hi i have just bought a halfords hi-lift> bike rack from my mate for a tenner(3 bike),does anyone have instructions on how to fit to my ford focus hatch,do the two foam covered bars go on the bodywork,or does one rest on the rear windscreen,also do he "dumbell" shaped bits on the end of two straps fit to the side or under the light fittings on the hatch.it is about 3-4 years old and was only used twice and is like new.
thanks david

Hi David, the rack needs to be off the glass if you can help it, otherwise when you tighten the straps and load your bikes you could damage/ break it!

The dumbell bits are to go inside the bootlid of cars with an all-glass hatch to attach the staps to- so you probably wont need them I would guess.

How many straps does the rack have? You want to try to get the staps as diametrically opposed as you can, and be sure to find something solid on the chassis the bottom straps to. You see lots of people just hooking them to the bottom of the plastic - definite recipe for disaster!

hi martin
it has 6 straps including the two for the dumbells,i have two holes in the chassis for the two bottom straps,i cant see how to fit without one support resting on the glass though.
thanks david

Glass is likely fine, mates Bike ride has to strutts both on the rear window and the straps pulling the weight very tight onto the window, I'm amazed the bikes haven't popped through the window while braking but they seem fine.

The Curve of the window means it's very strong from the outside, but never weak if pushed from inside.

If if you don't get it sorted if mail you picture of mine fitted when Nikon deem it time to send back my camera from repairs.
One thing with them, the arms can make a nasty black streak on your bike if you're not carefull.
It's a fine rack though, used one for years with no trouble.

3 years, permentantly attached to my car, no worries make sure you attach the straps dropped 1 bike so far :(

Hello David, I've recently bought the same rack for a laguna II estate. The foam is fine resting on the rear windscreen for the reasons Dylan has mentioned. Also the dumbells are needed, these hold the rack upright, you thread them through the top of the hatch in between the hinges, they're not just for full glass hatches.

If you're struggling I could dig out the destructions and scan them for ya?

couldn't see a use for them LOL lost them YEARS back I'm sure.

hi andy
it has 6 straps two for under the bumper and two for the top of hatch ,do i also put the one with dumbells at the top(4 in total),the instructions would be handy though.
thanks david

use foam lagging to protect the bikes on it. Only a few quid from the DIY and saves the paint work!!

David, the dumbells go at the top, the plastic claws go at the sides to stop it swinging too much and the hooks go under the chassis somewhere. Hope that helps.

hi andy
yes that is a great help,i can see what you mean,its only the positioning of the foam covered bar to sort out now,it looks like it has to go on the glass.
thanks david