Bike Rack or Hidden Trailer Hitch

[eliouno]

Anyone have any info on putting a hidden trailer hitch on the Audi R8 or some sort of a bike rack. I know that the Aluminum bumper is a problem, but have heard that there is a ski rack for it...any info on how to get a bike would be great as I like to take the bike along on weekend get aways...

[harrison]

Europe has hide away hitches...For some cars, I've noticed. They actually swing under bumper and out. Here in the states we can remove the hitching piece for storage. I really don't think you'll find a hitch for the R8 that can be hidden. But it can be done. I installed a very heavy duty towing bar/hitch on a Mercedes '94 190 E. I got real lucky and the car still looks good.IMO

[eliouno]

I had mine done on a 911 turbo and it cost about $800 which is well worth it, but I looked under an R8 and not sure there is room, but the big problem from reading some of the comments seems to be the aluminum frame which should not be drilled or mixed with metal. Not sure why but it does seem to be a concern.
I was wondering if someone knew whether it was possible to do a custom job.

[Bodhii]

Coat the insertion piece with something similar that is used to coat the beds of pickups. Do very thick coat and this will protect the aluminum frame from the steel contact. A bike carrier condom, so to speak.

I am not sure as to the idea of removing such a section from the aluminum frame. Different strengths in metals from a steel frame. Prob OK, but maybe check?

[M3R8]

I am pretty sure one can come up with a good rubber padding in between the different metal pieces as well as rubber and or plastic sleeve for the screw to go through.

[Bodhii]

Then there is no prob. That will completely prevent the Glavonic corrosion. Have fun and show us picks of the install!

[S&W 10]

In the Aerospace industry we often see corrosion issues where carbon or stainless steel has been in contact with aluminum for extended periods of time, but cars operate in a more harsh environment than aircraft.

The dissimilar metal situation is easily overcome with proper pretreatment of the aluminum parts with a chemical conversion coating such as Alodine, followed by chromate primer. Applying a good sealant like CS8802 B-1/2 will not allow any pieces to come in direct contact and also prevent moisture from entering the joint area, which is a major cause of exfoliation corrosion. If the parts fit well and don't cause any positive or negative deflection, stress or fretting corrosion should not be a problem. The vehicle uses the frame as a ground/earth so there is always a chance of galvanic corrosion caused by electrical power due to improper bonding. There is no way of knowing if intergranular corrosion will occur, as it's controlled in the initial manufacturing process.

Oh-well, enough of my rambling...if you want to do it, I say go for it, sounds like a great idea! Just make sure you take the time to deburr & burnish all surfaces of any holes drilled to prevent any stress points which could lead to a cracked aluminum structure. Remember; like a successful paint job, 98% of it is in the preparation.