Tow hooks

[eaglescout526]

Have any of you guys installed a set before? If so, what was done about the air dam to get the hooks through?

[fiatslug87]

I cut notches into them just big enough for the hooks. Make a cardboard template once the hooks are in and trace the cutouts onto the air dam (mark a fastener or something so you can line up the template correctly), a fresh utility blade will work. You can also drill holes at the corners to terminate your cuts.

[mark corbitt]

Mine came with factory  chrome hooks, but the dam has been"deleted" . I would like to see a factory set-up also.

[eaglescout526]

34 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said:

I cut notches into them just big enough for the hooks. Make a cardboard template once the hooks are in and trace the cutouts onto the air dam (mark a fastener or something so you can line up the template correctly), a fresh utility blade will work. You can also drill holes at the corners to terminate your cuts.

 

That’s what I was leaning towards doing but am hesitant. Got a pic of it just to get an idea?

 

Anyone have a straight from the factory set up? Even an XJ pic will do. 

[fiatslug87]

Best I can do.

[mjben]

Here's a factory 97+...

[eaglescout526]

42 minutes ago, fiatslug87 said:

Best I can do.

Pretty much it looks like it needs to be an inch longer than the non hook opening. Ok. I think I can figure out how to do that. 

 

Thanks fiat!

[schardein]

I had the same questions you did.  I eventually found some pics on the internet.  I cut my own, trying to minimize the size to only what was required.  I swear I took pics while doing it, but I can't find them.  So I took some just now of the finished install.

 

From what I recall, the factory cuts aren't anything fancy.

 

Do you have the angle pieces to replace the clip nuts?  I hate those darn clip nuts, they can make removing the bumper a nightmare when the break.

[eaglescout526]

9 minutes ago, schardein said:

I had the same questions you did.  I eventually found some pics on the internet.  I cut my own, trying to minimize the size to only what was required.  I swear I took pics while doing it, but I can't find them.  So I took some just now of the finished install.

 

From what I recall, the factory cuts aren't anything fancy.

 

Do you have the angle pieces to replace the clip nuts?  I hate those darn clip nuts, they can make removing the bumper a nightmare when the break.

 

Yup, I have every factory piece I need to install them. Looks like what I just need to do is take on of those drill saws and just cut a circle out on the air dam. 

[schardein]

2 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

 

Yup, I have every factory piece I need to install them. Looks like what I just need to do is take on of those drill saws and just cut a circle out on the air dam. 

Somewhere in here there is a thread where Hornbrod did his, and if I recall correctly, that is how he did his.

[eaglescout526]

4 minutes ago, schardein said:

Somewhere in here there is a thread where Hornbrod did his, and if I recall correctly, that is how he did his.

I will have to go hunt it down.

[Eagle]

The factory cutout is rectangular, about 2-1/2" wide, with the lower corners rounded. It's larger than the opening shown in the photos Schardein found.

[eaglescout526]

I found it. Putting it here for my future reference when I figure out why some of my front end is a tad bit tweaked.