Product idea....

[cosmart]

The two holes in the back of the smart are strong enough to hold a pretty heavy bike/ski rack. Which unfortunately is about $500 and backordered to infinity. What other things could we use those holes for?

I have an idea. Make a 1 1/4" receiver that hung down at normal tow level and bolted into the holes. Not to use for towing, absolutely not, but to be able to use the many accessories already made to fit in a 1 1/4" receiver. I have seen bike racks, ski racks, coolers, cargo holders made to fit in a 1 1/4" receiver. One of those cargo holders would be a great place to hold a spare and jack for a long trip.

It may have to be triangulated by a support running from the back of the receiver to the frame somewhere, but I'm guessing this wouldn't be that big a deal to figure out.

The whole world of standard 1 1/4" accessories would be opened up.

[Dunerunner]

Oh, here's one:

[SubSlr88]

I love it! And it can double as a bumper, too.

Are you sure the engine heat isn't going to cook the spare?

[cosmart]

I would be worried about paint damage under the metal strip. Once a little road grit worked its way in there, I would almost guarantee it. I had envisioned a three point attachment with no paint contact. But that is a good use of the holes.

[Carl242]

Originally Posted by cosmart

I would be worried about paint damage under the metal strip. Once a little road grit worked its way in there, I would almost guarantee it. I had envisioned a three point attachment with no paint contact. But that is a good use of the holes.

People with yellow, white, and black smarts would not have to worry about paint damage . . . no paint

[curtis]

just scuffs

[nscaler]

If the bolt(s) were long enough and the threaded part just seated in the socket, it would not have to touch the body at all. If the weight could be kept low (like a bike or skiis rack) incorporating the 1 1/4" receiver, just the two bolts would be sufficient. Remove the rack to open the gate. The receiver / bar could stay on the car all the time.
I think a 1 1/4" inch tube would work with the receiver welded in the middle (same diameter - cleaner look). Two holes for the bolts in each end. Fabricating the bolt assemblies would be the only complicated part.
Hmmm...;)

[cosmart]

Originally Posted by nscaler

If the bolt(s) were long enough and the threaded part just seated in the socket, it would not have to touch the body at all. If the weight could be kept low (like a bike or skiis rack) incorporating the 1 1/4" receiver, just the two bolts would be sufficient. Remove the rack to open the gate. The receiver / bar could stay on the car all the time.
I think a 1 1/4" inch tube would work with the receiver welded in the middle (same diameter - cleaner look). Two holes for the bolts in each end. Fabricating the bolt assemblies would be the only complicated part.
Hmmm...;)

One tubing bend, one weld for the receiver, two welds for the bolt assemblies.

I'd be all over it.

If I knew how to weld!

[Dunerunner]

These could work;



http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/ind...roducts_id=121

[nscaler]

Originally Posted by cosmart

One tubing bend, one weld for the receiver, two welds for the bolt assemblies.

I'd be all over it.

If I knew how to weld!

No bending needed - straight tube. the bolts would need to be just long enough to hold the tube maybe 1" away. 1/2" would actually be stronger and the rack would hold more weight with less flex.