SCCA Tow Hook Install For LX Cars

[X E Ryder]

When I first made this post I wanted to know if anyone had put tow hooks on his or her LX – nope. Why tow hooks? Because many tracks are now requiring SCCA regulation 2” folding type hooks on your car to run their road course.

I found a few hints here and there and here is the result all done with factory parts!

http://www.xeryder.com/charger-towhook.jpg
All of these parts are available from your dealer using the '06 LX Parts, 113 Frames and Bumpers section, with the exception of the front shaft and hook. I had to purchase a 2" folding hook for the front, and had my friend's at Digital Machine make a new slightly longer, and very strong shaft to achieve the right finished depth.

DEALER PARTS LIST:
05065519AA Bracket, Disabled Vehicle Tow, Front
04580818AA Storage Kit, Multipurpose, Tow Hook (OEM non folding)
04780918AA Bracket, Disabled Vehicle Tow, Rear
06505832AA Bolt, Hex Flange Head, Tow Hook, Rear (2 req)
06506152AA Nut And Coned Washer, Hex, Tow Hook, Rear (2 req)

ADDITIONAL PARTS LIST:
Folding Tow Hook, Front, http://stores.ebay.com/Lotarev-Automotive
Machined Steel Shaft, 1013 steel, see pictures.
Metric Bolts/Nuts for Bracket, Tow Hook, Front

[Redfox0099]

Front, rear, or both needed?

[X E Ryder]

Front, rear, or both needed?

Whoops! I will edit post, Front minimum, both preferred. I think the rear will be pretty cake, but the front clean will surely require some effort.

[Mighty Noid]

You will need to contact MattRobertson

He is doing something custom with those hooks.

[X E Ryder]

You will need to contact MattRobertson

He is doing something custom with those hooks.

Thx! PM Sent

[MattRobertson]

You will need to contact MattRobertson

He is doing something custom with those hooks.

He's not doing anything custom yet, but he's planning on it. XE, is that hook you pictured sturdy enough to lift up an LX? Got a part number?

The Frankencooler thread prolly has bare bumper pics that will show any bolt holes that exist both on Meister's car and my own.

I'm tempted to drill a hole thru the fascia and hang that ring out of it, but thats not the best case with regard to looks.

[Mighty Noid]

Hey I tired...

:)

Matt... how is the car driving???

[X E Ryder]

He's not doing anything custom yet, but he's planning on it. XE, is that hook you pictured sturdy enough to lift up an LX? Got a part number?

The Frankencooler thread prolly has bare bumper pics that will show any bolt holes that exist both on Meister's car and my own.

I'm tempted to drill a hole thru the fascia and hang that ring out of it, but thats not the best case with regard to looks.

Hey Matt,

I don't think it would be ok to Lift UP, but to tow to the pits should be fine, and meets the requirements. The service manual does not want anything done but flat bed towing on our platform - I'm not sure what to do about it really. If I beef something up, it will break just behind the work! Part is from Pegasus, I'm ordering 2 tonight.

I may pull my fascia this week and drill the damn hole - I could care less about it being there - I call it a neccessary evil. Plus it may have the side benefit of further alienating me from the picky folks. :)

You know those beefy long threaded steel nuts? they are like 2 inches tall and fully threaded. I may have my body shop sponsor weld one in so I can screw the ring in through the small hole in the bumper, and then unthread and remove it the rest of the time. May do the rear the same way.

[MattRobertson]

Matt... how is the car driving???Still in the shop. No motor assembled yet but the parts should be ready to go literally any day now.

I may have my body shop sponsor weld one in so I can screw the ring in through the small hole in the bumper, and then unthread and remove it the rest of the time. There's an idea. But on the track you're going to get vibration. Not enough to make it come loose on a drag strip but 20 minutes on a road course? Wouldn't want to chance it.

[1fastsedan]

The Bimmer guys use removable toe hooks on their fronts. I saw one of the guys putting it on in the garage at Fontana. I would think with a jam nut and/or some loc-tite you'd be OK for the day.

[X E Ryder]

Yea, and we all know the trick of "oops I marred a single thread" and we now have plenty of resistance to retain it. :)

I will keep you informed - might pull the fascia's today

[grinner]

I'ma go though a part of the fascia. (and of course, paint it puple)
I was looking at the bumper itself (benieth the fascia). I think I can make a bracket on the inside of the bumper right next to the mount and it'll tow fine. A simple hole would rip through or bend the bumper but a big bracket to mount to inside the hollow bumper pipe can fix this.
I'm not gonna put one in the back.

[Super T]

X E Rider, those flatbed tie-downs are totally different, not sure if you meant you were planning on using those or not. This is an interesting question, and I wouldn't mind seeing the answer either. If it turns out there's a method that allows them to be easily installed and removed for a relatively low cost, I might pick up a hook.

[X E Ryder]

Super T, I was actually bummed that the only "approved" tow point was behind the front wheels - way too far back in my book - there has tobe something closer to the front!

I'm really going to look into the transport hook OEM location for my mount - it was good enough for the factory, should be good enough for me - or so I hope! :)

[grinner]

not diggin the bumper idea, huh?

[MattRobertson]

The ideas I have seen floated involve bolting a custom-fabbed metal piece to the frame underneath the car.

[1fastsedan]

What about the hook below mounted to the hard bumper? I'd cut a slit in my fascia for it. Maybe it could be removed with a long socket extension from the open areas between the radiator and fascia.
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/bigpicture.asp?RecId=5348
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/Images/M/2349.JPG
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/Images/L/2349-INSTALLED.JPG
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/bigpicture.asp?RecId=5348
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/bigpicture.asp?RecId=5348

[X E Ryder]

Well here is the frame parts breakdown. It clearly shows a factory transportation hook in the same place as so many 300 owners call the "Hole".

It would be great if anyone with an earlier car, say 05-06 could see if they have threads in there, and another pic I have seen it appears there is a provision in the same location for a threaded boss which may or may not be installed by the factory in this location.

I am going to try to utilize this same location as it was approved by DC anyway. My parts guy thinks he found something in the listing so my sponsor dealer ordered it in to see what the heck they get.

http://www.xeryder.com/charger-front.jpg

I will still have to chop the eye off and thread the shaft so I can have the required 2" dia Folding Hook, but I still consider this a step in the right direction.

[1fastsedan]

Well, mine is an 06 300C SRT8. Here is a shot of the hard bumper. I don't see the threaded nut you would need.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t225/1fastsedansrt8/IMG_5174.jpg

[X E Ryder]

Well, mine is an 06 300C SRT8. Here is a shot of the hard bumper. I don't see the threaded nut you would need.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t225/1fastsedansrt8/IMG_5174.jpg

Thank you for posting a GOOD picture of this point. If your car is still apart could you look at the metal boss and see if you think there was provision for a thread boss there?

If there is not, I suppose we'll get one machined and weld it up in this location.

[1fastsedan]

Sorry, but the car is back together now. I don't have any plans to take the fascia off until my halos arrive and can be installed.

[X E Ryder]

Can't say I blame ya there. :) OK thx much for the great pic though! I suspect I will not have any more there than your car does.

[magnum lover]

I have seen these:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/body/body_e46_tow.jpg

and in red or black anodized. I did a search for "SCCA tow hooks". Price is around $140 for front and rear set.

This type was on a Corvette (street legal) but not sure how it's attached or where he got it from.
11334

[X E Ryder]

Yeah that upper one goes into the factory transport hook location, which was apparently not installed on our domestics. I wish it was that easy! :)

I have something similar coming for mine though, once it gets here I will post it up!

[X E Ryder]

Hey Folks!

I have the rear tow hook done, and with factory parts! You can order a bracket, 2 bolts and 2 nuts, drill two holes in the spare tire depression and utilize two 5/8" pre-threaded insert on the end of the left frame rail to install the rear hook. I will post a pic soon.

Now onto the front, I have most the parts but waiting on one now. :)

[X E Ryder]

OK, all done, see original post for the details!

[MattRobertson]

you mean Post #1 in this thread? Hasn't been edited since January. I must be missing the boat?

[Mighty Noid]

I look at post #1 and it has been the same since 1/29... am I missing something?

[MattRobertson]

ok i see you changed it right after I posted. Install details? part numbers?

[X E Ryder]

I still have to get the shaft back from the machinist - and I will get all the part numbers in today. :)

[X E Ryder]

OK, the front is done and the original pic is updated.

[1fastsedan]

Awesome work! I got a green bean with your name all over it.

Any chance you can just list the part numbers for both?

[X E Ryder]

Awesome work! I got a green bean with your name all over it.

Any chance you can just list the part numbers for both?

I will try to get all the part numbers sorted out and edited in soon!

:)

[MattRobertson]

Beans to you! Part numbers please when you have a chance. I am actually going to be changing my front fascia after Spring Fling and this will be on the mod list I think.

[X E Ryder]

Original post updated with dealer part numbers!

http://www.xeryder.com/xe1170-9.jpg
(the front tow hook installed - turn 1 Laguna Seca)

[MattRobertson]

Way to go with the green tape. It blends!

Lemme know when you run Laguna next. I live right down the road from the track. I am HOPING to make the Speedventures April 10 track day there.

[Hemissary]

You lucky...GUYS!

[MattRobertson]

Hey XE... Doesn't the tow hook part number end in AF? The pic you have in Post #1 shows that.


Don't think I can get this ordered and intalled before SF. I plan on just cutting a hole in the fascia and using the stocker when I have a track day. That hook BTW, is absolutely identical in appearance to the one that came with my Jr. Benz (C280). I'll bet you a dollar they are the same part.

See you Friday?

[X E Ryder]

Hmm, I'll check it Matt. ...And I will bet you a BEER which you can pay me at SF08 hahah (or I might pay you it doesn't matter)

Dood I broke some $hit tonight! I'm having a bad LX day!

You lucky...GUYS!

You have the Coolest username! :)

[MattRobertson]

you're on. But no beer for me. A shot or a slug. :-)

[MattRobertson]

I should be getting my hook installed soon. Bob@SVS is doing the install work. Following XE's excellent lead and parts list, I bought the parts from Jeff@MPSC and deviated in only one way: The tow hook itself. Concerned about the capacity of the aluminum hook (its about 3500 lbs) I decided to take capacity up a couple of notches:

http://www.rennline.com/images/E13.08-3.jpghttp://www.rennline.com/images/E13.08-2.jpg

This puppy is stainless steel and has a higher load capacity. The company (Rennline.com) makes them primarily for the Porsche market but I gave them a call and told them what I had (the Partridge Family bus) and they confirmed this will work no problem. Install will go down soon with any luck.

Its a little more expensive, but its also solid steel all the way around. Nothing like overkill when you are racing an ICBM on wheels.

XE thanks again for doing the pioneer work on this!

[Walt SRT8]

Concerned about the capacity of the aluminum hook (its about 3500 lbs) I decided to take capacity up a couple of notches:

http://www.rennline.com/images/E13.08-3.jpg

XE thanks again for doing the pioneer work on this!


XE Thanks for the help, Mine's "almost" on. HeHe :). (Nothing like "5 weeks for machining". Of course it is solid "Nitro 60 SS", left over from the space shuttle, I think). :)

Matt.......Over Kill...not for you Buddy........:)

Great, Fun Post thats carried over for 6 months. Heck, it takes me that long just to figure out what I want to do next.....:beerchug:

[MattRobertson]

Matt.......Over Kill...not for you Buddy........:)You think thats bad? My first choice was a 10,000 lb capacity (you have to go that hi to get the required 2" interior diameter) forged stainless eye bolt (http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=37&cs=167&cm=102&cd=54) but SCCA wants it to be folding. The bigass eye bolt would have been less expensive (no machining of a shaft extension, but you'd have to make a mount for it) and was less expensive. They are as cheap as $39 or so if you are willing to compromise on the finish (hot dipped galvanized). Not big on looks unless big and fugly are on your list... Oh thats right I have a Magnum :D

But I looked high and low and wound up finding the stainless folder. Seems to be the only one on the market.

[Walt SRT8]

You think thats bad? My first choice was a 10,000 lb capacity (you have to go that hi to get the required 2" interior diameter) forged stainless eye bolt (http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=37&cs=167&cm=102&cd=54) but SCCA wants it to be folding. .


Too funny Matt...................:beerchug:

[Walt SRT8]

Pieces laid out.........Not cut for length yet. (Factory Black mount bracket)

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm102/WaltSRT8/Tow%20Hook/DSC09661.jpg

Foldable Hook Eye and the Nitro 60 SS, not yet tapered or cut to length.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm102/WaltSRT8/Tow%20Hook/DSC09662.jpg

Factory Bracket and sample thread run. And it is a special thread. If someone needs the pitch etc. let me know. The machinist had a hell of a time trying to get correct. DCX didn't want other to be able to screw eye other than theirs into this receiver. Thanks DCX

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm102/WaltSRT8/Tow%20Hook/DSC09663.jpg

This is how it should work after mating the eye threaded end and the shaft tampered.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm102/WaltSRT8/Tow%20Hook/DSC09667.jpg

This wasn't cheap to do. :panic: I have about $220.00 in machine time and the Nitro 60 SS, plus the parts. BTW, If you want one of these DCX front brackets, I would order it fast, as the last count in the USA was only 6. And mine was #7. (Also, I beleive the Charger & 300C "Disabled Motorist Tow Point Brackets" are different. The intertal threads are different as well. Mine and XEs have different threads atleast). Also on the 300C SRT8, it will project thru on of the lower passenger side grille pockets, so you don't have to drill the facia. (Just cut the screening out that I just installed....nice).

(Matt, it ain't 10,000 GVW, but I think it sure as hell, will pull my sled out of the Kitty Litter if need be) :)

Again, this wasn't exactly my idea, XE did one and I copied his setup.

:beerchug: to JT.

[X E Ryder]

I should be getting my hook installed soon. Bob@SVS is doing the install work. Following XE's excellent lead and parts list, I bought the parts from Jeff@MPSC and deviated in only one way: The tow hook itself. Concerned about the capacity of the aluminum hook (its about 3500 lbs) I decided to take capacity up a couple of notches:

http://www.rennline.com/images/E13.08-3.jpg

This puppy is stainless steel and has a higher load capacity. The company (Rennline.com) makes them primarily for the Porsche market but I gave them a call and told them what I had (the Partridge Family bus) and they confirmed this will work no problem. Install will go down soon with any luck.

Its a little more expensive, but its also solid steel all the way around. Nothing like overkill when you are racing an ICBM on wheels.

XE thanks again for doing the pioneer work on this!

Cool dood! Looking forward to seeing your results. I'm ok with the aluminum one because I like the lightweight and don't plan on it being used! If it gets used and busted, well, that is punishment for spinning hahaha. The metal shaft is like Walt's tho, VERY tough.

[MattRobertson]

Right now I am praying my parts come in. Bob has the hook but the rest were hung up on export restriction according to Jeff@MPSC middle of last week. I'm calling tomorrow to figure out the story. Install is scheduled for this Friday and if we have to I guess we'll do the front only for now and rig up something completely custom...

:picard:

It never goes easy, does it?

[Redfox0099]

[quote=X E Ryder;1333190]
All of these parts are available from your dealer using the '06 LX Parts, 113 Frames and Bumpers section, with the exception of the front shaft and hook. I had to purchase a 2" folding hook for the front, and had my friend's at Digital Machine make a new slightly longer, and very strong shaft to achieve the right finished depth.

DEALER PARTS LIST:
05065519AA Bracket, Disabled Vehicle Tow, Front
04580818AA Storage Kit, Multipurpose, Tow Hook (OEM non folding)

[quote=X E Ryder;1333190]

I tried searching for these parts with no luck...do you have better pics of them and good pics of them isntalled on the car where they mount, I put my car so much on the trailer right now I think having a front mounted tow hook would save me a bunch of trouble.

Thanks.

[MattRobertson]

Nathan, I tried buying these parts via Jeff at MoparSuperCenter and we wound up not being able to get them. They are export-only and the problem was this was one time we couldn't break thru the restrictions. I do seem to recall that the part numbers for some had changed. If you want to pursue this, I'd recommend Jeff as he's at least been there and done that.

[Redfox0099]

anyone have a good pic of where the bracket mounts or where you mounted your Matt...any pics will help me, I am damm tired of climbing under the car to hook it up to the winch.

[MikeE]

hello, does the rear tow bracket fit a magnum too or is that for the chargers only? TIA

[Redfox0099]

My Magnum came with the rear tow piece attached from the factory.

[MattRobertson]

Nathan I am looking for the pics. As soon as I find them I'll do a quick writeup and post a link here. I'll try for end of tomorrow.

[Redfox0099]

bump

Posted via LXFMobile

[Trojan]

Nathan,

Bobs installing these front and back next week on my Challenger, Ill have him take pics.

[MattRobertson]

I'll try to get it in before that. I'm actually hoping for time this weekend.

Chris, you doing the steel Rennline hooks?

[Charg-um@BMC Performance]

Hey XE , Why do you tape your headlights ? I thought that was for only glass lenses, ours are plastic.

Thanks

[MattRobertson]

I don't think X E Ryder is around anymore, sadly. You tape the lenses for the same reason as glass. Rocks ding them up. In a perfect world you tape all the leading edges of the car but few have that kind of time. I don't tape anything anymore. And I should have. I have a slightly cracked fog lens.

All it takes is one jackass to go off track and they spew crap all over when he gets back on. If they have gravel traps the ricochets are unbelievable.

[Trojan]

I'll try to get it in before that. I'm actually hoping for time this weekend.

Chris, you doing the steel Rennline hooks?

Yeah Bob was gonna call you to get the hook up on them, Expect a call. Challys in route to SVS right now in fact. :rock:

[MattRobertson]

No problemo. For posterity I went and looked it up:

http://www.rennline.com/Folding-Race-Hook-Screw-Type/productinfo/E13.09/

This is tow hook E13.09. It looks EXACTLY like E13.08 and you don't want that one. E13.08 has a special Porsche factory thread and E13.09 has a 5/8" 11 thread.

[X E Ryder]

Sorry folks, been very busy here and was offline during a move as well.

RedFox, the part numbers keep being superceded, and there are not too many left. The front bracket goes on the right framed rail head underneath the tube pseudo bumper behind the fascia.

Remember that little hole in the 300 bumper everyone asked about? that is where it comes out.

:sosayweall:

[Redfox0099]

So does anyone know the correct part number now?

[Trojan]

So does anyone know the correct part number now?

Nathan,

Matt's part number is correct, I just ordered 2 of these, They just did a production run so they have plenty of them in stock.

http://www.rennline.com/images/E13.09-2.jpg

Thanks Matt! :beerchug:

[Ron380]

Thanks for the update, Trojan! When you install yours, could you get some pictures and details on how you're mounting the tow hooks? ie: What will they screw into and how is it attached to the car? Thanks! :thumbs_u:

[MattRobertson]

Chris, I really really will be putting mine up soon but I don't have so much in the way of pics. Anything you can get will help. I expect your install is going to be about what mine was. Or if anything it'll be a Gen2 and Bob@SVS will figure out something better to do than what he did with me.

I suggest we put everything into this thread so all the tow hook info stays in one place.

[Mighty Noid]

Matt...

Then you better drive over to SVS and take a crap load of pictures... it will be really hard for Chris to drive up there to take pictures... or have Jason (CV) take them... :)

[Trojan]

Matt...

Then you better drive over to SVS and take a crap load of pictures... it will be really hard for Chris to drive up there to take pictures... or have Jason (CV) take them... :)

yup we he said!!/\/\/\

[MattRobertson]

Well, Bob@SVS has a camera. Maybe I can talk him into it. When's the install happening?

[Ron380]

Tell Bob I'll happily buy him the drink of his choice (one serving!) if he takes pics during the fabrication and install! :beerchug: :mrgreen:

[Trojan]

The hooks get there thursday, depending where they are with the rest of my build at that point Im not sure.

[Redfox0099]

Chris i ain't worried about the tow hook part # I am worried about the bracket that attaches to the car.... hopefully Matt has some good pics of the bracket.

Nathan,

Matt's part number is correct, I just ordered 2 of these, They just did a production run so they have plenty of them in stock.

http://www.rennline.com/images/E13.09-2.jpg

Thanks Matt! :beerchug:

[MattRobertson]

There's no bracket wth Bob's approach, bud. Its a plate welded to the bumper at the bumper's attachment point to the frame. To that plate is welded a piece of custom-cut, machined, tubular stainlss steel which is custom-threaded (so the hook will clock correctly when fully screwed in) and cut so even hough it is on a slanted segment of bumper the hook comes out straight 90 from the front of the car.

Bob@SVS used none of the Dodge parts X E spec'd out and Walt used because I couldn't get any of them. So he built it all from scratch.

[Ron380]

Thanks Matt. Who would typically handle something like that? A regular car mechanic, body shop, dealership service dept. (LOL!) ... ? I also have two metal-fabrication/welding shops near here. They could probably build a car from scratch, but they typically don't do small jobs.

[MattRobertson]

Dunno Ron. Thats part of the beauty of a shop like SVS where they have their own fabrication machinery and skills and can freaking build stuff from scratch out of bar stock.

[X E Ryder]

Chris i ain't worried about the tow hook part # I am worried about the bracket that attaches to the car.... hopefully Matt has some good pics of the bracket.

Hey Red, look at post #1 about halfway down - there is a good pic of the factory bracket and factory ring bolted to my chassis with the fascia off the car - it should give you a good idea how the OEM one was designed to work.

Also, if "05065519AA Bracket, Disabled Vehicle Tow, Front" does not work have them try "05065519AB Bracket, Disabled Vehicle Tow, Front" to see if that comes up.

Hope that helps.