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Thread: Tone Hidden Hitch Install --- Tips??

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  1. #1
    Member Since
    Apr 2008
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    Tone Hidden Hitch Install --- Tips??

    I'm going to install my TONE hitch today/tomorrow.

    Any tips tricks etc.

    Everyone says it's a major Pain, but it seems sooo simple.

    Is it a pain because it's tough to drill the holes?

    Seems like a fresh can of cutting oil a pneumatic drill and a new bit would go a long way?

    Am I missing something?

    Please please let me know how your install went where the kinks occurred etc. So I can plan accordingly.

    Thanks VXers!

    Richie

  2. #2
    Member Since
    Feb 2006
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    yea make sure to use alot of cutting oil, have at least 1 extra drill bit ready, and if you have a friend with small hands.. that would be helpful for getting the torx screws behind the side cladding.. i have small hands... used 1/4" torx screwdriver bit and a box end wrench to turn it.. was really the only way to get back there effectively.. oh gloves help too because of the metal shavings all over


    "Engineers believe if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet"

  3. #3
    Member Since
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    Don't do like I did - I thought the faster the better on the drill; after I burned through my bit, went to the hardware store and the guy there told me to drill very slowly. It really isn't a bad install other than the holes - make sure you have something soft to lay your cladding on while you're cutting the hole so that you don't scratch it.
    "If you're not living on the edge --- you're taking up too much space!!"

  4. #4
    Member Since
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    Awesome thanks guys...

    I know about drilling... you let the bit do the work... you apply gentle pressure only.

    I'm trying to figure out if I want to do it right now... or if I should wait until the AM. I think I'm going to do it tonight... I've got 4 hours of daylight left

  5. #5
    Member Since
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    If you don't have one, go out and rent a 1/2 inch drill motor. Will be money well spent. Of course, have a sharp drill bit, use cutting oil and don't force it, let it cut. it's all about feeds and speeds
    Greetings, Earthling. We come in peace... Never mind "Paris to Dakar", the VehiCROSS looks ready for the Martian desert.

  6. #6
    Member Since
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    Also, take your time trimming the cladding to fit, one of those measure twice, cut once. But since it is impossible to measure, the width is easy, it is the top cut you want to take your time on so it ends up 'good en tight'
    Last edited by rowhard : 05/09/2008 at 06:56 PM Reason: typo errot

  7. #7
    Member Since
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    The first time I did it I went through 3 drill bits... (Blk&Decker). Second time I did it (second VX) I bought a $15 Titanium bit...flawless!

    The cladding is not bad if you be sure to undo the screws holding the area inside the fender well (where mudflaps would go if you had them)...
    I used my rubber mallet to squeeze in and act like a "holder" for the cladding... no problems... had plenty of room to turn.

    One big tip though!!! be sure to cut engough vertically on the post cutout (in the cladding). If you are even 1-2 mm off, you won't be able to attach the bumper screws. Then you'll cuss like crazy because now you have to take the screws out from inside the cladding AGAIN!
    Measure 3 times... then cut twice.
    SilverBullet75
    Formerly: '01 Ebony VXSTLTH
    Now: '08 Saab 9-7x Aero 6.0L

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