Trailer hitch and new Tips at last.

[avonside]

The parts have been in my garage for ages, just looking for that spare day to do the mods.Still have the subwoofer,euro clears and 20" to come.
I decided to modify the Ractive tips and use stainless hose clamps, this gave me the option to adjust the tips easily to get the perfect location.I made up an adaptor ring to take up the difference in the pipe sizes.
The Hitch job took about 4 hours not rushing,thanks to all the helpfull comments on the board with this project.

[FeelGoodUnInc]

looking good when are you going to order those washers?

[stevo328i]

where did you get those tip's. and did you have to cut the factory exhaust since it points down from the factory. thanks

[avonside]

Originally Posted by stevo328i

where did you get those tip's. and did you have to cut the factory exhaust since it points down from the factory. thanks

They are the Ractive Tips, there are lots of threads about them here on the forum.They are great value at only $45 each.I cut 1 1/2" off them so they didnt stick out too much.
Yes you have to cut off your OEM end pipes ,I left about 20mm of the straight pipe and made an adaptor ring to take up the difference in the diameters.It worked out great.

[dkl]

Steve, Good job on the tips and trailer hitch installs Great idea on the clamps for the tips...just wished I had thought of that too when I did mine last year. The oval tips hide those clamps so well too. It's amazing what little details such as exhaust tips can make such a big difference in the way the rear end look.

[ncx]

Nice job, looks great!

[tommys103]

that looks awesome man...great job!!!

[avonside]

Originally Posted by dkl

Steve, Good job on the tips and trailer hitch installs Great idea on the clamps for the tips...just wished I had thought of that too when I did mine last year. The oval tips hide those clamps so well too. It's amazing what little details such as exhaust tips can make such a big difference in the way the rear end look.

Thanks Ken,
I know I cant believe how the rear looks so much better, I am not a great fan of the look of the trailer hitch, but it is quite subtle and at least it is all in black.But I want to get a bike carrier and Thule make a great new box carrier which also fits the hitch , its like having a secound trunk, with two small boys on any trip extra space is VERY usefull.
I am now desperate for my 20", but the company in San Diego called the other day to say it will now be april before the 4.8 replicas are in again.I just have to be a bit more patient again.

[X5Ghost]

Great looking tips. I have a couple of Q's?
1. Is the ring you are talking about has a step diameter in it self? One fits the OEM pipe dia and the other fits the tip dia?
2. Did that clamp come with the reactive tips?
3. Did you remove the bumper to install or was it easy to cut off the OEM pipes with the bumper on? How did you cut them (saw)?
Thx much.

[avonside]

Hi X5GHOST,

thanx,

The ring I turned up on a lathe at work, it was just a bar of alluminium stock that I bored the middle to suit the remaining OEM tip approx 2", then the outside diameter was the inside of the Ractive tips.I made it about 12mm thick and cut a slot it it so it was adjustable.
No the clamps did not come with the tips but they are just standard stainless exhaust and general use clamps.
I did have the bumper off bacause I did the trailer hitch at the same time, but it was much easier with the bumper off, I used a air saw to cut the OEM tips off, that was the only nervy part because once you have cut them off there is no going back.

Good luck.