Well this is rad but being lowered puts it like 5" or less to the ground and even more so while taking an angled driveway/exit/entrance etc etc.. I think I'll stick with the Seasucker but this is a great setup for anyone not lowering their car.

Killer write up man, thank you!

 

Thanks!
We'll see about the lowering. I'm waiting on a set of F500s

There's a little more than 2" of room to raise the drop hitch. All I have to do is remove the useless gusset and drill a hitch-pin hole further down.

I don't plan on dropping my car more than 2" so if I raise the drop hitch by that much I should be able to continue using it. As it is now the hitch itself does not strike anything. It's only the rack at the farthest point from the car and only on an excessively steep step-up edge on my driveway. Most everywhere else it's been fine.

I also have an FX35 so there's that...

 

I've got the hardware, just need to get some metal cutting bits or visit my dad. Then I need to buy the hitch-mounted rack

 

Nice!
Take your time, measure twice, cut once.
I got the bits and bolts from Home Depot. I'm sure they aren't hard to find anywhere.

Buy a quality hitch rack. Yes, they are expensive as all heck, this is one place where every dollar spent matters. Crap racks rock, rattle, rub and scratch your bikes, rust and die in 2 seasons.
Premium racks are fast to install/remove, rack the bike in seconds, won't damage anything, and last 15 years.

 

It came with bolts nuts and washers

 

It came with bolts long enough to fit through the hitch bracket and the 2" bumper beam?

 

hmm, probably not long enough then.

 

The bolt length is indicated in the DYI.
It's better to get bolts with partially threaded shanks but not necessary.

 

I didn't notice this hitch on your car at the meet? Lol Did you take it off that day? Once again zilla amazing writeup bro!

 

It literally takes 5 mins to make it disappear.
I put it on when I ride and drop it when I'm done.

 

Got mine put on this weekend. I was a little concerned at first because the drill slipped a little bit starting the hole, but it ended up perfectly snug. I did have to get new bolts and used the .5"spacers, doing so meant I couldn't use the included washers that took up about 1/32 to much space to fit through to the front.

Today I'll pick up a bike rack

 

Slick!
Consider 1UP USA, or Tule Sportworks T2
They're expensive but work extremely Well.
I own both, the 1Up is the best.

It's lighter, and can be installed a a single rack saving even more weight and lightening the load on your bumper even further. It also does not rub the fork leg like the T2 does.

If not them maybe something similar in design.

Good luck!

 

I picked up a Yakima Two-Timer at lunch today. its fairly narrow weighs in at 40ish lbs. The only thing I don't like is the top tube "clamp" as I was hoping to avoid anything touching the frame, but it wasn't worth the extra $150 for a wheel "clamp".

 

Great!
Congrats on the mod as well.
I'd be interested in seeing some photos of the results.