What are you using as a front tow hook? If aftermarket, where did you get it and how is it installed?

 

Benin Industries makes hoops that bolt to the stock tie-downs. I saw these on several cars over the weekend. Another option is a large caribeener (the D-loop things that rock climbers use) - just hang it through the stock loop.

 

I was gonna hit up Yack to find out where he got those Benin Industried things. They looked pretty tizzite, y0.

Jack, did this stuff come from R&D?

 

ill answer........yes.

 

Stock til I can figure out where to mount a beefier one without it possibly impaling someone (Ahem, YACK). I don't know that I would trust a bolt on one anyways. I think the thing mounted on Jack's car was a bumper basher, not a tow hook.

Usually the tow crews have 2 options, tow by a hook, or they can wrap around your cage and tug you along. Don't ask me how I found out about the second option

Warren

 

I will be installing a bumper basher as well.

 

The rules say the stock units that are on our cars are sufficient. I am however gonna spend $3.00 on a can of flourescent red paint to increase their visibility. Hell - I may even put arrows on the bumpers!

Cobra - Who can't figure out how to justify the cost of pimpy Benin ankle-busters

 

Would they not make mid-session hot pulls easier?

 

http://www.benen.com/home.html

Not very stiff up and down... but for a pull... it will work.

Will

 

How? Because they don't have to reach down an extra foot to hook the rope on? I bet I can get a rope connected to my stock unit just as quick as I can to one of the others.

 

yes...
but the tow truck drivers like to dig in the sand trap for a while looking for the factory front units.

Will
-who thought XR4 said that he was going to use his stock points....

 

I'm pretty sure the workers do not want to dig for my stock front hook if i'm axle deep in the bunker.....

 

Its my understanding that you never want to be lifted by a tow hook. Real good reason to leave both your steering wheel and key with the vehicle if you are mindful enough to do that. Unfortunately a buddy of mine was so dazed that he went to medical with his steering wheel and the tow guys had no choice but to lift his M3 with the tow hook (in flourescent red I believe) and I heard many comments that it most likely bent the frame rails.

Maybe not the case with these hooks or our cars . . .

Adam, per usual adding comments that are probably confused and uneducated but simply erring on the side of caution.

 

[Modified by J28S, 3:18 PM 2/28/2002]

 

Just ordered me a "bumper basher" from RandD (note: cheapest place I found too). Just got the front since I can use the rear tow hook. Note: good idea for me to have one this year...I wouldn't be surprized if my car pulled a Miata move this season (Warren's Miata experience this past weekend).

Adam is right - I've heard of tracks/event hosts giving drivers fees for not leaving the steering wheel in the car...hell...I even think F1, and other racing series does it as well.

 

I'm thinking... it's just a piece of metal. If you were to want to install some, is there a reason to pay a premium for Benen? I'm thinking that most of the "show" hooks would actually do the same job for probably half the price...

Maybe it's worth more NOT to have type-R stamped on the side of it...

 

You mean you didn't know? If you etch an "R" on the side of it you get an extra 10 HP. Actually for $40 whereas the piece is made for the car and you have instructions how to put it on is good enough for me. Don't have the time to fart around trying to fabricate something, or going to have someone else make you something that will end up being $50 to $70. Just my opinion...and my opinion only...

 

As well as mine.

 

I have no idea what you're trying to say... apparently, it's just me since someone has already agreed with you...

 

I would hardly call $40 a premium. You would probably have more $$ in one that you had to have a place fabricate for you. If we could have found a chrome one for #1H1, we would have gone that route, but, we settled for black.

 

Thanks David...that's what I was trying to say... To put it in "realest terms": Welder is going to charge about $40/hr to weld aluminum (TIG welder to look nice, whereas most welders do not have experience doing this). Pay for the material (no telling the cost since you’ll probably have to buy the minimum amount)…etc. Now if you get 20 people with the same car. Get the design and a prototype made, then have the welder make 20 units…yeah…you’ll come out ahead. Just my $.02.

 

Is $40 your cost or what you're selling them for?

MSRP is $70 and the cheapest I've seen them is $50.

 

Well, Jeff, the single hook is $40. We sell the set for $65. You want a set? Support "local" businesses as well as board sponsors...a new concept for some...!
Forgot to thank you, John...thanks!

 

Took a pieces of flat stock & extended them towards the front. They end up just under the front bumper. Holes in the ends for car tie down & towing. Took a piece of tubing & welded it between the flat stock. Tubing also welded to lower radiator support. It supports the lower radiator piece & beefs up the frame.