Tips on tow hook install C7
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 387
Likes: 32
From: San Diego Ca
Tips on tow hook install C7
Many calls come in on installing the front and rear tow hook. There is a build up of paint on the car receivers and it makes it hard to install the first time. We do make the shaft .010 smaller and sand the first part of the threads down, but you may need to sand some more and remember the front grill has to be pushed up some to get them in strait. GM did not design it right and its tough the first time installing.
The rear does not line up level with the car it slants down and also it is not square with the rear bumper IT IS IN LINE WITH CENTER LINE OF THE Corvette. The front is the same way. Wiggle it as you are installing the front one.
The rear does not line up level with the car it slants down and also it is not square with the rear bumper IT IS IN LINE WITH CENTER LINE OF THE Corvette. The front is the same way. Wiggle it as you are installing the front one.
Last edited by Skylane765; Jun 12, 2015 at 06:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 387
Likes: 32
From: San Diego Ca
For all the members that think they have different thread size, YOU DO NOT. You have the same as all other Corvettes it is M20 2.5 and they will all fit your car if you have the receivers. GM just has too much paint on them and did not chamfer the outside to install easier.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 489
Likes: 272
In case it is not obvious, I'd like to add that on the Z51 (vs the Z06) there is a section of the front grill that you remove to install the tow hook. Just lift it slightly and pull it out. If you try to install it without removing it, you will scratch the grill.
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 387
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From: San Diego Ca
Yes GM did a bad job of engineering the grills to line up with tow hook.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 6
From: Quincy MA
Front tow hook
I have 2015 C7 Z51, I can't locate the front tow hook, could I be missing something i.e. an attachment? Thank you for your help.
Damian
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 6
From: Quincy MA
mine is a 2015, I bought it December 2014 so it had to be built I am guessing around July or August. From what I have learned, cars build post Jan. 2015 have the receptical. I know mine doesn't, bummer. Thanks for your reply.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 114
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From: Quincy MA
I decided to go with the removable plate holder from Southern Car Parts for $180.00. It is expensive, but it leaves me with options to take it off easily when I want to. Thanks again for your help. Thank you MASSACHUSETTS!!
Regards,
Damian
Regards,
Damian
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 312
Likes: 112
From: Salt Lake City
rear tow hook receptacle
I have fussed with the little cover plate over the rear tow hook receptacle and can't get it off. Before I break it, I thought I would ask if someone had a tip for me. thanks paul
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
For the poor slobs that DON'T have the ability to use these tow hooks, might I suggest this: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1593842194
I bought one of these for my 2014.
Elmer
I bought one of these for my 2014.
Elmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,169
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From: Naples FL
Originally Posted by desmophile
I have fussed with the little cover plate over the rear tow hook receptacle and can't get it off. Before I break it, I thought I would ask if someone had a tip for me. thanks paul
Last edited by spearfish25; Aug 13, 2017 at 03:08 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 17
From: Brisbane CA
The threaded hole for the tow hook is at an angle to the CL of the chassis, so to screw it in you need to wiggle the tow hook a bit to line up with the hole. You need more room to move than the small holes in the grill would allow. Instead, GM built in a 2" X 7" + - grill piece that snaps out. This gives plenty of room to install the tow hook! :-)
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 627
Likes: 119
From: Denver CO
I did this for a C8 stuck in a snowy ditch (she rented it), There were two tow trucks and 6 guys trying to figure out how to hook it up 
They were trying Subaru hooks and every type of device. My neighbor gave me a call, I drove out, popped the access panel and they
screwed in the tow hook.
The Tow Truck driver asked "Who the hell are you, and where did you come from?
Too funny!
They were trying Subaru hooks and every type of device. My neighbor gave me a call, I drove out, popped the access panel and they
screwed in the tow hook.
The Tow Truck driver asked "Who the hell are you, and where did you come from?
Too funny!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The threaded hole for the tow hook is at an angle to the CL of the chassis, so to screw it in you need to wiggle the tow hook a bit to line up with the hole. You need more room to move than the small holes in the grill would allow. Instead, GM built in a 2" X 7" + - grill piece that snaps out. This gives plenty of room to install the tow hook! :-)
Bill
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 164
Likes: 126
From: Eagle River, WI
I was all ready to order a tow hook, when I read in a couple of threads that early 2014's didn't have an insert. Upon further review I see a nice round blank spot behind the grill where I assume the insert would be. Build date was 10/17/2013 so that information is correct. Guess I'll be ordering a V-Bridle strap instead. Thanks to the forum members for pointing out those little things.