Preparations

Preparations

Applies to cars with a tow hitch

• On cars equipped with a tow hitch, a cut-out for it must be made. Markings can be found on the inside of the Skid plate. Select suitable marking.

• Tape the skid plate on the outside opposite where it is to be sawed to prevent the saw foot from damaging the paintwork.

• Carefully saw out the skid plate according to the selected marking (the image shows detachable towbar EU).

• Smooth off the sawn edges with a fine toothed file.

Only applies to USA tow hitches

• Align the cut-out for the tow hitch wiring.

• Carefully saw out the skid plate according to the selected marking.

• Smooth off the sawn edges with a fine toothed file.

Applies to all models

• Wash the lower section of the bumper cover where the skid plate is to be located.

• Wipe dry.

• Remove the two plastic clips. New ones can be found in the kit.

• Take the cradle from the kit.

• Drill out three holes, using a Ø6 mm (15/64") drill bit, in the center of the three central drill markings (in the recessed holes) in the middle of the cradle.

• Remove any swarf and clean the edges of the holes.

• Drill six holes using Ø5 mm (13/64") drill bit, in the center of the six drill markings at the sides (in the recessed holes) on the cradle.

• Remove any swarf and clean the edges of the holes.

Installation

Installation

• Remove the two middle pieces of protective tape.

• Take the two fixtures from the kit. Press them into the two holes in each end of the cradle, on the opposite side of the pieces of tape.

• Measure up the center of the middle embossing between the cradle's fixtures and apply a piece of tape to the edge of it.

Illustration A

• Position the cradle with the fixtures centered between the middle hole marking on the holder and the edge of the piece of tape as illustrated.

  
  

  Note! Do not tighten the cradle yet.

  
  
  

  Note! It is important that the fixtures are correctly positioned in the holes at the lower edge so that the holder is correctly positioned.

  
  

Illustration B

• Check that measurement A is 6.0 - 6.5 mm (15/64" - 1/4" ) between the upper edge on the mounting hook and the start of the radius for the bumper cover embossing on both sides. Adjust the measurement if necessary by carefully detaching the cradle and adjusting the measurement.

• Press the entire cradle securely.

  
  

  Note! It is important that the cradle is secured along its entire length, so that no bulges occur when riveting.

  
  

• Remove the protective tape from one edge of the cradle.

• Check that measurement A is 6.0 - 6.5 mm (15/64" - 1/4") between the upper edge of the holder and the start of the radius for the bumper cover embossing at the outer end.

• Press the cradle's outer end securely.

• Repeat points 13 and 14 for the other outer end.

• Drill out three holes in the middle of the cradle using a Ø6 mm (15/64") drill bit through the pre-drilled holes and the bumper cover.

• Remove any swarf and clean the edges of the holes. Use a feeler gauge to remove any swarf from the rear of the cradle.

• Take three clips from the kit. Press them in starting at the middle hole and then at the sides.

  
  

  Note! Ensure that the cradle is securely pressed in against the bumper cover and that the clip flanges are properly pressed against the cradle when the clip's central pin is knocked in.

  
  

• Drill out three holes at the sides of the cradle using a Ø5 mm (13/64") drill bit. Drill through pre-drilled holes and the bumper cover.

• Remove any swarf and clean the edges of the holes. Use a feeler gauge to remove any swarf from the rear of the cradle.

• Remove the fixtures.

• Take a pop rivet from the kit and rivet the cradle to the bumper cover. Rivet starting from the inner holes to the outer holes on both sides. Ensure that the cradle is against the bumper cover.

• Take the skid plate from the kit. Remove the spacer molding from both sides and discard.

• Depress the upper edge of the skid plate into the cradle (1). A click should be heard.

• Angle in the lower edge (2) towards the bumper cover.

• Install new plastic clips (3) and tighten.

• Press the skid plate's outer ends towards the bumper cover. Drill four Ø5 mm (13/64") holes through the existing holes in the skid plate and through the bumper cover.

• Remove any swarf.

• Rivet the skid plate.