OK, quick question...

I finally found the tow hook (who woulda thought that foam thing by the battery actually opened? Duur), and I went to test fit it. I love the look of it on the car, and am planning on coating it with red, rubberized paint (like in the picture below), but I have a problem.

When screwed in, the hook is not straight (either horizontal or vertical), but rather stops turning when at a 45-degree angle. I've seen plenty of NAM photos of cars with the OEM (I assume) tow hook, usually in a straight up-and-down or straight horizontal position. How did you guys get it to be tight in the socket in that position?

 

Mine does the exact same thing. It stops at a 45 degree angle. I just assumed that they didn't tighten it all the way. Thats what I did with my eBay tow hook.

 

Doesn't it vibrate out? Maybe if I squirt some Lock-Tite or some silicone in there first...?

I like the eBay hook, but wish it didn't stick out from the grill so much... Plus the price tag is a bit daunting.

 

I've hear dof many using teflon tape. Wasn't an issue for me, but I no longer regularly run a tow hook as it kept getting faded from sun exposure (orange kept turning into a yellowish hue). Debating re-installation for the winter, plus the orange on the black car stands out more and makes me just a little more visible.

 

Teflon tape is a great idea... I know I have a bunch around someplace... Great idea - thanks!

 

My tow hook also stops at a 45 degree angle, but I just keep it verticle, it doesnt shake loose, and doesnt really move at all

 

Try putting a washer on the end reinstall the tow hook, if it does not sit straight then try 2 washers. Their should be a enough teeth to hold it in place.

 

i just wound mine up with e-tape on the treads and trial-errored
until snug and perfectly positioned.

 

Mine stopped at 45 degrees, but then I got a pipe wrench out and convinced it to stand upright. I then used my excess red caliper paint to show it who was really the boss.

 

If you're going to do it, then might as well do it right. Vertical is not the proper position. Proper position is as shown in the picture......



I used an old fashion bit brace with a very large bit. Very slowly and carefully ream the shoulder of the hole, it's aluminum. Take a tiny bit off, then try the hook. Do this until it's just a bit pre-horizontal. Remove the hook, coat the threads with thread lock, reinstall hook and level at horizontal.

Now you'll look official.

....Les

 

I wouldn't use lock-tite--you'll never get it off. Primed it and painted it caution yellow. Used teflon tape and when it got snug, used a screwdriver as a lever and tightened it until vertical. Really sets off against my purple haze MINI--I like the look.

 

This is what I did.

 

I just put mine on really tight with a wrench. It is parellel to the Earth.

 

did it make a crunching noise?

 

not the best pict... but you get the idea:

 

I didn' realize you wanted a photo.


If you want more just say so.

 

I got it in with a dab of silicone sealant - that way it will be firm and vibration-proof when the silicone hardens, but I can also remove it if and when I want. And the hole is now sealed against corrosion!

I also picked up a can of the rubberized dip paint (see first post for pic) - it's pretty cool and coats the hook in bright red rubber. I have plenty left over if anyone wants their own hook dipped - I'll put up a seperate thread for it and I'll take a photo of the final result in the morning...

Thanks, guys!

 

well since we're all posting pics of our hooks, I'll join in

 

I'd like to get my hook dipped! (Oh wait - wrong thread...)

Scott

 

I think the hooks look kinda cool, a bit of the asymmetrical look, but what exactly is the purpose? I mean, what could you use it for? It's not strong enough to actually pull anything is it?

 

Yes it is... It's intended to give a winch hook something to grab onto. It screws right into the main bumper plates and can be used to winch the car out of mud or snow. You have one on the front AND rear, actually...

For actual towing, however (meaning, towing something WITH the car), you'll need a tow bar (sold at Outmotoring or Miniaturetrailer.com).

 

You can safely and securely tow the MINI using those hooks (as long as you're not using one of the "decorative-only" tow hooks that you find on eBay).

The hooks lend a bit of a racy look to the car because such hooks are required for many racing events in order to tow your car off the track quickly in case of a breakdown.

Scott

 

Good to know Where's the one in the rear?

 

Look for a circular knock-out peice on the passenger side rear bumper...

 

Just get a few different washers and one of them is bound to work, or a combo. If you can find the right size locking washer it will work best.