INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS / MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDED FOR OFF ROAD USE - ROUTINELY CHECK HARDWARE / LATCHES FOR ANY SIGNS OF FATIGUE. COMPLETING GENERAL MAINTENANCE AS NEEDED.
INSTALLER ASSUMES ALL RISK / LIABILITY RELATED TO THE USE OF DEVICE.
Headlights / Bumper cover will need to be removed for installation.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
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Generic step drill (amazon / harbor freight) - drilling fender / bumper
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Rotary tool / Jewelers saw - notching plastic bumper.
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1/4" ratchet w/long socket - installing bracket.
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Permanent /paint marker - marking drill / cut locations.
MAINTENANCE:
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Routinely check rear section of latch, road / vibrations may cause locking assembly to back out from housing. Apply BLUE loc-tite in the event of rotation, latch is designed to disassemble for cleaning / lubrication.
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Lubrication, any corrosion inhibiting lubrication can be used - avoid greases that have added graphite as this can cause a build up of material in latching surface.
STEP ONE: PICK YOUR MOUNTING LOCATION
On the below image the area highlighted in yellow is the typical mounting location for both single and dual latch assemblies. When mounting dual latch assemblies, we recommend mounting towards the rear of the flange. Once your location has been identified place the stencil onto the underside fender. Use a measuring device to mirror location on opposite side of vehicle. Prior to drilling verify drill dots align with center of bracket holes. We recommend a step drill to slowly drill through the fender, test fitting to ensure holes are to spec. once holes are drilled, install bracket, tightening the flange nuts from the inner fender / behind headlight assembly. NOTE: Avoid utilizing any drilled / tapped holes from o.e mounting, this will allow you to revert to standard mounting system in the future if desired.
STEP TWO: BUMPER FLANGE NOTCH / FITMENT (may require a second person)
This is not a process that needs to be 100% exact, making sure to not take off more material than needed. With the bracket securely mounted to the fender, hold the bumper cover as close to its ideal location as possible. Take a marker / paint pen and make an outline where the bracket makes contact with bumper cover. Slowly cut away the area between the outline, once bumper sits flush with fender stop; do not cut past the curve of the flange, this will result in a visible gap. Please see the below picture for reference.
STEP THREE: EXTERIOR BUMPER LATCH MOUNT - CRITICAL
This is the most critical step of the process to ensure a clean / flush mount. We recommend both manually marking the fender and utilizing the included template. With the bracket firmly resting against the fender and in the desired mounting location; install the ball mount / center shaft of the bracket, for this step of the process we want the ball to touch the inner side of the bumper cover. Once the shaft has been adjusted, lightly tighten. While holding the bumper in the desired location, use your paint marker to mark the location of the pin where it contacts your bumper. This needs to be a clean accurate indication mark; this will be your main point of reference for the latch installation. When comfortable with the mounting location, drill a single 1/8 hole through the center of the mark. Align the 1/8 hole with the included template. Step drill is highly recommended for the next part of installation. Slowly increase your hole size with step drill tell it matches the template hole diameter / OD of the threads on exterior latch. Once drilled / sanded you can install the latch and lock nut into the bumper cover.
STEP FOUR: PIN ADJUSTMENT / MAINTENANCE
Loosen the nuts holding the center pin, increase / decrease the distance to bring your bumper flush with the fender. The threaded ball rod should be your primary adjustment for in/out, avoid utilizing the bracket T-bolts as they are designed to remain fully seated / centered. Check hardware regularly; Engine /road vibrations can cause hardware to come loose over time, routinely checking your brackets and hardware will ensure failure free operation. Periodically clean out the inner latch assembly with que-tip and anti-corrosion lubricant, removing dust and debris from the assembly. As with anything racecar, your gear is only as good as the person who is working / servicing, Recommended for race / off road applications – kits were not intended for daily drivers playing bumper cars.
