TOW HOOK question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 1,116
From: Howell N.J
TOW HOOK question
Hello,
I purchased a tow hook off of e-bay ( $33.00 ) for my '19 GS I went to install it tonight and found it would not thread in . I looked thru the grill ( my wife's s.u.v is parked in front of the 'Vette in the garage so it was pretty tight ) and could see the threads inside on the car and they looked like a fine thread. Although the threads on the rod that screws in is a very course thread. I did not force it until I move my wife's car tomorrow to get a better view.
Can anyone with some knowledge of this let me know what type of threads the car should have .
Thanks in advance !
Rich
I purchased a tow hook off of e-bay ( $33.00 ) for my '19 GS I went to install it tonight and found it would not thread in . I looked thru the grill ( my wife's s.u.v is parked in front of the 'Vette in the garage so it was pretty tight ) and could see the threads inside on the car and they looked like a fine thread. Although the threads on the rod that screws in is a very course thread. I did not force it until I move my wife's car tomorrow to get a better view.
Can anyone with some knowledge of this let me know what type of threads the car should have .
Thanks in advance !
Rich
Last edited by Vette Ski; Dec 12, 2020 at 08:12 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 25,303
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From: The Steel City, Colorful Colorado
Winner 2020 C7 of the Year - Modified
All I've heard is that the real good ones that track guys use cost about $90 - $100. I'm guessing you got a lesser version for that price 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 198
From: Clarksville TN
Here’s the thing about eBay that I have found on universal parts is they are a general listing an will fit everything, your best bet is to get from one of the vendors here to ensure a proper fit. ZL1 Add Ons has a nice, Aero Sport Concepts has mine an are making a shaft to install his loop onto. Hit Kurt (ASC) up he can get you hooked up or at least in the right direction.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,001
Likes: 2,701
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
We bought the GM hook from our dealer, they gave us a good discount but the price is still pretty steep for a chunk of iron.
OTOH, it does fit both front and rear (2017 Z51) and stores nicely in the cutout above the battery.
The threading looked "medium", not very fine nor very coarse.
Good luck with yours.
OTOH, it does fit both front and rear (2017 Z51) and stores nicely in the cutout above the battery.
The threading looked "medium", not very fine nor very coarse.
Good luck with yours.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 522
From: Central Jersey
Due to manufacturing tolerances, You may have to push a portion of the grill up out of the way just enough for the tow hook to line up straight with the receiver to avoid cross threading. There is no removable grill panel on the Z06/ GS grill.
You are wise not to force it as the hardened steel threads on the hook can easily destroy the threaded aluminum receiver
You are wise not to force it as the hardened steel threads on the hook can easily destroy the threaded aluminum receiver
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 1,116
From: Howell N.J
Thank you all for your input, really appreciate your help. We had other more important things to do today ( wash and take a ride in the 60 + degrees temps here in Jersey, its about to get colder and precipitation tomorrow )
I will look more into this at a later date .
Thanks again
Rich
I will look more into this at a later date .
Thanks again
Rich
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 522
From: Central Jersey
Thank you all for your input, really appreciate your help. We had other more important things to do today ( wash and take a ride in the 60 + degrees temps here in Jersey, its about to get colder and precipitation tomorrow )
I will look more into this at a later date .
Thanks again
Rich
I will look more into this at a later date .
Thanks again
Rich
A good day
As I recall, it was much easier to start the threads on the rear tow hook receiver, Might try that just to confirm that you have the right thread pattern.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,944
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
If the threads look different, even from how you have been able to compare, you can almost be certain they are not the same. Return the ebay crappola and do as many have said, buy from a known source. 
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Stockton, ca
From my understanding its only on z51 and up... maybe the 2014 base had it.. cant remember. that tow hook is suppose to be for easy removal on a track. They have other straps that someone posted before you can use for any of them and some prefer that then the hook.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Chirper Island
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,504
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From: Louisville, KY
I bought one for $90.00, think it was a ZL1 or something like that. Had to play with it a second to get it started. Screwed right in once it caught. Took it out and redid and it went right in. Took it back oit and it’s been n in the back battery tray ever since. I think the threads were M20 x 2.5, not positive about that
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,001
Likes: 2,701
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
1. Use a set of T-hooks that hook into the shipping slots in the frame (near front & rear of doors), and straps to pull with. The longer the straps are, the easier it is to winch the car onto a flatbed without putting upward pressure on the front bumper/splitter. Be aware that if you're stuck deep in mud/gravel/snow, it may be difficult or impossible to dig enough to access the slots.
2. Wrap strap(s) around something under the car (suspension, through the wheels, etc) that you think is strong enough to pull on. A desperation move but it worked once for me on our C5, otherwise the car was going to stay there until the Spring thaw..
We have the hook and receptacles on our 2017 Z51, but I keep a set of the T-hooks in the cubby. No straps, most but not all tow trucks have them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
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Not a silly question.
It is worth having the to hooks installed if you are at the track. The track's equipment is configured to pull cars out of the kitty litter via a tow hook.
I find leaving them installed when driving on public streets too much boy racer. Others think it looks good. This is personal choice. I prefer storing the hook above the battery in the spot made for it.
It is worth having the to hooks installed if you are at the track. The track's equipment is configured to pull cars out of the kitty litter via a tow hook.
I find leaving them installed when driving on public streets too much boy racer. Others think it looks good. This is personal choice. I prefer storing the hook above the battery in the spot made for it.