Installing a Tow Hook

[68camaroz28]

Added the ZL1 Addons tow hook to our 2015 white Z/28 and thought I’d share some information. Was it difficult? No, it was not but like anything there are some lessons learned or things to learn before starting. First off, the directions I had to review several times and they were believe it or not the most frustrating. Some of that my fault but they could be drastically improved but once it’s clear no problem.
After the instructions and a phone call to order another tow hook for another car and a quick question to John it was time to start. First step, jacked car up using our 2 post lift and removed wheel/tire, and remove hardware from inner fender for removal. Turning steering wheel hard right assists with removing the inner fender. This is much easier then I anticipated and the plastic push type pins are a breeze to take out. Pull the center pin out and remove.

With inner fender removed much of the same sealer seen in trunk area.

The Tow Hook Kit provides a round piece template to drill the two needed holes, one for a allen screw to hold the tow hook receiver in place behind the crash bar your drilling, and the other for the tow hook threaded end to attach to the welded on nut. Two holes drilled, one 3/16” and other 3/4”. Either have to use a step drill for the 3/4” or multiple drills to work up. That can be cumbersome as the drill bit wants to catch prior to breaking thru and the last thing you want is that drill pulling one way or another into your grille. Use of step drill best but since the area being drilled is recessed I had to somehow extend it.




Should have taken a picture of the bar with nut welded and drilled/tapped hole the allen screw attaches to keep in place. If you look around the middle of the picture you will see part of that chocolate primer looking bar that I slid into place but before that to assist with holding while attaching (was by myself) I ran a string thru from the front grille area and thru the receiving nut on the bar and then tied the string to a washer which allowed me to pull the receiving bar/nut into place, center the two holes up and attach the receiving bar to location with the allen screw with some blue Loctite.




With the rear receiver attached screw in the front two hook receiver which sits approximately 1/2” in from the grill face. I then removed the door, did some measuring and using a 1” hole saw cut a hole in the door to utilize with the installed tow hook to have it look more built in.




Utilized another 1/2-20 nut with the nut supplied and locked the tow hook in place with the holed plastic door in place. Re-install the inner fender panel and we are done.

[bowtieman_racin]

Looks awesome I figured the bumper cover had to come off so I haven't bought tow hooks yet. Wish I could see a little better whats going on with the back side. I zoomed the picture in but still can't really tell whats there.

[frenchsquared]

Thanks... I started this process a few days ago. Took off the wheel and inner fender to find out I did not have the correct parts. The instruction are very confusing at first. I had to call them as well. found I was missing stuff. They sent it out that same day. Should be here today.

Looks great. I was thinking I might try to cut the cover as well to make it look more finished.

[68camaroz28]

Originally Posted by bowtieman_racin

Looks awesome I figured the bumper cover had to come off so I haven't bought tow hooks yet. Wish I could see a little better whats going on with the back side. I zoomed the picture in but still can't really tell whats there.

Thanks! The bumper cover does not need to come off, only the inner fender. Hopefully this helps to show the end of the bar in primer sitting in the channel prior to being pushed farther in for lining up the holes drilled to the mating receiver bar. What you cannot see is very difficult to picture as its recessed or back in that channel. At first I used a light from the grille side shining in the holes to angle my head to see the location. Your not going to get your hand in there so that was the reason for the string and tied on washer to assist with locating and holding bar in position to secure with allen screw.

[68camaroz28]

Originally Posted by frenchsquared

Thanks... I started this process a few days ago. Took of the wheel and inner fender to find out I did not have the correct parts. The instruction are very confusing at first. I had to call them as well. found I was missing stuff. They sent it out that same day. Should be here today.

Looks great. I was thinking I might try to cut the cover as well to make it look more finished.

Appreciate the Thanks! Could you post a picture of the bar or any other information/pics from your experience that might add to the thread and help others in the future.

[frenchsquared]

[frenchsquared]

Originally Posted by 68camaroz28

Appreciate the Thanks! Could you post a picture of the bar or any other information/pics from your experience that might add to the thread and help others in the future.

Look closely at the notes hand written on the instructions. They sent me instructions for all cars so it took me a min to find the right page for the front Z28.

I did not remove my inner fender. I removed the front bolts, two clips and left the rear. Then lowered the front of it down enough to get inside.

Don't order the one on the front page of there site. I wanted the camera mount so I got it. You have to order the Z28 specific one, then add the camera mount. There website is rather confusing. Thats why I am missing the bar.
Yes I clicked you Z28 one with mounting rod, but I guess thats an extension. I hate phones... but don't be afraid to call. The answered within 2 or 3 rings and was never put on hold. Great company.

This is the right url to order from to get all the parts.
https://zl1addons.com/products/copy-...nt=27756185153

[kramard]

Thanks for the details, guys. This is a super helpful post, will be doing this soon. Has anyone done the rear too?

[Stephen12ZL1]

rear isn't too bad...you have to use a hole saw to access the rear crash bar. I used a bit extender to have enough length to go through the entire bar. All of this is hidden under the rear plate when the hook isn't in use.

[68camaroz28]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

rear isn't too bad...you have to use a hole saw to access the rear crash bar. I used a bit extender to have enough length to go through the entire bar. All of this is hidden under the rear plate when the hook isn't in use.

Good to know! Great add-ons & info frenchsquared!
I realize it is or should be standard operation procedure but check that everything screws together as it should before assembling. The 1/2-20 nut welded to the bar needed to be tapped as the threads probably were impacted from the weld heat.

[frenchsquared]

I did not need the little screw to align it. I was able to get the large coupler to thread while holding my finger on the flat bar. I just tightened it down. I then added two washers to space the lock nut closer out. to be more flush with the factory cover. I also drilled a hole in the cover so it looked more finished.

[oakaro68]

Originally Posted by frenchsquared

I did not need the little screw to align it. I was able to get the large coupler to thread while holding my finger on the flat bar. I just tightened it down. I then added two washers to space the lock nut closer out. to be more flush with the factory cover. I also drilled a hole in the cover so it looked more finished.

Is that the front license plate mount? I'm highly considering this too. This kit looks like a small PITA drilling holes and what not.

[Stephen12ZL1]

the front license plate kit bolts directly to the receiver once it has been installed in the crash bar. It is simple to swap the license plate holder for the tow hook. Above there is a Go Pro mount on the tow hook. I may get the Go Pro mount for this season as I bet the footage will be sweet!

[68camaroz28]

Originally Posted by oakaro68

Is that the front license plate mount? I'm highly considering this too. This kit looks like a small PITA drilling holes and what not.

Its really not that difficult if someone has basic mechanical skills and a few tools most of us have. The instructions could be drastically improved and the reason I wanted to post or start a thread concerning the effort/results. Once one knows what to do and what is needed its not that large of a job. The biggest issue I had was opening the initial 1/4" drilled hole up to 3/4" since the bar your drilling is recessed so utilizing something that would extend the step drill was needed. And the step drill is a must as trying to just step up from one drill bit to another leads to grabbing issues. Another key point, make sure that round template plug is against the round right side of the opening your placing it.
You can do it!