I installed it w/o removing the side panels. Just loosened them and held them back while installing everything. Removing the side panels would make it easier but then you have to unbolt the rear seatbelts.
Not hard at all.
Tools needed was 17mm and 12mm socket/wrench.
Large allen head (not sure on the size but bigger then 1/4) Got lucky and was able to borrow this from work.
Panel popping tool or pair of plier.
Screwdriver
Some pics of the install.






*Disclaimer-I'm & Fitfreak are not responsible if something happen while following my tutorial.*

For a step-by-step pictorial install instruction click the link below.
Click on each picture for my liner on what to do.
Matrixr/Fit/Cusco - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

Looks good but it kinda loses the functionality of the rear seats with a big bar in the middle of the hatch.

 

Very nice looking. Looks like a perfect "fit". Did you have to trim the plastic panels? Does the rear seat still recline?

 

Seat fully reclined in the last pic. If you want to put the cover back on then they need to be trim. I just left them off. THe side panels don't have to be trim at all. Bar might get in the way if loading large objects but what rear stb doesn't do that. I rarely load large object so no biggie.

 

put a quick release pin like how they got on hood pins haha

 

any difference in feel?

are u running with the front strut bar also?

 

I've the Spoon stb in the front.
Haven't had the chance to really push it.

 

Looks good. How well made is the Cusco bar?

 

looks good!

 

Everything is first class about their bar from the welding to material.
Hell even the packaging is cool.

 

the packaging reminded me of how larger fireworks are packaged in
japan in those long clear bags with paper thing at the top.

 

does it really help.

 

if you run high spring and damp rates it should help quite a bit.

 

doubtful. i have skunk2 coilovers and noticed NO difference when installing my rear strut bar

 

Good choice for a rear strut bar.

I'm running the Cusco rear bar as well and it has the best design IMHO. I was running the J's Racing bar before this one and feel the that Cusco is WAY better because of the way it mounts AND because it doesn't sqeak.

 

I thought it was squeking the first night I took it out but turn out it was just my laundry basket rubbing against it .

 

which rear strut bar do you have again?

and also your tires.

 

werd.

need more details on these setups.

 

I am VERY interested in this bar. The quality looks fantastic and design is much more efficient than all the others. Is this the OS type bar? Which company did you get them through? Thanx!

 

I bought it from Bulletproofautomotive but p/u from Cusco.