Anyone had tow hooks stolen?

[72 k15]

Has anyone ever had the tow hooks stolen off a 67-72 they are not cheap and in the 500-600 range now. My truck is a 68 with tow hooks on the build sheet and am looking to buy a pair but afraid of them being stolen.

[Warrens69GMC]

Loctite Red is your friend. Spot welds will help also.

[kwmech]

Would be easier to steal the complete truck than to crawl under the front and unscrew 5/8'' bolts. An electric impact would be really noisy banging those off

[special-K]

Just as I've come to realize theft of my old truck has become a reality, I realize the same is true for many parts, such as hubcaps and tow hooks could be targeted. I've gone from feeling like the only guy on the planet wanting those parts (WTBs posted every issue in Pickups & Panels in Print in the '90s) to everyone on the planet (did I exaggerate?) wanting them. I do feel safe from theft where I live but will probably tack a weld or another idea I have. Grind on the bolt heads so a wrench won't fit. Use think washer so head can be ground off w/o scarring the hook (if I ever need to remove)

[kwmech]

I feel the same way about my truck/s. Currently working on building up a Toyota truck, 86 x-cab, longbed, converted to 4wd. Probably going to have to worry about that also---even with the lock down measures I building into it

[TIMCHNE]

Glad I'm not the only one worried about that. I made some lock cans that surround the nuts, they allow a socket to slide in when the lock is removed. I used all metal lock nuts so they are impossible to remove without a socket holding them.

[72 k15]

I think im going to look into some kind of security bolts, but not sure if they make them in Grade 8 and that big.

[Ironhorse]

Not sure how well the hooks would function for pulling use but possibly use a locking trailer tongue security pin?

[HO455]

Something like these with a welded nut would be my choice. However nothing is going to stop a blue wrench.


https://www.aftfasteners.com/3-4-10-...-oxide-25-pkg/

[junksaver]

Originally Posted by 72 k15

Has anyone ever had the tow hooks stolen off a 67-72 they are not cheap and in the 500-600 range now. My truck is a 68 with tow hooks on the build sheet and am looking to buy a pair but afraid of them being stolen.

Just curious, where was the truck when they stole them? Was it at your house or somewhere else? I've had lots of parts stolen over the years. It makes me sick what people will take.
I had a set of new 35" tires and wheels stolen off my truck that was in my shop. After they broke in they used my tools, jack and jack stands to steal them 🤬

[special-K]

So far, we don't know of anybody having tow hooks stolen

When I first got into K/20s 41 years ago I couldn't imagine the day I would have to guard it like a classic Corvette

[Orange Crate]

How about left hand threads for socket head bolts?

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Orange Crate

How about left hand threads for socket head bolts?

I like the way you think!