Black Horse Bull Bar Skid Plate Stainless Steel Compatible with 2013-2016 Ford Escape-BB048809-SP

Installation instructions for the Ford Escape leave out some important facts that heavily factor into the installation process, time required, tools required, and whether or not you should just take this to your Ford Service Center.Access is minimal. After six hours only the driver's side brackets fully installed and one bolt on the first bracket on the passenger side.Then discovered that the passenger side holes are not set the same as the bracket and the rear bolt is a good 1/4" too far to the rear to thread into the welded nut that's part of the undercarriage.I'm not sure if that's a unique flaw to my vehicle. Both brackets looked identical and neither has any markings to indicate one side or the other. Also, the driver's side lined up just fine.Perhaps tomorrow, I'll start at sunrise, instead of noon, to make sure I have enough time to find a solution... If there is one that's possible with the tools in my possession.Not exactly the Veterans Day I had envisioned, as a Veteran.The instructions are also incorrect in the pictures. You'll quickly see the issues as you start bolting the second brackets to the first brackets on each side.There are no spare parts, so don't lose any in the driveway.The bar itself arrived seemingly well padded and wrapped, but still had a number of flaws and minor damages to it.In addition, both sides, where the bar bolts to the brackets, also had quite a bit of discoloration and damage to the shape of the tube. Hopefully, most of that will not be visible.Since I live in a rural area, that is somewhat isolated and without many conveniences, it's more trouble that it's worth to consider exchanging the bar.Probably easier to blame a deer. LoLThe skid plate looks very nice. I'm not sure how well it will hold up to road debris or animal impact, but it is quite beautiful and the reason why I chose Black Horse... After all, this is the home of the world famous Chincoteague Ponies and the Saltwater Cowboys, so it's a perfect match.