Brush Guard / Skid Plate / Bike Rack

Finally had a chance to put on the brush guard and the skid plate.  I touched up the brush guard due to the damage it took from the totaled silver FJ.  I also had to hammer the driver side brackets back into place.

First was the brush guard since I needed to access the bolts from underneath the bumper.  This install was quite easy since I had already done it on the silver one.  I also printed the template correctly this time.  It seems that it is made for an 8.5x14 sized piece of paper.  I selected the option to print the actual size on the 8.5x11.  It worked great.  Everything lined up and I drilled through perfectly.

The skid went on next.  It took me a while to get the rear bolts on again since I hand made the spacers.  But it finally went on.

At this point I had the hood up still.  When I went to put it down, the bug shield that was on the FJ when I purchased it hit the brush guard.  Just when I thought I was finished.  It was easy enough to take off the bug shield but I didn't realize that there are plastic clips holding the metal screws.  Someone over torqued them and a couple were loose.  I had to use an adjustable wrench to hold the bolt inside the hood and finally take off the adapter that holds the bug guard.  Finally I was able to take it off and the hood went down.

I also took off the ski racks and put on the bike rack on top.  There is a hitch bike rack on the back as well.

So remember to take off the bug guard if you put on a brush guard.  Next up is the TRD intake once I find a missing part that I left on the old FJ.  Then the lights will be wired.  After that is rustproofing the underbody.

Pic shows brush guard.  The black skid isn't noticeable unless you are close up.