Product idea....

[jonnysan]

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.

The two connection points on each side are longer standoffs so that the bar is some distance from the tailgate panel and not even close to touching.

Reference one post about the *proprietary thread* on those two tow hook tappings into the tridion and the picture posted by Dunerunner, I think, showing the standoff with the bastard thread on one end the the countersunk bolt in the outboard end. This is the part used for that offset license plate conversion (front license plate-no holes drilled) kit that you can get if you don't want to drill holes in the front for the stock plate mount.

The bastard thread can be copied on a lathe fairly easily and duplicated without too much trouble if need be.

Picture is right in this thread, I see....duh.....

[nprsmart]

Originally Posted by 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.

Sounds close to perfect for a bike rack. I am also interested in a bike rack solution that doesn't cost the better part of a grand.

[nscaler]

Guess I need to see the attachments that fit the 1 1/4" receiver first. Mostly to see how far the receiver should stick out.