Technical Idea Towbar

[tipouno]

A while ago I bought a used towbar which had been removed from an Idea by a Fiat dealer. When I got it there were two parts missing, namely the captive straps which locate within the floorpan. The mechanic was obviously unawre of this and left them in the car. Unfortunately I have discovered that not even the company that supplied and fitted the towbar to the original car are able to obtain these parts as spares, apparently due to an EU Directive. Fortunately the parts are easy to make, being just a flat plate with two holes, so it's not the end of the world - just B annoying!
Have just fitted an interior roof storage console which came from an Idea Eleganza, to my Dynamic. I was a bit hesitant in putting holes in the roof lining, but the job actually went quite well. The only parts required from the dealer are 2 captive nuts and 4 screws. I think it looks good, even if the storage compartments are a bit small!

 

[jmcd]

I have a new Brink towbar but my question is how to get those two straps in under the floor pan of the boot. They go in the two box sections going front to back, but how do you get them in there. The only thing I can think of is that the sections are open to the back and they will be able to be put in when the bumper is removed. Any help or suggestions welcome. Thanks. J

 

[tipouno]

Not sure about the Brink, but have read elsewhere that you need to drill a hole in the lower floor panel, of a diameter which will allow insertion of the strap into the space between floor panels. The two mounting holes are closed with plastic plugs and I believe it states that the hole should be drilled 35mm from the hole nearest the front of the vehicle. Before you do it though, I would email Brink and get the proper gen direct from them. I don't like the idea of putting more holes in a floor pan, and am surprised that the towbar kit does not include plugs to seal them off. Hope it goes well for you, and perhaps you would post any progress.

 

[jmcd]

Apologies for leaving the thing hanging. I went at the job and found that the black stuck-on roofing felt like stuff on the floor of the boot was concealing the holes in the floor needed to insert the two straps. The holes are more to the front of that car than the holes for the hitch bracket. I got them in no problem and even got the whole thing on without having to take off the back bumper. Hope this helps someone in the future.

J