Hi! I recently had my MINI dealer add some stuff to my MINI and while they were at it, I gave them my new tow hook and "Pull to Inflate" sticker to apply. I had asked them to put them both on the rear of the car, but they mistakenly put them on the front.

Since it's just for decoration (hopefully, I won't have to ever use the tow hook), would you have put it in the front or the rear of the car? I know this seems like a silly thing to some and, of course, it is supposed to be fun. Just wondering what you all think about which location would be more appropriate for the tow hook and decal? Also, I was originally thinking maybe the tow hook might offer some protection in the rear if someone lightly bumped the car -- would that be the case? Thanks!

 

We plasti-dipped my wife's tow hook in red and put it, along with the "Pull to Inflate" sticker, on the front. I've seen them both places, though - it's just a matter of preference.

As for added protection in the rear from the tow hook, I guess it would depend on what part of the other person's car the hook hit. If it hit something substantial, it might prevent or lessen the contact between your bumpers, but if it just hit the plastic bumper cover, it would probably just punch right though and not make much of a difference.

 

I think the front is better because you can see people's reaction. In a parking lot getting in or out of the MINI I've seen several people point and smile. At least I make them smile. The ones that do ask what happens when you pull it are afraid to not knowing what will happen. I also tell people when you pull, it turns into a pimped out Cadillac.

 

I like it on the front. Drives kids crazy . . . (Hey mister, what does that mean?)

 

Well I'm all for driving kids crazy so .... :D

 

That's true. I thought at first more people would be able to see it when you're stopped in traffic if it is in the back, but I would like to see people's reactions too.

 

I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

 

hey guys I would like to purchase both of these decals were and how much do these things cost thanks?!

 

Where did you buy the tow hook?

 

We got one at MOTD from Outmotoring. We got the sticker from Aesthetic Creations. The sticker is much cheaper than the tow hook.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the tow hook go right to the frame? So, you someone hit you, the energy would go directly to the frame, rather than be absorbed by your bumper. A hard bump from a steel bumper would give you a bent frame, wouldn't it?

 

Not just kids --- coworkers, neighbors, etc. We tell them to "go ahead and try it..." and then we jump away and to the side as we put our fingers in our ears...

 

Got my "Pull to Inflate" decal for $2.00 from Aesthetic Creations (http://www.aestheticreations.net/bumperstickers.htm). Got my Autotecknic BMW Racing Tow Hook from eBay for $49.99 + $15.00 shipping.

 

I would like to know this as well. Thank you!

 

This is one time I prefer the R50,R52, R53 to the R55, R56, R57.

The Mark I series had a small round hole in the lower grill for the tow hook. Not a big gaping ugly square hole in the painted bumper skin for the tow hook. Still nothin gbeats a red tow hook and a "Pull to inflate" decal.

Maybe an "Actual Size" decal on the bonnet Glass?

 

DrDiff - I agree. I wonder why they changed it?

 

if the bumper portion of the frame doesn't get bent, chances are the threads holding the tow hook in place are going to get trashed in a good speed collision. The hook itself may get sheered off as well, leaving a stub inside.

Having no idea how much something like that would be to repair, im actually hesitant in getting a front plate mounted there now.

 

+1

 

I've had mostly adults ask me this. The last time it was at a car parts store and the guy behind the counter asked me what happens when you pull it. Man its nice of them when they hire the handicap.

 

The answer is that it turns into an SUV.

 

Mines on the front. If asked, I tell them it turns into a Hummer!! While talking to a couple with a little boy, the little guy went to touch the hook and his Mother screamed "DON'T TOUCH THAT"!!! Really funny!

 

Mine's on the back... not where you would tow a car at the track, I know, which is the only place I've ever seen a tow hook actually used for it's intended purpose, but... I don't like anything on the front... tow hook, grill badges, license plates (not required on the front in TN)... the front of a MINI is so classic, I don't want to interfere with it....

When people ask me what the "Pull To Inflate" means, I tell them it just makes the car a little bigger... you'd be surprised how many people actually stop and think for a minute, and look at me as if they're not sure whether I'm lying or not! Much better than the obvious jokes like, "It turns into a Hummer," IMHO.

Whatever works and gets a laugh though, it's good with me.

 

Hahaha.. this is brilliant!

I simply can't wait for a better, thicker, more durable version of the wind up key and have them as a combination; tow hook in front, windupkey where antennae is.

 

Can this tow hook actually be used for towing? I have only been around Minis for a year but have been on quite a few club rides. I've seen these tow hooks on a lot of cars and I thought people put them on for tracking their car but I never actually asked someone about the hook.