Alright, I figured that it would make more sense to post this here than anywhere else; if I'm wrong, just go ahead on eWail on me.

I'm planning on getting a hitch-mounted 4-bike rack, because I hate the inconvenience of having to remove a strap-on rack for work (I have to get in and out of my trunk a lot, and I've had the door come crashing down on my head way too much), and roof racks are too expensive.

I'm driving a 1989 Honda Civic DX hatchback. I'm not sure what brand (although it'll either be Yakima or Thule) I'm getting yet, or what size hitch (1-1/4" or 2") I'll be using.

But here's my actual question, because I can't find anything online to help me with this: how the hell do I attach a hitch-mounted rack onto my car? Do I need to buy a hitch, and if I do, how do I install it? All that I have right now is a little u-shaped steel piece on the underside of my bumper (if you don't understand, just let me know and I'll take a photo later and upload it).

Also, how hard is it to remove a hitch-mounted rack? I'm not going to want it in the way on Friday mornings, when I make all my deliveries, so is it a pain to take it off and remount it? Or does it only take a minute or two?