I know there are other threads on this subject. But heres my take... I think this turned out rather nice. I cut the mating flange at the slots. Filed/sanded the remaining edge flat but leaving 1/8 inch. Made a filler piece cut from a front fender Euro filler. I was trying to mimic the look...
I modified my old bolt on Thule tire mount bike rack for my JL by cutting a hole in the cross brace with a saw (3" x 5" with a curved top) and adding a pair of ratcheting straps to the top bar. I cut the hooks off the straps and threaded the remaining loop over the top bar. The straps run over...