ok, NEXT!

 

I have the e-Bay tow hook in anodized red. Aside from lack of functionality, the anodizing is rapidly fading . I may remove it and have it powder coated, or just write it off as a cheap ornament. Should I decide to replace the unit, I would definitely go the route of a usable hook that also has the "looks" factor ---

 

Hey now, no dis'ing eBay, just choose wisely.

Obviously the $160 pins are much more functional and look great, but you could go with the decorative set, spending a lot less, and if you need to actually be towed, pull out the OEM pins and use those.

 

my thoughts exactly.

now let's go find JCampo's car and steal it. jk

 

Please do... the POS barely runs and I would love to collect the insurance money on it

 

hahaha we only want your tow hook. you can keep the car.

 

For those cosmetically inclined, I hear that you can replace your headlights with canisters of NAWZ from Kragen...

 

Jeez, I didn't know I'd touch off such a firestorm!

But seriously, I'm pretty sure the "don't use for towing" label is mainly a disclaimer to cover their a$$es in case something does go pear-shaped. $75 is probably enough to cover the machining, assembly, anodization, etc. with enough left over for a nice profit. But they're probably not paying for product liability, which is how they can sell it for $75 instead of $160. Maybe I'll ask one of my Mech. E. guys about it, but it looks like plenty enough aluminum to pull a ~1-ton mini up onto a flatbed. I wouldn't tow my F-150 with it, though...

Bummer to hear that the sun bleaches the red anodization. Good thing we never see the sun here in seattle...

And seriously, too, I really did buy it just so I could tell people it's a wind-up key.

 

mines red and it's been fine for me.

 

The Autotecknic ring:


Web site states: Folding design meets SCCA, CCA, NASA, and NABR tow hook regulations

That would seem to imply that it is functional.

 

that's the one i have.

 

I have this tow hook.

 

Why not just paint the factory hook?

Functionality and a little bling. All for the low, low price of a can of spray paint and some clear.

 

^ even if you did paint it, it won't look as good as the ones we have
and you end up buying one anyways.

 

Knowing my luck, some SOB would steel the hook. Do you guys have it secured some other way than just screwing it in place?

 

Yeah, mine's still in the box it came in!

 

Yup. I've seen it.

 

yep, car's garaged during the weekday.

 

(sigh)... They're so neat. Alas... $100 for what's basically a Mini earring. I just... can't... bring... myself.... to... do...it.

 

I used the OEM hook and sprayed it red with a can of spray vinyl grip but you could also dip it in the non-spray version. Not as good looking as the fold versions but it looks good anyway!

 

You can find them for less than $50 on eBay

 

The color on mine faded in two weeks and looks like sh**. I now have the OE one dipped in red Plastidip and I like it better.

 

What color? My black and silver one has held up very well for over 6 months now.

 

the functionality is obviously there. However, is there any need to put these on the car when not in use?

 

RED