johnclaunch

I received my Benen tow hook set and the rear hook is way too short to clear the rear bumper. Does anyone have any insight and pics of one installed on an EP3? The seller claims that they are all universal fit so if I can't get it to work I am out the money I spend which sucks. Any help is appreciated.

NTCustoms

it doesn't have to stick out that much....and it doesn't have to stick out straight either

johnclaunch

I would like it to extend out clear of my bumper so that if I need the car towed, everything stays plenty clear of the bumper. If I did bolt it on how it fits, it would sit maybe 3 inches of the ground and scrape on EVERYTHING. It would mount pointed downward an as I said, would not even reach to the edge of the bumper (if I could even get the blot holes to line up at that angle with the factory hook which I don't think they will). I want it to clear the bumper, be away from the car, and be usable. this set is obviously not going to work, so any suggestions of other brands to try?

WhiteOnRice

Take some pics (tow hook and rear of car) and maybe we could give install suggestions.

johnclaunch

I'll post some up soon.

johnclaunch

Okay, here are some pics:
Existing tow hook:

The Benen hook:





Any help is appreciated.

C4st0r_Tr0y

Im pretty sure with the ep's rear bumper you have to cut it slightly for it to fit up in there.. idk something like that

johnclaunch

I am not going to cut the bumper. If I cannot get these hooks to install correctly, I will just shop for longer ones (I have seen them). Maybe J's Racing?

C4st0r_Tr0y

Do you have an aftermarket rear bumper?

My mistake you dont have to cut the bumper to fit it on the oem bumpers..pic from ephatch:

johnclaunch

In that pic it looks like the bumper is pushed up a bit to get it to fit. Anyway, yes, I have the factory bumper with the HFP kit. The HFP kit is what renders my factory tow hook useless (without damaging the bumper by using it). If I didn't have the HFP kit, there would be no reason to use a tow hook, since the factory one would suffice. The whole reason I am trying to install a tow hook is so that my car can be towed without damage to the bumper. (In the install instructions for the HFP kit, it directs to remove the bumper prior to towing, which could be impractical in most situations.) Basically I guess the new question is for what brand out there that one has personal experience with, will work for my application (long enough to clear the bumper and lip) and has a matching front hook?

NTCustoms

in your pictures you have it back too far. the original tow hoook should be in between the two holes

C4st0r_Tr0y

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NTCustoms &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">in your pictures you have it back too far. the original tow hoook should be in between the two holes</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good looking out, i didnt even notice that

WhiteOnRice

I think you need to look for a different tow hook.

johnclaunch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhiteOnRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think you need to look for a different tow hook.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Looks like it. Hey, anyone wanna buy a Benen set?

mormonboy

wow, a thread on how to install a tow hook? wtf.

WhiteOnRice

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johnclaunch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Looks like it. Hey, anyone wanna buy a Benen set? </TD></TR></TABLE>
You should have no problem in the eg/ek forum.

johnclaunch

I actually got it installed. I pushed it up against the lip as much as I could but it still angles down a bit. I drove it to and from work today with no scrapes. It sits about 4.5 inches off of the ground at the lowest point. I had to use longer bolts to get it to bolt on (I used the bolts for the front hook), so now I have to buy some new bolts for the front and that one goes on next week (I have to remove the bumper and drill into the actual metal bumper, so I'll have fun with that I'm sure. I am also planning to paint the headlights black at that same time since I will already have the bumper off.

BucJoy

I jus bought Pink tow hooks!

josh's ep3

Umm.... rock on?

mustclime

I use a strap on the front and my trailor hitch on the rear for track days where they are required....

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant...egory_Code=TOW

the strap is mounted where the plate mounts to the steel part of your bumper.......hooks and straps should be able to take the load of pulling the car out of the mud.......

josh's ep3

Yeah, those Benen's are purely for looks. I don't think that dinky peice of aluminum is going to hold your car when being towed.

square_1

Would it be that hard to just cut and weld some pieces of steel into the shape and design you want? It seems like if you bought some 1/4" thick steel and welded up your own design, sanded it down really nice and had it painted or power coated it would look sick.

I guess it wouldn't be "JDM" though.

turboteg2nv

bwhahaha.

Jewls

heres mine.....





and this is the front one.