Paddington
Aug 18 2008, 02:23 PM
Hi there,
I bought my wife a bike, safe in the assumption that I would be able to carry it on the back of the car.
Before you ask: No, it can't go on the roof as we go frequently via Eurotunnel, and it would be over the height limit.
I contacted Lexus to buy the rear-mounted bike carrier - it's currently just shy of £300. That was a lot, but fair enough.
However, it needs a tow-hitch, and this costs about £550 AND needs three hours installation at £118/hour, meaning to get my wifes bike on the back of my car would cost well into four figures!
So I asked at a bike shop about one of those bike carriers that will go over the hatch. They sell them for about £70 but - on inspection of my car, they said the rear spoiler makes it impossible, as it is plastic and will break.
Apparently the rear spoiler is reasonably easy to remove, and my (by now very familiar) bike experts said that if I could take the spoiler off, then the hatch mounted bike rack would work fine.
So... can anyone tell me how to remove it.
As a start, I have found the two hidden bolts which are on the inside of the car, behind caps, at the right and left end of the spoiler, but I can't find any bolts further in and I think there must be some. Also, I probably need to do something with the spoiler light.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks,
PB
DJ Wozza
Aug 18 2008, 02:28 PM
I can't help, but I'm sure someone will come along with an answer soon.
Welcome to LOC
84Stoney
Aug 18 2008, 02:29 PM
Can't help too much, but if you have a spoiler mounted cental brake light, just unplug it and leave it as is. It is not required.
If it were me, I would consider getting a tow bar (though not from a Lexus dealer, from a tow bar/trailer specialist) and a small trailer. Not only could you put bikes in it, would have the flexability to carry luggage and anything you might wanna lug around. Also can open the boot still, can you do that with the bike holder in place? It would always keep the bikes away from the bodywork of the car, I've always been paranoid about bikes strapped to my car!
T7RY B
Aug 18 2008, 03:03 PM
Thats all it is 4 bolts and disconnect the light.
You will need someone along side you just to hold the spoiler so you don't drop it on to the car.
Paddington
Aug 18 2008, 03:33 PM
QUOTE(T7RY B @ Aug 18 2008, 04:03 PM)

Thats all it is 4 bolts and disconnect the light.
You will need someone along side you just to hold the spoiler so you don't drop it on to the car.
Thank you for that advice - I'm getting closer now.
However,
where are the other two bolts? I have found the two covered by caps at the far right and left, where are the other two? Are they hidden by padding? If so, how do you get it off without snapping tabs?
Paddington
Aug 19 2008, 09:32 AM
QUOTE(DJ Wozza @ Aug 18 2008, 03:28 PM)

I can't help, but I'm sure someone will come along with an answer soon.
Thank you - not too much useful stuff yet, but I'm hanging in there.
T7RY B
Aug 19 2008, 02:03 PM
There should only be 4 bolts. Two on each side?
Once removed the spoiler should be free.