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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Front Recovery Tow Point
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 4 2022, 06:16 PM
My car has dealership installed AC so the front tow point is gone. I got it with a bent drop link I’m sure was the result of a past tow. I’m trying to figure out what my options are and found these tie downs from Jman. Has anyone used these or something similar? If so I would really appreciate a picture of one installed.
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Posted by: mlindner Sep 5 2022, 06:19 AM
Yes, those are 911 type and will fit. But, not with the front valance on without cutting holes in it. Mark
Posted by: AzGuy238 Sep 5 2022, 06:25 AM
I have them on my 1976 and they seem to work fine even with the valance
Posted by: TX914 Sep 5 2022, 06:34 AM
I have a similar situation and looked into a tow loop last year. Here's a thread discussing some options: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=353132
I went with a tow loop from Patrick Motorsports because it provides ground clearance and clears the LE spoiler. I don't know if it will clear the stock valance.
I do wish it was parallel to the ground vs. the mount point. Easy to install with the wheel off the ground.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 5 2022, 07:05 AM
I have them on my 1976 and they seem to work fine even with the valance
Can you post a picture? I would like to see one installed. Thanks
Posted by: infraredcalvin Sep 5 2022, 11:15 AM
My car has dealership installed AC so the front tow point is gone. I got it with a bent drop link I’m sure was the result of a past tow. I’m trying to figure out what my options are and found these tie downs from Jman. Has anyone used these or something similar? If so I would really appreciate a picture of one installed.
I’m assuming you have to install a spacer on the front bolt?
Posted by: AzGuy238 Sep 5 2022, 11:44 AM
I actually reversed them and only use the two bolt holes on the side...use Grade 8 bolts.
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Posted by: AzGuy238 Sep 5 2022, 11:58 AM
sorry, I'm not very good at posting photos
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 5 2022, 12:06 PM
I actually reversed them and only use the two bolt holes on the side...use Grade 8 bolts.
[attachmentid=850315]
Thanks. That was the info I needed. I just ordered. Hopefully I will never need to use it but if I do it will be there.
Posted by: Superhawk996 Sep 5 2022, 01:05 PM
Duplicate
Posted by: Superhawk996 Sep 5 2022, 01:07 PM
By turning those around and eliminating the 3rd fastener you are likey going to find that they fold up when you need them.
Two fasteners creates a hinge point where they will bend when loaded.
Also front suspension fasteners should be Grade 10.9 not 8.8.
Metric grade 8.8 is basically equivalent to SAE grade 5.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 5 2022, 01:27 PM
By turning those around and eliminating the 3rd fastener you are likey going to find that they fold up when you need them.
Two fasteners creates a hinge point where they will bend when loaded.
Also front suspension fasteners should be Grade 10.9 not 8.8.
Metric grade 8.8 is basically equivalent to SAE grade 5.
If it fold great. Maybe it will create more clearance causing less chance of damage to the valance. I might also gusset it on the sides. Never work on my baja bug since it gets pulled hard sometimes. I had it up to the doors in mud a few months ago and it got snatched hard. Hopefully I never need this and if I do it’s a slow pull onto a flatbed. I’m also going to add a soft shackle to my trunk supply to go from this to any cable the tow guy wants to use.
I will take your advice on the bolts though. Thanks.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 17 2022, 04:40 PM
Here is how I ended up mounting the Jman loop.
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Posted by: ChrisFoley Sep 17 2022, 05:55 PM
It really shouldn't be between the a-arm carrier and the body.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 17 2022, 07:16 PM
It really shouldn't be between the a-arm carrier and the body.
I was concerned about that but saw lots of photos on line of people mounting them between. What is it I should be worried about? I don’t want to create a problem for a tow loop.
Posted by: Superhawk996 Sep 17 2022, 08:03 PM
It really shouldn't be between the a-arm carrier and the body.
I was concerned about that but saw lots of photos on line of people mounting them between. What is it I should be worried about? I don’t want to create a problem for a tow loop.
You’ve now changed the geometry of the suspension.
The most obvious is that the torsion bar will no longer be co-axially centered in the LCA. The rear end of torsion bar is fixed at the cross member. The front of the LCA is now shimmed down by the thickness of the material used (1/8” I’m guessing).
At best - premature wear of the bushings. Worst - torsion bar begins rubbing inside the LCA, wears the bar and the LCA, leads to torsion bar failure.
You will also have changed the anti dive characteristic of the front suspension to some degree.
Posted by: 914werke Sep 18 2022, 07:54 AM
Confused about intended use? Title says "Tow point" are those actually intended to tow with ? I thought they are more focused as a
Recovery point.
Agree with previous comments, you really need that front bolt as it's the only that penetrates & is seam welded to the tub, & for fitment you have to remove the covers.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 18 2022, 08:24 AM
Confused about intended use? Title says "Tow point" are those actually intended to tow with ? I thought they are more focused as a
Recovery point.
Agree with previous comments, you really need that front bolt as it's the only that penetrates & is seam welded to the tub & for fitment you have to remove the covers.
I’m trying to add a good place to hook a tow cable to in case I need to drag it up my trailer or a tow truck. I haven’t found one 914 specific that doesn’t stick out the front. This one was listed for a 914 but that front bolt no way matches the location on a 914. Also if I install it with the third bolt hole facing forward I can’t reinstall the torsion bar protector. Right now I’m thinking I’m going to keep it pointing the same way but move it below the mount bracket. The loop on this one is closer to the two bolts and shorter than the ones posted earlier in this thread so I think it will be strong enough. If someone has a better solution I’m all ears!
Posted by: Olympic 914 Sep 18 2022, 08:41 AM
I carry a couple motorcycle tie down straps.
Wrap them around the front of the lower A arm.
I have used them multiple time to load car onto trailer or flatbed.
Just keep them in the trunk.
Posted by: ChrisFoley Sep 18 2022, 08:42 AM
I’m trying to add a good place to hook a tow cable to in case I need to drag it up my trailer or a tow truck. I haven’t found one 914 specific that doesn’t stick out the front.
...
If someone has a better solution I’m all ears!
I will be releasing a new product in just a few weeks which should fully address your needs and concerns.
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 24 2022, 03:23 PM
Here is the way I ended up installing it. Had to modify it a bunch. Depending on what Chris’s looks like I might change it to his.
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Posted by: ChrisFoley Sep 25 2022, 03:53 AM
That looks ok as an emergency tow point - as useful as the factory one you're missing.
Posted by: mepstein Sep 25 2022, 07:52 AM
I carry a couple motorcycle tie down straps.
Wrap them around the front of the lower A arm.
I have used them multiple time to load car onto trailer or flatbed.
Just keep them in the trunk.
Working at a Porsche shop, I’ve loaded and tied down a lot of Porsches. The A arms are a great way to pull and secure the car. Just grab some of the fiber straps with a D ring at harbor freight or your favorite supply store and you are set.
Posted by: 930cabman Sep 25 2022, 08:06 AM
Why would you need a front tow point?
Posted by: jdamiano Sep 25 2022, 09:37 AM
Why would you need a front tow point?
The recovery I hope I never need. Before me someone pulled it by a drop link that I recently fixed. There is always the possibility of a recovery when I’m not there and I don’t want a tow truck driver damaging anything again.
Posted by: 930cabman Sep 25 2022, 05:42 PM
Why would you need a front tow point?
The recovery I hope I never need. Before me someone pulled it by a drop link that I recently fixed. There is always the possibility of a recovery when I’m not there and I don’t want a tow truck driver damaging anything again.
My comment was tongue in cheek. Mine has been on the flatbed twice in a short time
Hopefully that's a call you will not need to make, but best to have a wrecker on speed dial just in case
Posted by: robkammer Sep 26 2022, 04:39 PM
I’m trying to add a good place to hook a tow cable to in case I need to drag it up my trailer or a tow truck. I haven’t found one 914 specific that doesn’t stick out the front.
...
If someone has a better solution I’m all ears!
I will be releasing a new product in just a few weeks which should fully address your needs and concerns.
Hi Chris: Keep me in the loop as I would like to have some tow ability for my BB. The dealer Air screwed the front tow hook.
Rob
Robkammer16@gmail.com
Posted by: ChrisFoley Dec 19 2022, 04:43 AM
Here is the way I ended up installing it. Had to modify it a bunch. Depending on what Chris’s looks like I might change it to his.
My front tie downs are now available. Late last week an email was sent to all my customers with the announcement and a discount coupon good thru Christmas Eve or when supplies run out, whichever comes first. Half of the first batch is already sold.
https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/products/front-tie-downs
Posted by: ChrisFoley Dec 19 2022, 05:02 AM
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