Front towing eye

Tim Jewitt

Well-Known Forum User
I understand the ones bolted on to the bottom of the chassis legs are in fact only tie down hooks and not for towing? Either way, they are not low enough to winch my car on to a flat bed without damaging the air dam anyway.

Not wishing to tempt fate, but I would like something usable in place for when I get my car back on the road, in case I do ever need it recovering again. What does everyone else do? Is something like this bolted on to the bumper mounts a) sufficient, and b) not going to do any damage to the car?

240Z-SCCA LEGAL 2'' FRONT & REAR TOW BRACKET KIT::

Cheers,

Tim
 

pmac

Well-Known Forum User
What a good idea Tim. I will incorprate these in my rally car build I think.
Probably adapt/modify the usual ones you can buy over here in ally for a tenner each rather than buying these ones in your link.
A rare moment for me to find something interesting on here:cheers:
 

zbloke

Club Member
I use one of these

trs_tow_strap_red.jpg


Bolted to a plate that is secured to the upper left hand end of the front chassis crossmember, infront of the radiator, with cap screws into 2 captive nuts, when needed the strap hangs out of the gap between the bumper and top of the spoiler
 

Tim Jewitt

Well-Known Forum User
I did look at those. Don't suppose you have a pic of that install? Ever used it? Presume you think that setup is plenty strong enough for winching up the ramp of a flatbed then?
 

zbloke

Club Member
I did look at those. Don't suppose you have a pic of that install? Ever used it? Presume you think that setup is plenty strong enough for winching up the ramp of a flatbed then?

No pic, but I'll try and take one over the weekend

Not had to use it yet, and hope I never do

I'd like to think its strong enough, its secured in the same way, 2 M8 fasteners, as the OEM tie down/tow hooks but there's only one way to find out though.....
 

Tim Jewitt

Well-Known Forum User
That'd be great, thanks.

I'm sure it's probably more than strong enough. However I had a paranoid daydream of my insufficient towing eye snapping off with the car halfway up a flat bed, and it rolling off into a ditch and spontaneously combusting. So now I want to be sure!
 

zbloke

Club Member
I would presume the strap will be rated, just like the lifting straps are....1t, 2t. etc.

I don't recall a label on the one I have giving a serial number and capacity, nor did I get a test certificate with it, seeing as its not being sold as lifting equipment I don't think it will be rated in the same way......:unsure:
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I fitted straps on my car and the great thing about that is; once you fit them they are never needed.:thumbs:

My front strap went to the original towing-eye/strap-down eye. Mine was strong - note I routed the strap through the valance.

The rear was a long strap that I attached to the diff/suspension cradle. I didn't like the idea of using the rear bumper bolts - might be ok but I wasn't happy.

Your preference of metal or strap is individual of course. I preferred a pedestrian friendly strap and also read that if you have a light impact with a metal eye it could damage the chassis when a strap wouldn't. I think either may look OTT for a road car but a strap may be able to be tucked out of site.
 

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Tim Jewitt

Well-Known Forum User
Thanks for the responses, chaps. And thanks for the pics, Zbloke. Plenty of ideas there, just need to choose one now. Will be working on the car all weekend (like every bloody weekend) so will have another look with these ideas in mind and try and decide which way to go.
 

nospark

Well-Known Forum User
Adding another option to this towing thread. I bought a Schroth towing strap and attached it to one of the three bolts (the top one) that secures the bonnet to the inner wing by a metal plate. As the bolt is part of a metal plate then it adds some strength. (see photos)

We don't like to think about breaking down but if it happened how would you get a tow, particularly if you have a front air dam ? This attachment point might not be up to long distance towing but it is likely to get you cranked up onto a flatbed truck.

Disclaimer - I am not saying this is 100% a good idea. You need to make your own judgement.
 

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johnymd

Club Member
I most replace the straps I have on my blue car and really like the ones first listed. I currently have the universal straps and have needed to use both. The rear ended up bending the bumper bracket which I've still not fixed.
 

A2Z

Well-Known Forum User
Front Towing Brackets

See images below scanned from the UK 240Z Owner's Manual (blue text) and late UK 260Z Owner's Manual (black text)
 

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Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I wouldn't want to tow an S30 by one bonnet bolt or rear bumper bracket for extraction from a gravel trap.

I'd fit a log strap to rear diff carrier and another to engine crossmember if stuck for a decent mounting.
 

SacCyclone

Club Member
I have used the first one's listed as well. You could paint them black so they don't stand out on a street car.
Z31ieNT.jpg
 

nospark

Well-Known Forum User
The main objective for me is not "extraction from gravel traps" but getting the car that's stuck on the side of the road winched up onto a flat bed recovery truck. The metal tow brackets and "official" handbook tow points are fine and dandy if you havn't got an aftermarket front air dam fitted. Fitting a tow strap to the crossmember with consequent lateral forces on the air dam might break it. Horses for courses.
 

Graeme - CZ

Club Member
Hi - old thread i know. I’ve been wondering that to do about a towing eye, given it would be a real hassle at the roadside to have to remove the front valance on my car. Is there anything that I can buy to bolt on as shown here, or was that a custom / welding job?

Rob - you mentioned straps. Was this a permanent fitting? Do you have any photos of that?


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