Non-invasive mounting for kammback
 

I figured today while I got the Celebrity out, I would get started on the trunk lid kammback that I have been wanting to do. This is my nicest car so I do not want to drill into it. Over the winter I have been thinking of non-invasive, simple but secure ways to attach it to the trunk lid and I think I have come up with a good solution.

I measured under the trunk lid and the panel lip extends 5/8" inward before it gets to the thick part of the trunk frame. After work I cut out some scraps of 14 ga stainless steel 1" x 1 1/2" and drilled a 3/8" hole. Then I bent them 90 degrees to make a 5/8" lip. I cut up some scraps of 1/8" thick rubber, 5/8" x 1" to protect the bottom of the trunk lip, and electrical taped one to each bracket. I also taped around the vertical part of the bracket to protect the edge of the trunk lip.

I went to Lowe's and picked up two 6 ft pieces of 1/4-20 threaded rod, and 12 ft of some clear rubber hose 5/16" ID. I cut the rods a little wider than the rear of the car so I can trim them once the kammback is done and attached at the proper width. I cut the hose to the width of the trunk lid and slid it onto the rod to protect the trunk lid. Then I slid a bracket onto each side, gripping the trunk lip, and tightened a 1/4-20 nut onto each side to tension the rod and keep everything secure. Total was under $10.

This may be a good way to attach to other vehicles as well, for those who do not want to drill into the vehicle.

I was tossing around a full boattail or kammback. I have decided on what my original plan was, to start with a hinged kammback onto the trunk lid so I can use the trunk. Then if I want to later, I can still build a fixed boattail onto the steel bumper that will follow the lines of the kammback. The kammback will hinge on the rear rod so I can open the trunk without hitting the back window, and it will lock at the front somehow, maybe with a nyloc wingnut or something more elaborate. It will need to be a sturdy frame and a good secure attachment so the wind does not catch it and rip it off. I am sure I can come up with something light, attractive, cheap, and roadworthy.

wagonman76 -

Cool. I admire this kind of ingenuity. It looks like you could also use it as a mount for the horizontal spoilers that the salt-flat racers use.

CarloSW2

check out how rear mounted bicycle carriers that clamp on to the car work, alot of them are made to move out of the way easily and yet hold a bit of weight.

Nice work!

I was thinking recently about a "non-drilling" method for mounting a solar panel on the hood of the ForkenSwift, and I think your approach will do the trick.

I appreciate you're "how I did it." I am considering ways to do this now, and your method has prompted new ideas. Thanks.