kjh176

Nope, not the strut bar. The other end of the straps attach to the frame of the car underneath the floor mat, in the spare wheel well (if you check out your wheel well area there are many nooks and crannies to attach hooks...mmm, english muffins). When not using the rack, I keep the hooks attached to the car frame and simply put them under the carpet/mat. When I want to take my bikes out all I have to do is fish the straps out, attache the receiver pipes, strap it all down and I'm good to go.

I'll post some pics later today/tomorrow that Bird Automotive didn't have, that may answer some more questions you guys have. I may even throw the installation instructions up for shiggles.

kjh176

Nice rig FritzMan...I wish I could have considered something like you did before drilling my Z, but it worked out for me and I'm cool with that. Out of curiosity, how much did it cost you to set this up on your ride?

kjh176

Oops, forgot to answer the second question. The bikes are held onto the rack itself via velcro straps that they supply you - they actually do a decent job, but you could revert to bungees if you were afraid of them ripping off. The Bird rack also has stoppers at the end of the arms to stop your bike from falling off, albeit not large ones, but something nonetheless. I'll post some pics showing how the bike is held on...keep an eye out.

FritzMan

Trunk mount was maybe $75 3-4 years ago. Upright mount was $50 Cdn, and a set of U-bolts from Home Depot for $10.

mark350

If anyone is interested I am selling my Delta Hunch rack for the Z....here is the link

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=76610

Sorry, I am not trying to hijack anyones thread.

kjh176

Adding some pics...hold onto your butts, I took ALOT:



































How do you like 'dem apples?

kjh176

FYI - Since I bought a beater for snow/rain/work driving, I no longer need this rack, so it's up for sale here

Blue Batmobile

iTrader: (22)

I wish Yakima made a rack compatible with the Z. I still have my Yakima roof rack from way back. I think they're the best rack systems made.

Bat™

KShep

iTrader: (4)

I agree...I had a Thule but got rid of it after I bought the Yakima.
Even if they made one for the Z, I don't know if I'd be able to bring myself to use it, but I would trust their design over most any other.

Blue Batmobile

iTrader: (22)

It wouldn't be sopmething I'd leave on my car. Just when I transport my bikes. Most people leave their racks on their car, I did when I had the Celica. Just couldn't do the same with the Z.

Bat™

Hazade

iTrader: (8)

how do you mount it? i trust it wont damage the paint!

Hazade

iTrader: (8)

nevermind guess those pictures answered my question!

kjh176

It works rather well, actually. Read the review on page one for basic install review and take a good look at the pics - no parts of the rack or the bike come near to touching the car. The only part that sort-of looks like it rubs on the paint are the straps, but they are actually touching the upper part of the trunk lid. Good engineering, I must say - if you're willing to put up with those dang pipes on the back however