I'm getting my luggage rack back together after repainting, and I
thought you might be interested in my replacement footman's loops. I'm
using 2" Harken eye straps, and did this mod a few years ago and I
like the eye straps over the stock as they provide more room to run
rope and attach bungees.
Not as low a profile as stock, but still look good I think.

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/vanagon-westy-luggage-rack-footmans-loops/

alistair