How To? Install front tow hooks

[WannaBe68]

Wondering if anyone out there has any factory drawing/pictures that might show the correct way a pair of '69 front tow hooks are installed...
Thanks!

[bill3rail]

No drawings, however you can search for images on the site.

Hopefully this link works...

Bill

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...B6FB3A9AC95C4E

[franken]

I pawed through the 69 part of the AIM (assembly instruction manual) (after I found the beginning and end of 69) and saw nothing related. Maybe they're a purely dealer item--dunno. The AIM is fun to look at but a pain to find things in since it isn't indexed or TOCed. Lots of drawings showing exactly how things go.

Whre in TX are you? I'm a few mins north of DFW.

[WannaBe68]

Thanks fellas'... Pretty sure they were a dealer add-on, but I'm also pretty sure I saw a template, that looked pretty "official" somewhere/someplace. I'll keep digging...and I'm in the Houston area!

[Killer Bee]

post 16 of this thread shows hole location and dimensions for 67-68 tow hooks..

they're mounted open to front, I thought they would be more useful open to the rear

thread was also locked for some reason so further input was muted

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218219

my 72 K1500 Burb has holes in the frame for them but my 71 K20 Burb doesn't..

neither have tow hooks on them [big surprise based on the market value ] or on the spids..

but some trucks did have them in their spid so those were installed at factory or dealer modified spid?

I have some 69-71/72 hooks I can try on my 72 to see how they fit..

If they mount properly, I'll try to sketch the hole location dimensions in a picture..

good luck!

[WannaBe68]

Killer Bee,
Thanks for the post! I don't think those hooks mount open side out. That's asking for trouble! If that one picture with the measurements is for a '69 then that's what I've been looking for

I did find a few pictures with the hole placement and was going to print out the picture, sized correctly, and use it as a template.

[duke10]

What are the bolt sizes and length?

[WannaBe68]

I'm not sure, but post #10 on this thread says they are .660
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=375734

I was going to go the scientific route - Take one of my hooks to the LHS (not a big box store) and find Grade 8 bolts that fit and are the correct length to include the thickness of the frame, washers and nut... Then drill the correct size holes for those bolts.

[Killer Bee]

too much morning sun light to get decent pictures but here's what I got..

bolts measure .620" so 5/8" [.625"] is probably the right diameter.. they fit snug in the hooks..

grip length including flats and lock should reveal two threads or 1/2 the diam. showing is standard..

hardware I have is all 2.5" grip length but that closes up with nut and lock only to less than a thread showing..

I'll probably install flats or buy flanged hardware and size properly according strength standards..

also note, fine thread such as 5/8-18 is slightly stronger than course 5/8-11.. and shoulder bolts save hole wear and improve fit..

High-Strength Steel Flanged Hex Head Screws—Grade 8 2.75 or 3.0 length with serrated flange or stover nuts or locks..

High-Strength Steel Flange Nuts—Grade 8 or High-Strength Steel Serrated Flange Locknuts—Grade 8 or stovers High-Strength Steel Distorted-Thread Flange Locknuts

wasn't minding which side the hook was pointing to, R or L, but this is what one looks like on the 72 K1500..



interesting to note, there is a R and L pointing hook but they both have the exact same cast p/n 3941733-4



I believe this is an original bolt and lock only, no flats or room for them..



my apologies this is my first experience sizing anything up for these OEM tow hooks so please don't take anything I post as being factory..

my objective is to install them in the right place but I don't personally object to upgrading hardware..

when I have more time, I'll try to get hole dimensions posted..

good luck!

[Joesjunk]

As a side note, 67-71 frames were only drilled from the factory if hooks were ordered. All 72 frames ( K series ) were punched for hooks.

[Killer Bee]

Originally Posted by Joesjunk

As a side note, 67-71 frames were only drilled from the factory if hooks were ordered. All 72 frames ( K series ) were punched for hooks.

and that explains it all, thank you!

btw, we're heading out for farm in lone jack 7/14.. planning to visit my old house in blue mills and visit life long buddy's parents in salem east..

bass pro and truman library on the list too so we'll be in town a few times.. you be around in july?

[WannaBe68]

Killer post Killer Bee - Thanks again!

[Joesjunk]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

and that explains it all, thank you!

btw, we're heading out for farm in lone jack 7/14.. planning to visit my old house in blue mills and visit life long buddy's parents in salem east..

bass pro and truman library on the list too so we'll be in town a few times.. you be around in july?

I should be. I’ll pm you my number

[cbeerman]

Found this for the 60-68 hooks and thought it might be helpful