article in the January-February Restorer. In my opinion, the John LaVoy version is the bench mark.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Bill Miller owned an eyebrow, early 30, low mileage 4 door located in Gilroy, CA, that had the rack installed. Miller used the original rack as a template to then reproduce the rack.
Never asked him how many he made up and sold. I was surprised Rick Black neglected to mention my help in the development of the latest copy. I offered to make my LaVoy version available to compare to the current prototype. My Miller version went to Bill Williamson to carry his wheel chair.

 

[bogiediver]

It wasn't clear to me - did anyone decide to actually reproduce the Zip-a-Rak?

I'd certainly be interested in getting one it they are available.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Refer to the Restorer article.