Front Recovery Tow Point, Jman Option Options

[jdamiano]

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.

[mlindner]

Yes, those are 911 type and will fit. But, not with the front valance on without cutting holes in it. Mark

[AzGuy238]

I have them on my 1976 and they seem to work fine even with the valance

[TX914]

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.

[jdamiano]

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

[infraredcalvin]

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?

[AzGuy238]

I actually reversed them and only use the two bolt holes on the side...use Grade 8 bolts. [attachmentid=850
315]

[AzGuy238]

sorry, I'm not very good at posting photos

[jdamiano]

I actually reversed them and only use the two bolt holes on the side...use Grade 8 bolts. [attachmentid=850
315]

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.

[Superhawk996]

Duplicate

[Superhawk996]

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.

[jdamiano]

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.

[jdamiano]

Here is how I ended up mounting the Jman loop.

[ChrisFoley]

It really shouldn't be between the a-arm carrier and the body.

[jdamiano]

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.

[Superhawk996]

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.

[914werke]

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.

[jdamiano]

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!

[Olympic 914]

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.

[ChrisFoley]

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.