DIY install TorkLift hitch for bike rack, etc

took less than 2 hours, even stopping for pictures.... install instructions were 'ok'. only real issues were:

- 4 plastic fasteners holding rear 'diaper' pan up probably will break on removal, and you 'll need replacements. You might want to get exact replacements if you have a decent hardware store nearby that carries automotive fasteners.... or, use 'regular' anchor bolts with a fender washer under the screw head so that it will be easy to remove the diaper in the future.

- the 4 included carriage bolt heads *barely* fit thru holes in chassis rails, and you *probably* will need to grid them down to fit thru holes. Or, try sticking the head in FIRST; but be careful not to lose the fish wire off the thread end!

I got my hitch from Torkliftcentral.com directly, it is the 2" steel version.
...I think they are now offering a stainless version, and may offer a 1-1/4" version. At the time I ordered, there was only a 2" version.... very beefy at 42.5# including hardware.

There are NO electronics included for wiring lights... but perfect for a bike rack

I'm envious, but cutting through the rear fascia is a no-go for some of us.

So there IS a rear speaker!

Blanked said:

So there IS a rear speaker!

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Yep, its existence has been confirmed by a few people. I just don't think anyone has been able to determine what it does (if anything).

Is that an early 60s Sunbeam in the outside pic?

Excellent post, btw. I'll be following this for my own install later

Davedough said:

Is that an early 60s Sunbeam in the outside pic?

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yup, its a '62. I was going to convert to electric.... but it really needs suspension and brake restoration before that, so I may have to sell it since restorations are really not my thing.

Davedough said:

Excellent post, btw. I'll be following this for my own install later

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thanks.....
I figure these owner forums are more useful if we share knowledge as well as opinions.

Thank you for the detailed post! This actually looks easier than installing the rack on my Mariner (except for the cutting part ?). I can’t wait to get my car so I can try it!

Colorider said:

Thank you for the detailed post! This actually looks easier than installing the rack on my Mariner (except for the cutting part ?). I can’t wait to get my car so I can try it!

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The Cutting part was a little bit traumatic mentally, but pretty easy to find the center between the bolt holes and just use a small square to keep things straight. It's a reasonably close fit with very little Gap between the facia and the hitch when you are done

I was able to fit the bolts through without grinding, but I did consider it. They are like one of those metal puzzle toys, you have to get the orientation perfect.

Unintuitively, you gotta put the head part in first, even though the puller is attached to the other side.

pohdyb said:

I was able to fit the bolts through without grinding, but I did consider it. They are like one of those metal puzzle toys, you have to get the orientation perfect.

Unintuitively, you gotta put the head part in first, even though the puller is attached to the other side.

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Too funny, I did not even try putting the head in the hole first. I bet that would work. But the grinding worked as well.

I think I will go back and edit my post to include your tip right up front though it sounds like a good one

+1 on the torklift install. Ground 3 of 4 bolts for 1 sec on the bench. Easier to install. I didn't raise the vehicle or remove the entire cover. Just the back screws and two plugs. I raised 1 side of the hitch to the bumper cover and cut along the side of the hitch using an orbital saw this way the hole was straight and flush. No need to cut the top edge just bent it out of the way. Same for the bottom.

balthisar said:

I'm envious, but cutting through the rear fascia is a no-go for some of us.

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You don't own it until you've cut a hole in it! The first time I drill into the exterior of a new-to-me vehicle is a special moment. Just wait until we start putting on riv-nut mounted roof racks.

dtbaker61 said:

Too funny, I did not even try putting the head in the hole first. I bet that would work. But the grinding worked as well.

I think I will go back and edit my post to include your tip right up front though it sounds like a good one

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Yup same here. I installed head first. Then wiggled my way in. Good write up.

I'm curious, mine didn't have a speaker foam baffle like yours. Does anyone else have it?

don27d said:

I'm curious, mine didn't have a speaker foam baffle like yours. Does anyone else have it?

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Maybe they stopped installing the foam when they decided the rear speaker wasn't going to do anything.