Installing the base rack?

[xrisnothing]

I'm thinking about purchasing the OEM bike rack. Has anyone installed it themselves? Does it require drilling or cutting? Any instructions posted online?

[forestacademy]

See
Bike Rack is done!
bike rack?
Smart Rack (Bike, Ski, & Snowbard)
Bike Rack
The $110 Yakima Bike Rack (Works Great!)
Smart Car Bike Rack---- I would have never guessed
If you want more look here
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...earchid=679058

[xrisnothing]

Wow, I never would have thought to search...

Only one of the posts you listed even references the OEM rack and goes only so far as to have a few pictures of it.

I am looking for installation instructions of the official base rack from smart, not aftermarket bike racks.

[jefferios]

How much are the smart centers selling the bike rack for now? I believe the install is easy ans it uses the tow hooks for support.

[SmartTech]

you have to pull the rear panels and install two brackets under rear center section. the brackets then make two post that stick up through the vents right below the tail gate. its give the base rack 4 mounting points to make it must more stable. base rack is $319 (Smart Car Base rack - Default Store View) and scpdx charges 200 install

[ciscocali]

Our improved Smart Bike Rack will be available in about one week. This is worth the wait. Many upgrades and improvements that will accommodate $5,000 bikes. This will hold 2 full size bikes and will have the options for Ski, Snowboard and Golf bags. Check Smart Madness - Smart Car Parts and Accessories

No need to pull out any panels.

[xrisnothing]

Is there any cutting or drilling involved with installing the brackets for the base carrier?

[SmartTech]

It is helpfull to drill pilot holes for the screws that hold the brackets, other then that no cutting or any other drilling

[xrisnothing]

I received the rack from SCP-Parts and installed it yesterday.

I have to say that the rack is solid. I've yet to actually carry a bike on it, but the rack itself is very stable. The installation, however, was a PITA. You have to remove the side skirts, trunk lid panel, the trunk lid and the entire rear bumper panel. To do this you have to disconnect the rear lights, the license plate lights, the gas tank lid actuator, and the trunk lid actuator. The tools you'll need are: a drill bit, a torx 25 and torx 40, and a drill.

The drill is to mount the brackets onto your car. The screws supplied are self tapping. There's no real precise measuring involved with mounting the brackets which is disconcerting. Thirty to forty minutes of my install time was spent reading the crappy installation instructions to make sure I was really about to drill on my car without so much as picking up a ruler or level.

I cannot emphasize how crappy the instructions are enough. They are terrible. Before you begin read this and print it out: FQ101 : Smart Car Modifications Those are instructions on removing all of the panels. I've not found any good instructions for actually installing the rack.

Anyway, it seems really stable, looks great, and includes a locking mechanism and set of keys. I absolutely do not think it's worth the $1000 the dealer told me it would cost to install, but at ~$550 for 2 bikes and ~$400 for 1 if you do it by yourself then yeah, it's probably worth it. I wouldn't recommend DIY if you've no experience working on a car.

I only ordered the base rack and the single bike rack. I'm probably going to order the second rack soon. The single rack costs ~$70 and the second rack costs $140. Why does the second rack cost so much more? What's included?