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Posted by: 914itis Apr 24 2014, 06:19 PM

where can I purchase a flat tow bracket that does not require the removal of the valance or front bumper?

Posted by: 914forme Apr 24 2014, 07:28 PM

I think these clear http://www.rennenmetal.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1400 Just ask, I have his tie down straps and they clear my LE valance I am currently running.

Posted by: bdstone914 Apr 24 2014, 08:36 PM

I don't think there is one. You have to remove the valance and A arm covers to install the Rennmetal.
I cut out the cross member on by bar and it makes mounting easier.

Posted by: plas76targa Apr 25 2014, 03:38 AM

Renn Metal has two bracket options for the 914. Get the one that accepts the VW beetle tow bar. Zach has that one (vw tow bar) and we used that to tow my 911.

Posted by: bdstone914 Apr 25 2014, 04:06 AM

I don't see that they offer a vw tow bar option.

http://www.rennenmetal.com/products.asp?cat=2

They all mount to the torsion bar mounts.

Posted by: hot_shoe914 Apr 25 2014, 06:01 AM

Did you get your tow bar and brackets from Scotty?

Posted by: 914itis Apr 25 2014, 06:09 AM

I got them but it lokoks like I have to remove the front bumper to attach them.

Posted by: plas76targa Apr 25 2014, 07:02 AM

I agree, Renn Metal bracket attach to the tortion bar mounts.
The "SB" reference in their website is to tow with a Super Beetle tow bar.
Further down they offer a bracket that uses the Draw tite adjustable tow bar. The super beetle tow has a curve shape to it while the draw-tight is straight. I have the drawtite and have to get the ball on the car quite low to avoid the GT valence.
IIRD you can't use the STOCK valence with the brackets.

Posted by: ThePaintedMan Apr 25 2014, 07:37 AM

This is all correct information. Rennenmetal's tow bar brackets work with the LE style valence which does not need to be removed before hooking it up.

Of course you need to make sure you have the right tow bar first - either the Draw-Tite, Harbor Freight, or ideally the Super Beetle Tow Bar. The SB bar I got from Paul works awesome, is light and simple.

I'd also like to say that David, who owns Rennenmetal is a pleasure to work with and makes a great product.

Posted by: AZ914 Apr 25 2014, 08:16 AM

Paul,
The 'Draw-Tite' style requires the LE valance to be removed. You can attach it with the valance on, but won't have the clearance to get the tow bar up to the hitch, at least not with my setup.

Just get the SB (super-beetle) harness and find the corresponding tow bar at a VW place (they are under $100), then you don't have to worry about it.

Posted by: dangrouche Apr 25 2014, 08:42 AM

here is the #1400 Super beetle in action; with LE spoiler. I use it to jack the front end all the time.


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Posted by: CptTripps Apr 25 2014, 11:47 AM

These JUST showed up last night. They aren't the 'tow bar" but the tie-downs from RennenMetal. (I forgot I bought them a few weeks ago!)

I bought these more as a precaution than a necessity. I can see being towed at some point, and having a good place to tie-down seemed like a good investment "while I'm in there."

GREAT quality. I can't wait to put them on.

Front Ties - http://www.rennenmetal.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1280

Rear Eyes - http://www.rennenmetal.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1275


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Posted by: larryM Apr 25 2014, 04:48 PM

posted this a LONG LONG TIME AGO -

attached pics of custom made tow brackets I got about 15 yrs ago - they work fine

- I added some extra reinforcing to prevent bending side-to-side on tight turns - (or in case you back up & jacknife) - hence the welds you see -

use a late VW Bug towbar - they are cheap and easily available - and add a reinforcing strap on it too, to make a double "yoke" per picture - same reason as above

fwiw - I use this same VW towbar for my 914, my MGB and my Manx -

I maybe have the schematics for these in my files - all you backyard engineers should be able to easily make a set

you MUST put at least one long bolt all the way thru the body to the trunk interior - on each side (I used 2 long bolts on each side)

- the threaded body inserts on both 914's and 911's are not really very strong to begin with, and years of hidden rust and PO's cross-threading 'em can make them very weak - this is a classic failure point on old 911's

(caution - a friend bolted a set like this to the front control arm points on a rusty 914 and ripped out the bolts when he hit a double-hump on the freeway - yanked the bar right off the car on one side

here is a link showing the towbar - http://www.vw-resource.com/towing.html

.




.

Posted by: TJB/914 Apr 25 2014, 06:40 PM

Here's a tow bar bracket on my 914, it was put on many years ago when it was towed from CA to MI before I purchased it. Don't know the mfg & assume it was custom fabricated. I believe a VW tow bracket will hook right up to it. I like the way it protects my front end when going over speed bumps or low driveways. Good protection & it will work.
Tom


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Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 27 2014, 12:34 AM

the rennmetal one is the one that I have and I like it. I towed all the way to Reno and back. Not a problem.

Posted by: Harpo Apr 27 2014, 07:20 AM

Good morning Mark,

Are using your Flex dam with rubber with the rennmetal tow bracket?

David

Posted by: Mikey914 Dec 15 2016, 02:25 PM

Using the flex dam without the rubber

Posted by: burton73 Dec 1 2022, 06:43 PM

So, the question is?
What it is it going to take to install a flat tow bar to number 41 for towing to Porsche events like route 66? Can a set-up be done for towing with my 2022 ridgeline. It 5000 lb towing. Question is can the FG front Valance stay on at the same time?

Thanks,

Bob B

Posted by: 914werke Dec 1 2022, 06:56 PM

Bob quick answer: towing w/the Ridgeline no proplem, leaving the valance in place the answer is No.
Because the OE style of valance curves under the car & in doing so covers the front A-arm mount points.
If you are interested in retaining your valance (which I think you should it looks DAMN good!) you will have to remove & reinstall it.

Posted by: burton73 Dec 1 2022, 07:15 PM

So, if you note this set up is with a stock valance in mine even thought it is FG seems to have the same shape it those areas? Custom is my middle name so mod to the faired GT style valance would not bother me. Ideas?

Thanks,

Bob B

Posted by: 914werke Dec 1 2022, 08:51 PM

That setup kinda scares me.
I see what was done by spreading out the push/pull load, but bolting it to the thin single layer trunk floor isnt what most folks would opt to do.
If you are open to "trimming" the FG OE style valance Im pretty sure it will fit fine.
As I described the bracket bolts to the 3 bolt points at the front of each A-arm only.


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Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 1 2022, 10:44 PM

I’ve used the one 914Rubber sells and towed a 914 from Reno to Portland. Works very well!

Posted by: Mikey914 Dec 2 2022, 11:21 AM

we have 2 versions
The One that uses an EMPI bar (and we have adapters of the Harbor freight bar)
The next gen that you can use the harbor freight bar with directly


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Posted by: friethmiller Dec 2 2022, 11:48 AM

I accidentally purchased the long pins. If anyone needs these - PM me. You just pay for the shipping. Let me know.