Additional OEM Grocery Hook
When I first saw the grocery hook in the trunk I thought, "why on earth would you ever use that..." then I realized what I've been missing all my life. I couldn't believe how utilitarian this little bugger is. Once I realized there were pre-cut holes on the opposite side of the trunk for an additional one, I made it a priority to double up on grocery hanging goodness. The grocery hook I purchased was from ECS Tuning and came with the hook, two screws, and two screw clips. Shipping was on-time and the ordering process was very smooth.
It appears that the grocery hook from ECS Tuning is OEM, that or they did a very good job of crafting an identical match to the OEM one. The build quality is spot on and you immediately can tell that the hook will last the lifetime of the car. Honestly, there is no difference between the hook that came with the car and the one that ECS sent, only that one is installed and the other is in a box so let's fix that!
Installation
Installation for the grocery hook is pretty straight forward; there are two square cut outs on the top frame of the trunk that allow you to push in the screw clips (see pics below). Once the clips are in place use the provided screws to mount your new grocery hook. I suggest taking your time by screwing in each side a little at a time. This will prevent the screw from going in at an angle which it would be forced to do so if you screwed in one side completely and then the other. I'm sure those more handy will disagree, but I found it the easiest to screw in each side "simultaneously" while making sure the screws went in straight. Once completed, the hook mounts flush with the frame of the car and works as expected.
Conclusion
I mentioned in a previous write up about the OEM light that it felt as if the additional trunk light should have came with the car and I feel the same about the additional hook. It just fits so perfectly in the trunk and makes it more balanced when you peer inside. Plus the hook is a functional item that you'll use time and time again. For me, this is a no-brainer add-on for every S4 that goes to the store and comes home with bags. If you use the grocery hook that you have now then there is no reason not to compliment it with a second one. For just a few dollars, you'll add additional functionality to the vehicle for the life of ownership. What more could you want from a mod?
Lessons learned
I assumed that the screws would require a traditional screw driver (as you can see in the photos below), however, it uses a hex key that
does not come with your purchase. Be sure to have a set of hex keys (aka, Allan keys) before you install.
While this should be trivial to most, make sure you mount the hook facing the correct way. If you do not the hook will come down in a reserved direction than the OEM hook and the rope handle will not be of value. Simply mimic the position of the OEM and/or take a moment to ensure your hook is facing the correct way before you begin to screw it in.
Below are before and after pictures along with a visual walkthrough of installation. I hope that you see there is nothing to this one and within minutes you'll be ready to go out and purchase groceries just to use your new hook! Overall, I am very happy and now I am going to go buy stuff so I can use it. TTFN!
Originally Posted by F80Dreamer
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