[JackG]

I had to do no trimming or grinding when I installed mine. Are you installing it so the bar will be at the rear of the car up against the trunk panel? You're not trying to flip the brackets around so the bar will be out in the open, are you? (if that's even possible... It's been a while since I installed mine or looked at it)

My bracket fit down flat and snug, straight out of the box. I did have to pre-assemble the bar to the brackets, and keep everything loose until the brackets were bolted down tight, then tighten the two nuts and the bar. You can't just drop the bar down on the brackets, since they and the threaded stud that sticks up are canted inward. And the top mechanism was in the way. Once it's in there it's nicely tucked under and in!

Hmmm.. I could take a picture of mine installed at lunch.