Custom Towplate Question..

[Mz3Hatch]

So I'm making the custom towplate for my car. Bought 1/8" x 1 1/4" cold steel for the bracket and 5/16-18 bolts, nuts, and lock washers for the plate. Now I DONT want to cut and grind down my tow hook, because god forbid I ever need it.

Soooo has anyone gone out and purchased a bolt that specifically fits in place for the tow hook? I found the size I need, its an M16-2.0, but neither Home Depot nor Lowes has anything that size. Any ideas, help?!?!

 

[oaklandopen]

got any marine equipment areas? privately owned hardware stores? there's gotta be soething out there that has the size you need other than home depot or lowes

 

[Sport6]

So I'm making the custom towplate for my car. Bought 1/4" x 1 3/4" cold steel for the bracket and 5/16-18 bolts, nuts, and lock washers for the plate. Now I DONT want to cut and grind down my tow hook, because god forbid I ever need it.

Soooo has anyone gone out and purchased a bolt that specifically fits in place for the tow hook? I found the size I need, its an M16-2.0, but neither Home Depot nor Lowes has anything that size. Any ideas, help?!?!

I tried to find all the correct hardware I was going to need. I bought M16 bolts and some coupling nuts but the coupling nuts were too big for the weird offset opening. Sooooo instead of ordering a 150mm long m16 bolt online or through Fastenal I just cut and tapped it at work and bought a 40cent 1/4-20 screw.

I still need to buy a new towhook though..

 

[Mz3Hatch]

Tried private hardware store, longest he had was like 3 inches .. Never would have worked. Suggested one other place but the guy sells in bulk and I dont need 10+ of them lol.

I have the tap set and i was planning on tapping into the bolt head if i can find one in order to mount the bracket, easy disassembly if necessary. Ive got the bracket drilled already for the bolts just need to cut and bend once I get something to mount to.

Thanks for your help guys, afterall, no one ever said DIY had to be simple LOL

 

[oaklandopen]

afterall, no one ever said DIY had to be simple LOL

but it usually ends up being more worthwhile and fun

 

[Mz3Hatch]

Absolutely it does! You can guarantee the quality of the build based on materials used, time spent, and sometimes your level of craftsmanship and fabrication skills contribute as well.

BTW oakland: I never thought about marine equipment stores, and I live 10 minutes from the ocean! Maybe that will be today's trip.

 

[Rix6]

Tractor / Earth Moving Equipment Repair places usually have large size metric bolts available.

 

[Mz3Hatch]

Tractor / Earth Moving Equipment Repair places usually have large size metric bolts available.

Tried that first! Family owns a VERY large trucking and excavating company. Thats where I go to weld or fabricate if I dont have it at my house. I may have found a place but they are closed on sundays :/ ..

 

[Rix6]

Try this:

http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=20&cs=77&cm=20&cd=1256

 

[Mz3Hatch]

Thanks! $13.14 with shipping, might have to go this route if the place I go to tomorrow doesnt have it. Im determined to get this done ASAP, hopefully all goes well!

 

[squidmotion]

i got to digging around in my scrap buckets, for something else, and came across a large metric bolt i had, so i checked it, and it appears to be the same, i haven't tested it in the actual spot, but it looks like the right pitch/size.... pretty lucky (i hope).

the design i have is for a lock nut to cinch it down, and to allow me to adjust the angle of the bracket... with a larger piece of pipe welded to that and then to the bracket.

i'll try to take some photos if i ever get around to fabbing it up.

 

[SaTeef]

Custom Towplate Question

Like the title say...Post pic of your custom valve covers....

Im going to have mine off this weekend doing a valve adjustment, and while off I want to do a custom paint job on my cover.

So I was just looking to get some ideas, so post your pics