Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

92470 · 06-24-2009, 02:11 PM

I picked up a set of factory tow hooks for my 87' V10 and was wondering if any of you know what size bolts are used to bolt them to the frame? Size, length, and what type of bolt (carriage, etc?) was used by the factory. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

dieseldr4 · 06-24-2009, 02:31 PM

i'm sure someone will chime in, but i 'think' they are 1/2" grade 8.. maybe some one can recall??

Keith Seymore · 06-24-2009, 02:54 PM

I can't comment on the size (should be obvious by what fits in the hole, I would think) but I do recall that it is a regular hex head bolt and nut. Nothing fancy like a carriage bolt or anything like that.

I also recall that they bolt in the same location as the front bumper frame extensions; so you'll need to remove those bolts and replace with new bolts that are slightly longer. (IIRC).

I did that job on the line for a day when I was a student (install front bumper and tow hooks). I remember I dropped a tow hook on the regular operator's foot - he wasn't too happy about that...

K

Gregs71 · 06-24-2009, 11:29 PM

1/2" x 2.5" . Mine is a grade 8 standard bolt. Came off of my 87 V20 with factory tow hooks.

Greg

babyJay · 06-25-2009, 06:48 AM

Definitely make sure you are using GRADE 8...Do not skimp here. I have seen what happens when a tow hook comes loose, and it ain't pretty.

92470 · 06-25-2009, 03:13 PM

All the information I needed to get them on. Thanks for your help!

I have the non-tow hook lower valance on mine now, and will want to cut out the openings for the hooks. If anyone has the dimensions of that factory cut and their placement on the valance, that would be great also. Then I will have a weekend project I want to do!

Gregs71 · 06-26-2009, 01:59 AM

Not sure exactly what your looking for?? If you post a pic of the area you need dimensions on, I will get some measurements for you.

Greg

Keith Seymore · 06-26-2009, 06:50 AM

I think there are some structural ribs (plastic ribs) on the backside of the airdam in the area of where the tow hooks come out. The cut would go between those.

Might not be enough info to cut it ahead of time but it might be a nice confirmation once you get the dimensions layed out.

K

Gregs71 · 06-27-2009, 01:25 AM

Sorry I was tired when I replied last night.

Neither of my trucks have valances so I don't have any measurements for you.

06-24-2009, 02:11 PM	#1
92470 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Maple Grove, MN Posts: 149	Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size I picked up a set of factory tow hooks for my 87' V10 and was wondering if any of you know what size bolts are used to bolt them to the frame? Size, length, and what type of bolt (carriage, etc?) was used by the factory. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

06-24-2009, 02:31 PM	#2
dieseldr4 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: apple valley , ca Posts: 125	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size i'm sure someone will chime in, but i 'think' they are 1/2" grade 8.. maybe some one can recall?? __________________ be a site supporter Last edited by dieseldr4; 06-24-2009 at 02:32 PM.

06-24-2009, 02:54 PM	#3
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,227	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size I can't comment on the size (should be obvious by what fits in the hole, I would think) but I do recall that it is a regular hex head bolt and nut. Nothing fancy like a carriage bolt or anything like that. I also recall that they bolt in the same location as the front bumper frame extensions; so you'll need to remove those bolts and replace with new bolts that are slightly longer. (IIRC). I did that job on the line for a day when I was a student (install front bumper and tow hooks). I remember I dropped a tow hook on the regular operator's foot - he wasn't too happy about that... K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

06-24-2009, 11:29 PM	#4
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size 1/2" x 2.5" . Mine is a grade 8 standard bolt. Came off of my 87 V20 with factory tow hooks. Greg __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400

06-25-2009, 06:48 AM	#5
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size Definitely make sure you are using GRADE 8...Do not skimp here. I have seen what happens when a tow hook comes loose, and it ain't pretty. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-25-2009, 03:13 PM	#6
92470 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Maple Grove, MN Posts: 149	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size All the information I needed to get them on. Thanks for your help! I have the non-tow hook lower valance on mine now, and will want to cut out the openings for the hooks. If anyone has the dimensions of that factory cut and their placement on the valance, that would be great also. Then I will have a weekend project I want to do!

06-26-2009, 01:59 AM	#7
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size Not sure exactly what your looking for?? If you post a pic of the area you need dimensions on, I will get some measurements for you. Greg __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400

06-26-2009, 06:50 AM	#8
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,227	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size I think there are some structural ribs (plastic ribs) on the backside of the airdam in the area of where the tow hooks come out. The cut would go between those. Might not be enough info to cut it ahead of time but it might be a nice confirmation once you get the dimensions layed out. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ Last edited by Keith Seymore; 06-26-2009 at 06:51 AM.

06-27-2009, 01:25 AM	#9
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Factory 87' tow hooks bolt size Sorry I was tired when I replied last night. Neither of my trucks have valances so I don't have any measurements for you. __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400



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