Iam tryin to make custom plate on the side , and i just found out that my tow hook is missing... anyone knows the size of the thread there? or should i go and buy 10 diffrent screws and try them one by one....

THank You for any help!
Peter

 

Part number: 72150141166
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat....cfm?siteid=26
$17.21

 

They're a proprietary thread only BMW has the specs a few have tried to machine them, unsucessfully 17.21 is decent price, there is even a how-to for making your own plate holder on NAM somewhere. Also there are a few plate holder brakets already on the market for no t much more cost if you wanted ot look into it its one of the few things that there is little to no differeance on.

 

To answer your question, Peter, I'm not sure. I realize you do not need a tow hook, however. Don't go buy bolts and try them, unless you at least look at a photo of a bolt that fits (Illustration 1, http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/p...ns/102-500.pdf).

I mounted my required front plate using a little kit provided by a commerical vendor. Can't think of their name, but here are some links to some offerers. They may be able to tell you the thread or sell you the correct bolt.

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=54811
http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetai...od=FPMK&cat=13
http://www.gominigo.com/18545.html

Here is a very intersting forum thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...plate+tow+hook
It not only shows some of the commerical kits, but some DIY projects, too. You might contact some of the guys on that thread with Private Messages to obtain the answer you want. Or they may be able to provide another solution to the problem.

Anyway, Peter. Where are you located? I could lend my tow hook to you for a couple days while you visit some machine shops or something. Or you may find it convenient to buy a hook for less than $20. Then you'll have one in case you need it and can take it to machinests.

I must be on another planet. What are you other guys talking about ("...proprietary...", "...a few have tried unsuccessfully to machine them...")? The links above suggest differently. Or if they don't slay the proprietary notion, then at least they demonstrate, "It can be done."

 

thank You guys very much for all the help, i spent few hours drivin around today and lookin for a screw with a thread like that.... no luck so i gave up and im gonna order one of the kits that billie morini showed me
tahnk you guys one more time!!!

 

Peter,

It is indeed custom. Drove my machinst nuts when we first started our No Holes product. He finally had to make a custom tool to get the correct profile. Let me know if you have any questions.

GMG

 

The tow hook thread isn't proprietary per se, but it is somewhat unique. The diameter is 5/8" and the pitch is 8. The major & minor diameters fall in spec with ACME style threads—here's where it gets interesting—the tow hook threads are rounded whereas ACME threads are flat-topped.

— If you're handy, you can get 5/8-8 ACME threaded rod & round-over the threads with a file.

— If you're a machinist, you can quickly grind a tool and cut single-point threads on a lathe

— If you're neither, you can continue to perpetuate the 'proprietary' myth.