18 replies to this topic

[Struggler]

I usually weld an old U bolt from leaf spring to the centre, lower side of the crossmember.

On LH/X's I have also cut a slot in the bumper to slip a plate with a hole in it up alongside the bumper mount. I then weld this on to the bumper mount. Only problem with this is it pokes out a bit and makes walking in front of the car hazardous in a small garage.

[tinkers]

Most of the drag cars I have taken photos dont even have a hook! So I looked through the Hillclimb cars and found a few.

The actual racecars have the solid hook where as the show type cars had the rope/webbing.




I have adjusted these to show the hooks

[enderwigginau]

See above.

[LXCHEV]

This isn't the best pic, but this is how I setup a tow point on my LX - I just bought an off-the-shelf loop/hook thingy, and screwed it into the existing bolt hole.... it's pushing my memory, but I'm pretty sure I simply removed one of the original bumper bolts.

Look at the underside of the bumper on the driver's side.....

[A9X]

I did the same thing.

Just replace the bottom bolt with the eye bolt for using seatbelt harness mounts.

Welby

[WhiteA9XS]

thats a great idea but the hooks that the tender vehicles have at the tracks are probably too big for these small eyelets

[LXCHEV]

Yes, the eyelets are on the smallish side - (the photos do make them look smaller than they actually are though). It just depends what you're trying to hook onto them. It would be a good idea to keep some extra bits and pieces in the glovebox - ie. some adapters etc which could be looped through, which in turn would allow for bigger hooks to link up. But I've used mine with no probs as is.

Welby - your setup with the twin eyelets look tough! Thanks for posting a clearer picture than mine - that's a much better angle to show everyone.

And Marty - yes the eyelet is one single piece - it just screws straight in. My car also says thank you for your compliment, lol.

[A9X]

Thanks guys.

I have plenty of recovery experience and quals and can speak comfortably on the subject.

The decision on where to put tow hooks came about from a number of criteria.

Firstly, we didn't want a big ugly loop hanging out the front. Especially with road registration which doesn't allow objects in front of the bumper which may cause injury in the case of accident.
We wanted it to double as a tie down point for the trailer.
the type of racing we do does not lend itself to 'quick snatch ' recovery. Basically, if we have an off in targa, it's wait for the stage to be closed before recovery.

What i have is a quick detachable loop that fits the eyelet and can then be used to attach a shackle or hook on a tow rope. It sits in the car within reach of myself and the navigator so he either attaches it orpasses it out for attachment.

For tie downs, it fits standard tie down straps perfectly.

As to the brackets, the bumper bar attachment points are as strong or if not stronger than anything else that immeadiately comes to mind in that general area on a Torana.

Looking at all the options, it was a very good call covering most of the requirements. Baron, i strongly suggest you keep it in mind when looking at your options as they are in line with our concerns. You would also have the same thoughts as to recovery and i dare say your hatch is going to be as close to a sand dune as mine.

But all good points raised.

Welby

[A9X]

What i have is a quick detachable loop that fits the eyelet and can then be used to attach a shackle or hook on a tow rope. It sits in the car within reach of myself and the navigator so he either attaches it orpasses it out for attachment

It's similar to a s hook but with a spring latch on it. Then we keep 2 bow shackles in the spares/tool bag.

Welby

[ozyozyozy]

If im not mistaken tinkers, thats my silver 4 door, with the fabric tow hook.
I just drilled a hole for a bolt in the bumper bracket and made a slot for the tow strp to poke through.
You will want to check the rule book for what you want to do.
CAMS stipulate a min hole size of 40mm, red, yellow or orange in colour, whatever one is more distinct againest colour if car and must be able to pull the car over a xx height bump flat towing.
Velo make universal fabric ones.