KeithInAurora
New member
Well, now that I have been fully bitten by the Spyder-bug, I spent the day installing my first set of farkles. This afternoon I installed the BajaRon Anti-Sway Bar and an assortment of Spyderpops toys (Bumpskid, Catalytic Converter Shield Set & the Missing Belt Guard). And I must say, it all went (relatively) well....
Considering that I am a complete novice when it comes to mechanical prowess, I thought I'd offer a quick review for any other members who are considering adding these farkles, but are afraid of the do-it-yourself aspect. I too, considered not buying the farkles or waiting until I could pay to have them installed for me, but I decided that I really needed to learn, so I bit the bullet and decided to give it a go:
1. I started with the BajaRon SwayBar based on previous recommendations by fellow SpyderLovers Members (thanks HappySpyder2039, Chupaca & Bob Denman). I was pretty worried about this install since it seemed the most involved and I didn't want to mess anything up that I couldn't correct. Needless to say, the instructions from Ron were very good and I was able to get it done without too much trouble. It did take me a couple hours, since it was my first time, but I would say that now that I've done it once, it could probably have been done much quicker by an experienced wrench turner.
KUDO's to Ron - I would be remiss if I didn't thank Ron for absolutely stellar customer service. I pinged him with PM's leading up to my install asking all kinds of questions and I did make one mis-step during installation (thanks to my inability to read very clear directions) and Ron was nice enough to call me while I was under the trike after I sent him an SOS. First class all the way. Thanks again Ron!!! :clap:
2. Spyderpops Bumpskid was next. This was an easy install, since it was pretty much right there in the same area as the swaybar. So considering that I had the Spyder already jacked up, on jack stands and blocked in the back, it was easy to get under there and install the bumpskid. The only trouble I had with this installation was the two outermost screws in the back were difficult to get seated. That took me some time to get it right, but again, nothing that should scare off a novice from doing it themselves.
P.S. I chose to drill holes and mount the optional screws included with the bumpskid. Fairly straightforward, but you do have to drill through a metal bracket, so make sure you have a 1/4" drill bit that will go through metal.
3. Catalytic Converter Shield Set was third. This one was again, fairly straightforward, but I got pretty frustrated installing the right side shield. The left side was no problem - 1, 2, 3 and boom you're done. The right side, however requires you to drop the brake linkage to get the shield attached, which is easy to do, but getting the brake linkage back together with the extra piece of plastic shielding there was no fun at all. This is really the first time that I started to use colorful language and strongly considered ripping the right side shield back off and sending it back to Harvey at Spyderpops. However, a little perseverance and I eventually got it. However, I do remember someone selling a "right side only" catalytic converter shield on our 4 Sale by Owner/WTB forum and I can now commiserate with that person!
4. Finally, I put on the Spyderpops Missing Belt Guard last. Again, this is fairly straightforward, and much less involved than some of the earlier components, but I would have found this much more difficult to complete if I didn't already have the Spyder jacked up. You have to work in a tight spot and I struggled a bit to get to the bolts that needed to come off before you can install the new piece. I even had to make a run to Home Depot to buy a T30 socket attachment, because the one screw is in a place where you cannot get a screwdriver, so I had to approach it from the side (hence the need for a T30 bit screwdriver head for my ratchet). Only $1.97 at Home Depot, but having to stop and run out to get it was frustrating (maybe Spyderpops will update their instructions to include a tip on needing something like this so you can have it before you start).
This installation is where I also made my first mistake that I couldn't easily correct. Harvey tells you in the instructions to make sure you line things up right before you expose the adhesive. I did exactly as he said, but once I exposed the adhesive, I must have not had as steady a hand as needed. Once the adhesive touches, there's no removing it to "try again", so the very back of my belt guard touches the belt. It's not a huge miss on my part, just a fraction of an inch, but enough so that the back edge of the plastic touches the outside of the belt. So, if you attempt this one at home, my advice is to be extra careful and sure-handed when attaching the guard once the adhesive is exposed.
Note: I did not contact Harvey for any customer support prior to my installation, but I did write him this evening asking if he has any recommendations on fixing my blunder. And I am happy to report that he sent me a quick response, so two thumbs up for Spyderpops customer service as well. Thanks very much Harvey and it's good to hear that even "the pro's" do this from time to time! :2thumbs:
So, all in all, I am happy to report that my first attempt at "farkling" went well. I am glad that I decided to try this on my own, but for those of you still on the fence, it does require a bit of an investment in tools (assuming that you don't already own them). For me, I purchased an ATV Jack, a pair of Jack Stands, a 3/8" drive torque wrench, a set of 3/8" Metric Deep Sockets (I already had the ratchet), a ratcheting screwdriver with 18 assorted bits (including Torx bits and hex bits - which you will need) and the aforementioned 30Torx screwdriver attachment for my 3/8" ratchet!! I got most of it from either Lowe's or Sears on sale, so I think the total investment was in the neighborhood of $300, but at least I have the tools now for any future needs.
I hope this review helps someone out there. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out - especially if you're one of the folks sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to jump in the DIY game or not.
Thanks,
Keith
Considering that I am a complete novice when it comes to mechanical prowess, I thought I'd offer a quick review for any other members who are considering adding these farkles, but are afraid of the do-it-yourself aspect. I too, considered not buying the farkles or waiting until I could pay to have them installed for me, but I decided that I really needed to learn, so I bit the bullet and decided to give it a go:
1. I started with the BajaRon SwayBar based on previous recommendations by fellow SpyderLovers Members (thanks HappySpyder2039, Chupaca & Bob Denman). I was pretty worried about this install since it seemed the most involved and I didn't want to mess anything up that I couldn't correct. Needless to say, the instructions from Ron were very good and I was able to get it done without too much trouble. It did take me a couple hours, since it was my first time, but I would say that now that I've done it once, it could probably have been done much quicker by an experienced wrench turner.
KUDO's to Ron - I would be remiss if I didn't thank Ron for absolutely stellar customer service. I pinged him with PM's leading up to my install asking all kinds of questions and I did make one mis-step during installation (thanks to my inability to read very clear directions) and Ron was nice enough to call me while I was under the trike after I sent him an SOS. First class all the way. Thanks again Ron!!! :clap:
2. Spyderpops Bumpskid was next. This was an easy install, since it was pretty much right there in the same area as the swaybar. So considering that I had the Spyder already jacked up, on jack stands and blocked in the back, it was easy to get under there and install the bumpskid. The only trouble I had with this installation was the two outermost screws in the back were difficult to get seated. That took me some time to get it right, but again, nothing that should scare off a novice from doing it themselves.
P.S. I chose to drill holes and mount the optional screws included with the bumpskid. Fairly straightforward, but you do have to drill through a metal bracket, so make sure you have a 1/4" drill bit that will go through metal.
3. Catalytic Converter Shield Set was third. This one was again, fairly straightforward, but I got pretty frustrated installing the right side shield. The left side was no problem - 1, 2, 3 and boom you're done. The right side, however requires you to drop the brake linkage to get the shield attached, which is easy to do, but getting the brake linkage back together with the extra piece of plastic shielding there was no fun at all. This is really the first time that I started to use colorful language and strongly considered ripping the right side shield back off and sending it back to Harvey at Spyderpops. However, a little perseverance and I eventually got it. However, I do remember someone selling a "right side only" catalytic converter shield on our 4 Sale by Owner/WTB forum and I can now commiserate with that person!
4. Finally, I put on the Spyderpops Missing Belt Guard last. Again, this is fairly straightforward, and much less involved than some of the earlier components, but I would have found this much more difficult to complete if I didn't already have the Spyder jacked up. You have to work in a tight spot and I struggled a bit to get to the bolts that needed to come off before you can install the new piece. I even had to make a run to Home Depot to buy a T30 socket attachment, because the one screw is in a place where you cannot get a screwdriver, so I had to approach it from the side (hence the need for a T30 bit screwdriver head for my ratchet). Only $1.97 at Home Depot, but having to stop and run out to get it was frustrating (maybe Spyderpops will update their instructions to include a tip on needing something like this so you can have it before you start).
This installation is where I also made my first mistake that I couldn't easily correct. Harvey tells you in the instructions to make sure you line things up right before you expose the adhesive. I did exactly as he said, but once I exposed the adhesive, I must have not had as steady a hand as needed. Once the adhesive touches, there's no removing it to "try again", so the very back of my belt guard touches the belt. It's not a huge miss on my part, just a fraction of an inch, but enough so that the back edge of the plastic touches the outside of the belt. So, if you attempt this one at home, my advice is to be extra careful and sure-handed when attaching the guard once the adhesive is exposed.
Note: I did not contact Harvey for any customer support prior to my installation, but I did write him this evening asking if he has any recommendations on fixing my blunder. And I am happy to report that he sent me a quick response, so two thumbs up for Spyderpops customer service as well. Thanks very much Harvey and it's good to hear that even "the pro's" do this from time to time! :2thumbs:
So, all in all, I am happy to report that my first attempt at "farkling" went well. I am glad that I decided to try this on my own, but for those of you still on the fence, it does require a bit of an investment in tools (assuming that you don't already own them). For me, I purchased an ATV Jack, a pair of Jack Stands, a 3/8" drive torque wrench, a set of 3/8" Metric Deep Sockets (I already had the ratchet), a ratcheting screwdriver with 18 assorted bits (including Torx bits and hex bits - which you will need) and the aforementioned 30Torx screwdriver attachment for my 3/8" ratchet!! I got most of it from either Lowe's or Sears on sale, so I think the total investment was in the neighborhood of $300, but at least I have the tools now for any future needs.
I hope this review helps someone out there. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out - especially if you're one of the folks sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to jump in the DIY game or not.
Thanks,
Keith
