cabo5150
04-11-2004, 08:48 PM
I thought I'd share my hitch install with SaturnFans.
You'll need:
The hitch (obviously). I used Draw-tite # 24685.
Ramps (or something to securely raise the rear).
Flat blade screw driver (or other prying implement)
Sharpie marker
Drill with 1/2 bit
7/16" deep socket
Silicone sealant
Torque wrench (capable of 75 ft/lbs)
Here are Draw-tite's instructions:
http://65.196.229.70/pdf/N24685.pdf
1. Install galvanic isolator pads as per instructions (easier to do now before you get dirty)
2. Back the car up onto the ramps (you'll need to raise it to be able to get the drill under)
3. Remove spare tire
4. Remove plugs from trunk in spare tire well, it is the middle set just below the stud for the spare tire mount (I pried w/ the screwdriver from under the car) pics:
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11454/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11453/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
5. Install hitch using plate through the trunk pan (tighten enough to hold it in place, but loose enough to move around to adjust)
6. Adjust hitch to align holes with the dimples in the bumper and mark the location with the sharpie.
7. Drill the 1/2" holes at the marker points. I would: a) wear glasses b) have someone available to hold a vacuum hose while you are drilling, the aluminum was flying everywhere as I was drilling.
8. Install the bolts. Be sure the isolator pads are against the bumper side of the square washer
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11455/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
9. Bolt up the hitch. I bolted the front up first, then the rear. After the rear was tight I removed the front and ran a bead of silicone around the plug holes and around the trunk pan plate, then re-installed the front bolts.
10. Torque to 75 ft/lbs.
pic installed:
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11456/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
All said it took about an hour including clean-up. I did not run wiring b/c I will only be using it for a bike rack.
Problems: The hitch was order from hitch-finder.com The order came very quickly, however the plate did NOT align with the hitch part. An email was left unanswered! However, the same email was sent to draw-tite.com and was answered very quickly. The holes on the plate and the hitch need to be 5" on center. The plate was 5" the hitch was 4.75" (btw car is 5"). Within a week I had a correct replacement. The guy gave me the option to notch the wrong hitch, (but I don't have the tools to do that) or send a replacement. Moral of the story, prefit the parts before you begin.
Hopes this helps somebody! And hopefully the weather turns better so i can hit the trails soon.
You'll need:
The hitch (obviously). I used Draw-tite # 24685.
Ramps (or something to securely raise the rear).
Flat blade screw driver (or other prying implement)
Sharpie marker
Drill with 1/2 bit
7/16" deep socket
Silicone sealant
Torque wrench (capable of 75 ft/lbs)
Here are Draw-tite's instructions:
http://65.196.229.70/pdf/N24685.pdf
1. Install galvanic isolator pads as per instructions (easier to do now before you get dirty)
2. Back the car up onto the ramps (you'll need to raise it to be able to get the drill under)
3. Remove spare tire
4. Remove plugs from trunk in spare tire well, it is the middle set just below the stud for the spare tire mount (I pried w/ the screwdriver from under the car) pics:
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11454/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11453/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
5. Install hitch using plate through the trunk pan (tighten enough to hold it in place, but loose enough to move around to adjust)
6. Adjust hitch to align holes with the dimples in the bumper and mark the location with the sharpie.
7. Drill the 1/2" holes at the marker points. I would: a) wear glasses b) have someone available to hold a vacuum hose while you are drilling, the aluminum was flying everywhere as I was drilling.
8. Install the bolts. Be sure the isolator pads are against the bumper side of the square washer
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11455/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
9. Bolt up the hitch. I bolted the front up first, then the rear. After the rear was tight I removed the front and ran a bead of silicone around the plug holes and around the trunk pan plate, then re-installed the front bolts.
10. Torque to 75 ft/lbs.
pic installed:
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/11456/password//sort/1/cat/500/page/1
All said it took about an hour including clean-up. I did not run wiring b/c I will only be using it for a bike rack.
Problems: The hitch was order from hitch-finder.com The order came very quickly, however the plate did NOT align with the hitch part. An email was left unanswered! However, the same email was sent to draw-tite.com and was answered very quickly. The holes on the plate and the hitch need to be 5" on center. The plate was 5" the hitch was 4.75" (btw car is 5"). Within a week I had a correct replacement. The guy gave me the option to notch the wrong hitch, (but I don't have the tools to do that) or send a replacement. Moral of the story, prefit the parts before you begin.
Hopes this helps somebody! And hopefully the weather turns better so i can hit the trails soon.