The mod I have gotten more use out of than any other (1 Viewer)

[Bendcruiser]

Nicely done! I like the quick solution to chain ears. Probably will not hold and break away if trailer hitch lets go but at least will keep visually legal.

BTW was the cover painted or the same color through when you made the cut. Trying to see if need to buy a touch up paint as well?

Mine was all white. Painted again. Now finished.

 

[luke27617]

View attachment 1713849
Mine was all white. Painted again. Now finished.

Thanks! Will try to do mine this weekend.

 

[Docboy]

View attachment 1712789 View attachment 1712790 View attachment 1712791 I ended up cutting out the factory cover. Sprayed it with black bed liner.

Just saw this. Mind me asking how did you cut off the "inner tabs?" Did you use scissors or a drilling bit?

 

[luke27617]

Just saw this. Mind me asking how did you cut off the "inner tabs?" Did you use scissors or a drilling bit?

Use something more precision to look evenly cut and professional from couple feet away. Dremel tool should work very well.

 

[Docboy]

For some reason I couldn't take out the inner plastic piece, so I ended up taking a fairly large drill bit. Drilled holes in 2 straight lines, and then "connected the dots" by drilling all the holes in between, and voila. The left tab is gone, and I'm able to fit and better access the latch connector for my bike rack. Not pretty, but it works. There's now more room to fit in whatever connection/lock. I may try later to smooth it out if I can find a better bit.

I also agree with the title. This little "mod" is very useful. I would recommend it.

 

[Bendcruiser]

Just saw this. Mind me asking how did you cut off the "inner tabs?" Did you use scissors or a drilling bit?

Scalloped out with a utility knife. Traced a round circle and started cutting a little at a time. Very soft and easy to cut. If you mean the under cuts?

 

[Docboy]

Scalloped out with a utility knife. Traced a round circle and started cutting a little at a time. Very soft and easy to cut. If you mean the under cuts?

That's a good idea, thanks. I'll use a utility knife and try to smooth out the edges.

 

[TeCKis300]

Nice mod for a bit more wiggle room. It is tight with certain pins down there.

A oscillating multi-tool would be the ticket for a clean cut here. Another cheap way would be a utility knife with the blade heated up over a lighter.

 

[doru]

I think i still have the cover for mine if anyone would like to try fabbing it. Its free. If you want it pm me. Ill look this weekend
Its magnetic gray

Can you look on the back of the cover for the part number?
Mine is 52169-60130-B1 same for 2013 LX and LC.
I wonder if Toyota changed the cover from '08 to '13.

 

[Sinister]

Can you look on the back of the cover for the part number?
Mine is 52169-60130-B1 same for 2013 LX and LC.
I wonder if Toyota changed the cover from '08 to '13.

2011 is
52169-60070. I added a picture in your other thread

 

[82SC]

I removed the hitch surround. But I had a hard time taking out the blue clips that were holding the top 2 tabs.

Is there a trick to remove and install? The blue clips looks like they almost need to be installed with the bumper off? I pried one side off and ripped the tab. And then pried and wiggled the other out. Just wondering if there is a trick to them.