Here's a Camaro Factory Tow Hook (Yes it is possible)

[RaycinSS]

I have a 1LE so I'm posting this information here but hope to get this information shared in the Z28 and ZL1 sections also.

I've seen several posts about tow hooks and the availability of aftermarket ones but not much detail on a factory setup. I watched as a tow truck driver nearly ripped the front end off of my 2014 1LE that was a total loss due to flood damage. This made me realize that a front tow hook is a necessity for everyone who drives a Camaro not just the ones who track their cars.

Most of us have noticed there is a small square plastic cover that pops out of the lower grille on the front right side of the car. A little reading here on the forum revealed that there were a few cars built for export to countries that required a tow hook and some cars were built with the option. This cover was the access to the tow hook receptacle and is on our cars but the threaded receptacle is not on the US cars. Note to Chevrolet this is a very inexpensive option you could make standard on the performance models to make great cars an even better experience for their owners.

I did some more homework, made a pen pal in England, and contacted Maureen at Rodgers Chevrolet. She worked her magic as she always does and the following information is the result and as far as I am aware these are the first pictures and details I have seen here on the forum or elsewhere regarding factory stuff.

This part is the front impact bar for an export car and it is GM part number 22785363. Cost was only a few dollars more than the non export part number. I believe it showed to fit 2010-2015 but not certain of that. You will see from the pictures that it has a threaded receptacle welded in. Noteworthy is the fact that the bar is curved and the receptacle is welded in such a way that it is in line with the cars chassis. I prefer this because the pulling forces are applied in line and not at an angle which could have unintended consequences. I also believe the factory engineers will have made sure this should work as intended.

Don't expect this part to be in stock and readily available. Mine took a few weeks to get. I almost suspect it may have been made to order. My hope would be that in getting the information out there maybe we can get GM's attention and get this part stocked and readily available for those who want it and made part of the standard features on the performance option cars such as Z28, ZL1, and 1LE

I will be installing this in the near future and add more pics and details.

I hope some of you find this useful.

[Gregss1le]

Great info, they can be found for around 135 shipped to the door. I like these better then the aftermarket ones.

[Stephen12ZL1]

$211 or so

[Jayjellyfish212]

Can you weigh that front crash bar?? curious what the weight is on it.

[TrekGTO]

How does a small square plastic cover that pops out of the lower grille line up with the crash bar? The crash bar is above that, that’s a nice setup but I don’t think its going to line up with our cars.

[olblue75]

Will they work on 10-13's that would be the big questions???

[wakespeak]

Originally Posted by olblue75

Will they work on 10-13's that would be the big questions???

The '13 and under were also sold in the EU, so if its not the same part, another should exist. Seems like GM would not change the part however, even though the bumper style changed.

[olblue75]

I compared them on a GM parts web site and according to it they are the same 10-15. My next question is what's the thread pitch and size so a appropriate hook can be bought??

[olblue75]

Originally Posted by Gregss1le

Great info, they can be found for around 135 shipped to the door. I like these better then the aftermarket ones.

Whose your source of supply at 135???

[RaycinSS]

Originally Posted by Jayjellyfish212

Can you weigh that front crash bar?? curious what the weight is on it.

It weighs in at 13.8 lbs. on my digital scale

[RaycinSS]

Originally Posted by olblue75

I compared them on a GM parts web site and according to it they are the same 10-15. My next question is what's the thread pitch and size so a appropriate hook can be bought??

The hook did not ship yet. I should have one in the next day or two and will try to get you the info. I think it may be the same as some other GM vehicles come with. Possibly Cadillac Escalade.

[RaycinSS]

Originally Posted by TrekGTO

How does a small square plastic cover that pops out of the lower grille line up with the crash bar? The crash bar is above that, that’s a nice setup but I don’t think its going to line up with our cars.

I don't have it installed yet but it appears that it will work fine on my 2015 1LE. With cover removed you can definitely see crash bar behind it. I'm not sure how it will work with a ZL1 but am offering to try and measure and see before I put on my car if someone local wants to try and see.

[Jayjellyfish212]

Originally Posted by RaycinSS

It weighs in at 13.8 lbs. on my digital scale

Thanks.seems light.. I thought they were 20 or so lbs. I ask because a few have made light weight ones to reduce weight. I don't think I could fab one much lighter than 13lbs.. thanks you saved me from tearing my car down just to check the weight on that.

[RaycinSS]

Originally Posted by Jayjellyfish212

Thanks.seems light.. I thought they were 20 or so lbs. I ask because a few have made light weight ones to reduce weight. I don't think I could fab one much lighter than 13lbs.. thanks you saved me from tearing my car down just to check the weight on that.

Glad I could help. That's what this post was all about. I didn't find as much info as I'd have liked when I went digging into this idea so I thought I'd share my findings. I think this is going to be pretty slick when I'm finished.