There are 2 struts that form a 'V' in the back(between the backseats and the trunk) that limit the opening and what I can load into the Accord(specifically my bike). Here's what I'm talking about:



What I'd like to know is if I can move these struts out a couple inches at the bottom on each side, and who could help me out with this. Anyone know what the side effects of doing this would be? Are these struts there for a specific reason(load-bearing, a crumple zone, etc)? Info like that would be very helpful, or a pointer in the direction of somebody who could help me would be appreciated as well. The Honda dealership service techs don't seem to know jack squat and my normal mechanic is off for Christmas.

 

Tikanes(assuming you are Greek or maybe you are just a wine lover),

I will be honest with you, I am not sure if that can be done without risking the structural integrity of the car. However, I am not an engineer, but for your own safety and any of your passengers and for your investment(car), I would just save the headache and buy a trailer hitch and a trailer hitch bike rack. I just don't think it is worth the time and money to do a custom fabrication to make the opening bigger. I am also looking out for your wallet, because I'm sure this option will save you money. Finally, it will keep your hands clean too from not having to pop your quick release wheels on and off.

Ex. http://www.rei.com/product/47903116.htm

 

I have to agree with hp80 on this one. Although I couldn't tell you exactly what it is, I'd be willing to bet that those struts serve a specific purpose, and moving them, if possible, would be pretty difficult and expensive. Now I could be wrong but I think its a safe bet. There are all kinds of bike racks. You can get one like hp had a pic of, you can get one that goes on the roof, or one that just straps to the trunk (I used to have one like that for my last car). You should definately consider looking into that.

 

Yea I have one type of bike rack(Saris Bones), but it's a big enough pain that I only use it when I absolutely have to(like when transporting 2+ bikes). The consensus on several boards seems to be to go after the hitch & hitch rack instead, which makes sense to me. Any suggestions as far as the hitch is concerned?

 

http://www.hitches4less.com/19honacclasi2.html

This hitch is for the sedan, but I would call to see if it will fit the coupe.

 

Cool, thanks for the tip.