"Do-Luck" RLB install

[808rps13]

okay so i was attempting to install the "Do-Luck" (it's in quotes b/c i'm suspecting that they're probably knock-offs) Rear ladder bar (RLB) and ran into a few problems... here's a link to some pics and captions detailing the problems i ran into:
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?selected=77509

hopefully <crossing fingers> i won't run into problems w/ the FLB (front). not counting on it though b/c the Do-Luck (Japan) webpage says something about not being able to install it on "S13 w/ Super HICAS" (i have HICAS). i'm hoping when they say S13 they mean Silvia and not RS13 or RPS13 (180sx).

i'll probably try and modify the bar to try and make it fit (grind and drill my own holes). if not then i guess i'll shell out the cash for the authentic Do-Luck bar(s).

... i also can't help but notice that when "this" bar is installed, it is slightly noticeable from behind. it's not completley tucked behind (beneath) the rear bumper. &nbsp;not sure if that's the case on the real one?

[planb]

I cant help you on the install, sorry, but I can answer your question about the bar hanging below the bumper... it is normal, look at the pic in the upper right on this page.. <a href="http://www.geocities.com/silviaparts2000/bars.html" target='_blank'>http://www.geocities.com/silviaparts2000/bars.html</a>


edit: &nbsp;looking at your pics again... I would say drill holes in the passenger side bracket where those 2 threaded holes are on the frame. &nbsp;those holes/bolts look awfully small for a chassis support bar though.... maybe its just the pics.

[adey]

Yeah I'd like to add that that black painted thing doesn't look like a very high quality piece. Where, if you don't mind me asking, did you get it? I'll be sure to stay away from that shop... &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sigh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':rolleyes:'>

[808rps13]

<!--QuoteBegin--adey+Aug. 19 2002,04<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (adey @ Aug. 19 2002,04<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>4)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Yeah I'd like to add that that black painted thing doesn't look like a very high quality piece. Where, if you don't mind me asking, did you get it? I'll be sure to stay away from that shop... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sigh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':rolleyes:'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
i purchased them through the GB that was going on right here on Zilvia. the black paint doesn't make it look too great, but the bar itself is pretty heavy gauge steel and the welds are very clean. and since my car is black, i think it might blend in real well, or i'll get it powdercoated.

Mav1178 (Alex) sent me some pics of his real Do-Luck bar and it looks exactly the same as the one i have (except for the finish and his has NO number stamped on it). the real one also only has a single hole on the pass. side bracket too. but again the hole it lines up w/ is not threaded so... i'll try tapping the hole and getting a larger bolt. i'll update as i add more pics.

[sykikchimp]

Did Alex give you any installation tips?

[mazdog240]

This is f%#ked up. Have you contacted Francisco? &nbsp;How much of an interference with the gastank strap is there? Would it be possible to: 1 drill the holes on the side to bolt into, 2 grind the corner down where it hits bumper, 3 grind area of interference with with tank strap? &nbsp;Although this all sucks would this work to install the bar securely. &nbsp;How did the FLB install go?

[808rps13]

it may be possible that mine is an isolated case and for some reason or another i'm running into interference from various pts. on the car. my car has never been in any type of accident before (knock on wood), original owner. if the car had rear-end damage then it might be possible that things may not be in perfect alignment and what not, but that's not the case here.

i grinded down the corner where it's hitting the bumper, i didn't grind it enough, but if i do, it appears that it should sit flush and therefore eliminate the problem of hitting the strap. still have to get a larger bolt and tap the hole. once that's done and if everything lines up, i'll drill 2 new holes on the bar bracket.

no installation tips b/c if everything lines up correctly it's pretty straightforward. again, mine just might be an isolated case. hopefully someone else who ordered these might try installing them and post how it went. didn't get a chance to install the FLB yet...