Draw-Tite Hitch installed on my Si Coupe

[MarkR171]

I posted another thread a couple weeks ago about the custom exhaust made for my car to make room for a trailer hitch here.

I finally got around to installing the hitch and bike rack the other day and figured I'd post some pictures and thoughts for anyone who may be thinking about doing the same. I used the Draw-Tite Sportframe hitch designed for the sedan and hatchback without center exhausts. With the exhaust out of the way, and the bumper already clearanced in the center for the hitch, it was a relatively simple install with only minor trimming of a metal bracket required.

Install was easy on the Si, a few plastic clips and screws and the bumper pulls right out - no wiring to unplug. Once the bumper is off, the hitch installs between the bumper support bar and the body. In order for the hitch bracket to fit flush on the Si body, I had to trim a little bit off a pair of brackets that are just there to clip the bottom of the bumper cover. I used a dremel and a metal cutting disk, then sanded it down to clean the cut and sprayed primer to protect it.

Sanded, primed, and clears the hitch frame.

Installed, just need to put the bumper cover back on.

Bumper and exhaust tip clearance. Yes I understand it doesn't look great, but that's not the point, it's not for everyone. I don't think the center exhaust looked very good anyway, and this is for a function .

 

[Crstfr]

Honestly, it doesn't look that bad. Well done.

 

[REBELXSi]

Was a roof rack not an option?

 

[TOMMY B]

Looks great.. , the offset looks perfect as well.

 

[CVCTURBO]

You no it's not that bad looking honestly. You should angle that exhaust tip up and out a little to the right! Not as aggressive as the pic but just a thought!

Better yet I might do that...

 

[360glitch]

Nice rack.

 

[jscm]

I posted another thread a couple weeks ago about the custom exhaust made for my car to make room for a trailer hitch here.

I finally got around to installing the hitch and bike rack the other day and figured I'd post some pictures and thoughts for anyone who may be thinking about doing the same. I used the Draw-Tite Sportframe hitch designed for the sedan and hatchback without center exhausts. With the exhaust out of the way, and the bumper already clearanced in the center for the hitch, it was a relatively simple install with only minor trimming of a metal bracket required.

Install was easy on the Si, a few plastic clips and screws and the bumper pulls right out - no wiring to unplug. Once the bumper is off, the hitch installs between the bumper support bar and the body. In order for the hitch bracket to fit flush on the Si body, I had to trim a little bit off a pair of brackets that are just there to clip the bottom of the bumper cover. I used a dremel and a metal cutting disk, then sanded it down to clean the cut and sprayed primer to protect it.

Sanded, primed, and clears the hitch frame.

Installed, just need to put the bumper cover back on.

Bumper and exhaust tip clearance. Yes I understand it doesn't look great, but that's not the point, it's not for everyone. I don't think the center exhaust looked very good anyway, and this is for a function .

can you take a picture underneath?

 

[jscm]

nevermind i saw you first post

 

[minitech]

Sweet ! I like how you got that exhaust set up too !

 

[Syco54645]

Was a roof rack not an option?

I'd say they either had the bike rack already or did not want the hassle of lifting the bike up to the roof. One slip can easily cause a lot of damage.

 

[MarkR171]

There are no roof racks available for the coupe other than "universal" kits. The problem with roof racks is added wind noise, reduced mpg, and the hassle of lifting and lowering bikes on/from the roof. The trailer hitch means the bike rack is removable in seconds when I don't need it, doesn't add wind noise, and makes loading bikes easier.

Other than the bikes, the hitch allows me to pull my tire trailer if I ever need to.