DIY: Quick-Latch Install (Hybrid Way)

[zeal86]

Today I installed my Quick-Latches... I went with the same model number and color that @BirdTRD used in his install/write-up. That part number is QL-25-SB "Mini" Anodized Black. I paid like $26 a piece for the Quick-Latches on Amazon.com



During my install I referenced both @BirdTRD and Move Over Racing's (MOR) write-up/installation instructions hence the 'Hybrid Way' in my DIY topic title.

I like how @BirdTRD kept most of the plastic bumper supports intact but wasn't so keen on the placement. I felt the latches were too close to the headlights and the contour of the bumper for my taste.

I liked the placement of the forward Quick-Latches in the MOR install better than the @BirdTRD placement. However, I was not keen on purchasing 4 Quick-Latches or figuring out the angle for the aft spacers. I have access to a lathe and a drill press at work to fabricate the spacers but didn't feel it was worth the effort.

So I placed my latches in the middle flat spot illustrated in the MOR instructions but kept the aft plastic bumper supports like @BirdTRD does in his write-up. I just had to modify the aft plastic supports... basically I trimmed enough off to save the last tab and clear space for the Quick-Latches.

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Here was my process: (Note: Use painters tape to protect fender)

Remove the aft bumper support... it is the part that when removed leaves two visible square openings.

The square opening closest to the headlight measures 10mm in height. Mark your center (5mm) then use a tape measure to make a line across the adjacent flat section. Make sure to stay level.



From the crease, measure 30mm. At about 30mm the flat section begins to roll. Place a mark at 15mm...

(Note: This pic is from the driver side)


Verify your placement then use a center-punch to mark it. Your mark/your post's center will be located about 24.7ish mm from the fender line. Drill a 1/4-sized hole on your 15mm mark (Previously illustrated).

(Note: Clean up the hole then add some touch-up paint to prevent corrosion)

Temp install your Quick-Latch post... Leave about 5 1/2 to 6 threads showing so that an impression on the bumper cover can be made later. This is how @BirdTRD marked his center on the bumper cover in his write-up... MOR used grease on the top of the post to mark their center.



I had removed the fwd plastic bumper support previously... In this step I reinstalled it. (Note: I made several hash marks around the plastic bumper supports to maintain their existing alignments).

With the plastic bumper support installed... it is easy to see what needs to be cut to clear the Quick-Latch. Make your mark, remove the fwd plastic bumper support, then proceed to trimming (Note: Plastic is rather brittle so becareful when you cut).



Removed...



Trim aft plastic bumper support like this...it will serve the function of the aft Quick-Latch in the MOR installation when reinstalled albeit not in the same manner.





Reinstall aft plastic bumper support...



The Quick-Latch clears the aft plastic bumper support...



Repeat on the other side...

With everything back together... temp install the bumper cover with the minimum hardware required to hold it in place...I used three bolts (just a few threads in) up top... Make sure the bumper cover is installed well...also make sure the clips around the headlights are in place and secure.

Press the bumper directly over the Quick-Latch post location on the left side then the right. Press until you leave an impression like so...

squint and you'll see it in my pic... lol



Center-punch the center of the impression...then remove the bumper cover.

Drill a 1/4-sized hole through the center-punch marks. Reinstall bumper cover like previously mentioned... Make sure your Quick-Latch posts are seen through the 1/4-sized holes.



Enlarge the 1/4-sized holes to 3/4" with a step-bit.



Thread the Quick-Latch lock assemblies into the 3/4-sized holes. Secure them from the inside with the supplied 3/4" nut. Make sure the Quick-Latch lock assemblies are flush with the bumper cover.

Adjust posts back down to about 5mm of thread showing. You might have to tinker a bit with this part. Once you are happy, mark your position then loosen the hardware and apply blue thread-lock. Observe you are back on your marks...retighten hardware...then reinstall bumper cover... voila!















Thanks to @BirdTRD for getting the ball rolling on this mod. Also, thanks to @ft86 SpeedFactory for including the MOR installation instructions on their site.

This is the link to @BirdTRD write-up
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95624

Below is the link to the pdf download of the Move-Over-Racing installation instructions. You'll find the download under the Additional Tab.
http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/move...l#.V0NH0mhOm1F

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[zc06_kisstherain]

very creative and have ball to cut that!!!
nice DIY

[zeal86]

Added more completed pics to my original post...

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[Hyper4mance2k]

Originally Posted by zeal86

Added more completed pics to my original post...

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Thanks for the DIY. I successfully used your instructions today,.
Also, I just noticed the reflection of the PR flag in your lights! Awesome!

[zeal86]

Originally Posted by Hyper4mance2k

Thanks for the DIY. I successfully used your instructions today,.
Also, I just noticed the reflection of the PR flag in your lights! Awesome!

You're welcome! My PR flag is notorious for photo bombing just about any pic I take in my garage... I kind of like it though... jajaja

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[XanRules]

Great writeup! This is probably how I'll do things.

[XanRules]

Also sorry wait got another one for ya, @zeal86. When in @BirdTRD's write-up does this start? I'm not sure I entirely follow the sequence of events, though I may just be missing something and it'll be way easier once I get started.

My other question is that, presumably, this has the added benefit of making it easier to get the bumper cover off, right? I've never taken the thing off but need to soon anyway.

Thanks again.

[zeal86]

Originally Posted by XanRules

Also sorry wait got another one for ya, @zeal86. When in @BirdTRD's write-up does this start? I'm not sure I entirely follow the sequence of events, though I may just be missing something and it'll be way easier once I get started.

My other question is that, presumably, this has the added benefit of making it easier to get the bumper cover off, right? I've never taken the thing off but need to soon anyway.

Thanks again.

Gotcha... I already had my bumper off so I just went with it...

- Remove bumper
- Remove aft bumper support(s) (two square pops clips and one small Phillips screw)
- Trim aft bumper support(s) as pictured in the OP
- Mark fwd bumper support(s) as pictured in the OP.
- Remove fwd bumper support(s) (4-10mm bolts) and cut designated area.
- Mark and verify the center point(s) using the method described in the OP.
- Drill 1/4-sized hole(s) on your mark.
- Reinstall both aft and fwd supports.

That should organize the installation a little better and put you back on track with the original post.

And yes... I feel it is easier to remove the bumper cover at the corners now...

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[XanRules]

Cool. Thanks again.

[FRS_PR]

Very interested in doing the same thing, but I can't see the pictures of this DIY anymore. Help!!

[zeal86]

Originally Posted by FRS_PR

Very interested in doing the same thing, but I can't see the pictures of this DIY anymore. Help!!

You can try to combine this write-up with my Instagram mini write-up... https://www.instagram.com/p/BUMaR2aAxrC/

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[FRS_PR]

Originally Posted by zeal86

You can try to combine this write-up with my Instagram mini write-up... https://www.instagram.com/p/BUMaR2aAxrC/

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Thanks! I actually started following you last week. Big fan of your built!