I am thinking about installing my tow hook to deter those that prefer to park by braile. Does anyone know where you can find a rubber grommet to go around the hole in the bumper so it will look more finished?

 

- Some hardware stores have a good selection of grommets.
- If you have a electronics parts store nearby, that is a good source. Probably not at Radio Shack but more like a Electronic Parts Warehouse.
- Electrictrial supply store. However some only sell large quantities.
- mcmaster.com (mcmaster-carr). Search for rubber grommet.

 

I took the plastic cover that you remove and dremel'd a hole in it. Very eary using a stone bit. Have to be careful to get the hole lined up correctly since the bumper curves. It needs to be a bit to one side.

Here is a pic. I used some touch-up paint to cover the interior edges of the hole. You'll note that my hole should have been a bit to the left, but it looks fine unless you're a true craftsman being mean.

 

Can you show us what you are talking about?

 

rrcaniglia do you knw if you can just buy the tow hook cover if I damage it beyond recognition?

Well the other posts have the idea. If I take out the tow hook cover on the bumper I was hoping to fit a rubber grommet around the sharp edge of the bumper hole. The same way electrical wires are installed through the firewall of a car. Here is a picture of regualr rubber grommets. But I want something to fit the square hole on the R56 Mini bumper. And then I will just run the tow hook through it.

 

Can't it do damage to your frame if someone actually hits it?

 

they'd have to hit the hook really hard to cause frame damage. that kind of impact would damage even more if the hook wasnt there.

 

I've seen tow hook covers still in the plastic for sale on EbayUK so you can probably order them as a single piece.

 

Here is another picture. You can see how the hole looks unfinished on the R56 (yellow bumper) after you install the tow hook.

 

Spinned,

How would you stop someone walking by from stealing it?

 

I was thinking about mounting my plate there as well and wondered what to do about the square hole as well. Let us know if you come up with something GREAT.

 

I guess some guys use lock tight or teflon tape. I don't usually leave my car on the street for long so I figured it would be ok.

 

How is this going to stop them? The kind of people who park by braille are unlikely to notice it.

 

As 'RRCANIGLIA' noted, most MINIacs who are concerned with the appearance of the bumper have drilled out the existing cover. It looks much better than leaving the cover off.
As to the question by 'SLINGER688' regarding theft, someone interested enough would need to have wrenches available and be motivated enough. If your concerned, locktite and enough torque during install should keep the hooks in place. I have badges on the back of the "Ghost" and no one has ever messed with them. (they are VERY easy to remove.)

 

Those are aftermarket tow hooks, right? Because mine doesn't look anything like those. Mine is one piece, it doesn't have that folding part that forms the round "hook" like the ones pictured. Much more utilitarian (ugly, even?).

Mine's not as nice looking, but on the plus side it sticks out from the bumper farther - so anyone doing the "park by touch" thing would get a nice ding in their own bumper from the hook before contacting my bumper.

I'll put the hook on later and post a picture.


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Those hooks pictured above are from 'OUTMOTORING.COM'. They add a nice touch, but are expensive.
Your standard hook, which is supplied with every MINI is very utilitarian.

 

On mine I machined a billet plate and engraved it to cover the hole and used a little locktite to help some one from just unscrewing it needs a wrench

 

On R53's make sure to get the threaded part shortened a little bit because (a) it sticks too far out and (b) the threaded part does not look good at all...

 

You should sell these. How do they stay in place?

 

i'd be interested too, can i have mine in black?

 

How do they stay in place? I put some high strength LockTite on the threads and then adjusted the screw and nuts so the fixture gets hand tight while still about--oh, say 20 degrees from vertical. You know, maybe at the 4 or 4:30 position. Then I used a rubber mallet to tap it to a vertical position. I don't think it will be easy to remove.

 

I haven't pulled off the bumper cover yet because I didn't want to scratch it. Do you push it in or take a screw driver to it and pry it out?

 

I hold the plate in with a little clear silicone on the back side edge been on for over a year no problem. sorry only made two prototypes one for me and the other for a club member. a little powder coat you could make them any color. I made inserts for the rear fogs and they are polished too so stayed with the polished look for front.

 

They pop out so easily, I don't think you can scratch them if you exercise any care at all.

 

BTW, I really like your sig pic. The red just pops against that backdrop, which really emphasizes the specialness of the MINI. Good art.