What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71blksuper4x4** · 02-02-2006, 06:46 PM

I am currently taking my second semester of Metalsmithing up here at Kansas State. This class I am taking is dealing with casting and I have grown very interested with the process. I have produced a Keeffe(My lastname) vintage looking dealership emblem with my hometown on it to put either on my chevelle or my truck. My question is "With all of the buzz around the price of tow hooks now, how much could one make if they were successful on reproducing tow hooks???? I have several sets and could make 1969-1972 set, the 1972 set only, and I know where I could get a 1968 set to mold from, but it was just an idea. If you think that's a bad idea... I won't step on anyone's toes that is like me and be sitting on some serious money with originals, I wouldn't call them originals and charged really high for them, but with going to college some cash flow during school would really help out paying off loans a little bit here and there. I will probably get flamed for this, but I wondered what some of my truck friends would say about something like this. I know there have been several threads about why nobody reproduces them. Anyway, thanks guys. Trevor

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-02-2006, 06:49 PM

I would give at least $100 for a slightly modified set of 72 Only Extreme
Bend Tow Hooks since I would like to have a matching set for the rear.

blazerparts · 02-02-2006, 07:23 PM

Pricing wouldn't be your ceiling, but customers would. How many interested parties would there be.......100........200.........1000? To tool up for a limited run might not be cost effective. Some existing foundry should get with the program and start casting repops.

farside847 · 02-02-2006, 08:16 PM

you never know, some catalogs might buy them from you too. Id say $50-$100 would be fair depending on the quality of the work.

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-02-2006, 08:23 PM

Once they get out, to the consumer that is, they will make all of them
worth less, OE will still be worth more, but everyone will own some

*FormerMember* · 02-02-2006, 08:26 PM

Not to mention that you could do limited runs of sand casting and keep the costs down. Then heat treat 'em to harden 'em up.

chipflyer · 02-02-2006, 08:35 PM

I've been wondering when somebody would do this, I am surprised nobody has yet. I would buy a set.

Huskerboy2 · 02-03-2006, 12:39 AM

I looked into it a couple of years ago. Sent some hooks out for bid, etc. It was ridiculously expensive. There's no such thing as a cost effective "limited run" when it comes to casting. When you think about it and weigh it against the cost, you really aren't going to sell enough. You would have to sell thousands for it to pay off. Like LUV said, the originals will always be worth more. I know I wouldn't pay over $75 for a repop set. I've got 8 sets of originals and I don't think I paid over $160 for any of those, including an NOS pair.

69TowRig · 02-03-2006, 12:46 AM

Does anyone have good close up pictures of what all 3 styles look like? I'm new to this tow hook hoopla, and want to be able to identify them if I see them.

wibilly · 02-03-2006, 01:34 AM

are the cast or forged? iv'e never thought of cast as a strong material. i'v never paid any attention to tow hooks until seeing what these things are bringing. it's just crazy. i personaly would not pay much more than $40 bucks for repos either if there not the real thing you might just as well use the newer style hooks or somthing from the farm store. but thats just my opinion being the cheap sob that i am

Fred T · 02-03-2006, 01:53 AM

The grain structure of cast steel will not be strong enough. You're dealing with forged steel for the strength and safety.

**special-K** · 02-03-2006, 08:05 AM

I wouldn`t buy cast hooks.For forged,I`d pay whatever any other tow hook available costs.That`s all they`re worth,right?I mean,they`re not factory hooks.The value of originals would drop.That`s what happens when repros hit the market.Why?Because there would be the alternative.That`s what happened to used emblems and mouldings.

OLDCHEV4X4 · 02-03-2006, 08:53 AM

Yea, i thought they were forged too. I dont think cast would hold up to abuse. I made a print of the 71 style (no bend) and was gonna set one up on our verticle machining center, but havent had the time. Machine out the shape and then a couple hours with the dynafile, and wala...a stainless steel tow hook!

shelby987 · 02-03-2006, 09:25 AM

I know crankshaft wise, its cast -> forged -> billet in terms of strength......I wonder if billet tow hooks would be worth a damn?
I have always appreciated original stuff....old stuff in general, if it made it this far....I figure the odds of me breaking it are at least slightly reduced.....for a repo hook, I have to agree with everyone else....i wouldn't pay more than what other off the shelf hooks cost.....I am not all that concerned about the 'original look' I would rather keep the difference from buying a current production hook, and keep the rest for other parts.
If you can make it cost effective, and still turn a few bucks...put me in line!
good luck!

teeitup · 02-03-2006, 09:41 AM

Here is one pic I have. Top Left is 60-68, top right is 69-72, bottom 2 are 72 only

teeitup · 02-03-2006, 09:43 AM

I think its a great idea Trevor, good luck with it, I think $100 would be about right for a set, but you could pm a couple of our new parts vendors and ask them. Here is a set of 72 only from the front. Randy

teeitup · 02-03-2006, 09:44 AM

wrong pic

OLDCHEV4X4 · 02-03-2006, 09:50 AM

Billet would definatley hold up better than cast.

Huskerboy2 · 02-03-2006, 10:37 AM

Sorry, I meant forged in my post.

junkyardjohn · 02-03-2006, 04:42 PM

I THINK IT IS A GREAT MONEY MAKING IDEA, & I THINK YOU COULD SELL ALL YOU COULD GET YOU HANDS ON FOR $100 OR SO. IF SOMEONES WILLING TO PAY $590 FOR A SET OF USED OEM ONES, SELLING REPOPS FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OUGHT TO BE A SNAP. GOOD LUCK. JOHN

1969 C/K CST · 02-03-2006, 05:31 PM

Am I crazy or are there some chrome ones out there?

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-03-2006, 05:34 PM

Here is another "All 3" refrence pic

1969 C/K CST · 02-03-2006, 05:36 PM

I found some chrome aftermarket ones. They just don't look as strong.

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-03-2006, 05:42 PM

Some people had their OE ones chromed, are you sure they are
aftermarket, because far as I know aftermarket's do not exist ?

*wolfthing2000* · 02-03-2006, 05:44 PM

Those hooks are high alloy forgings. Not economicaly feasable to prototype. I found some forged hooks that are very similar ( do a Google ) for about 25.00 a pair. No they're not stock, but neither is my truck!!

Guarantee ya what though, the hooks I found will look equaly as mean as the originals.!!!!!!

02-02-2006, 06:46 PM	#1
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I am currently taking my second semester of Metalsmithing up here at Kansas State. This class I am taking is dealing with casting and I have grown very interested with the process. I have produced a Keeffe(My lastname) vintage looking dealership emblem with my hometown on it to put either on my chevelle or my truck. My question is "With all of the buzz around the price of tow hooks now, how much could one make if they were successful on reproducing tow hooks???? I have several sets and could make 1969-1972 set, the 1972 set only, and I know where I could get a 1968 set to mold from, but it was just an idea. If you think that's a bad idea... I won't step on anyone's toes that is like me and be sitting on some serious money with originals, I wouldn't call them originals and charged really high for them, but with going to college some cash flow during school would really help out paying off loans a little bit here and there. I will probably get flamed for this, but I wondered what some of my truck friends would say about something like this. I know there have been several threads about why nobody reproduces them. Anyway, thanks guys. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

02-02-2006, 06:49 PM	#2
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I would give at least $100 for a slightly modified set of 72 Only Extreme Bend Tow Hooks since I would like to have a matching set for the rear. __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-02-2006, 07:23 PM	#3
blazerparts No,I DON'T have Tourett's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 556	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Pricing wouldn't be your ceiling, but customers would. How many interested parties would there be.......100........200.........1000? To tool up for a limited run might not be cost effective. Some existing foundry should get with the program and start casting repops. __________________ '72 K5 CST 350/350 Daily Driver '69 GMC3500 Camper Special CST Flatbed 396/400 Upgraded to show truck '69 GMC 2500 L6292, 3spd beater

02-02-2006, 08:16 PM	#4
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? you never know, some catalogs might buy them from you too. Id say $50-$100 would be fair depending on the quality of the work. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

02-02-2006, 08:23 PM	#5
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Once they get out, to the consumer that is, they will make all of them worth less, OE will still be worth more, but everyone will own some __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-02-2006, 08:26 PM	#6
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Not to mention that you could do limited runs of sand casting and keep the costs down. Then heat treat 'em to harden 'em up.

02-02-2006, 08:35 PM	#7
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I've been wondering when somebody would do this, I am surprised nobody has yet. I would buy a set. __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

02-03-2006, 12:39 AM	#8
Huskerboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Austin, Texas, USA Posts: 1,628	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I looked into it a couple of years ago. Sent some hooks out for bid, etc. It was ridiculously expensive. There's no such thing as a cost effective "limited run" when it comes to casting. When you think about it and weigh it against the cost, you really aren't going to sell enough. You would have to sell thousands for it to pay off. Like LUV said, the originals will always be worth more. I know I wouldn't pay over $75 for a repop set. I've got 8 sets of originals and I don't think I paid over $160 for any of those, including an NOS pair. __________________ '72 Chevy Blazer

02-03-2006, 12:46 AM	#9
69TowRig Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 894	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Does anyone have good close up pictures of what all 3 styles look like? I'm new to this tow hook hoopla, and want to be able to identify them if I see them. __________________ -Chris Building a stripper, one part at a time: 1969 K5, 307, 3spd, 3 seats, hard top. Added Pwr Discs, Pwr Steering, Aux Battery, T-case Skid, Lighted Sidemarkers, HEI, Lock-Right Diff, ECE Class IV Hitch, 32" MT/Rs. Parts to Install: Hand Throttle, Console, Tow Hooks, Dual Horns, AM-FM, Dealer Swing-Away Tire Carrier, Gas Tank Skid. Also building a 1950 Willys CJ-3A and off-roading a 2001 Nissan Frontier on 1-Ton Portals...

02-03-2006, 01:34 AM	#10
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? are the cast or forged? iv'e never thought of cast as a strong material. i'v never paid any attention to tow hooks until seeing what these things are bringing. it's just crazy. i personaly would not pay much more than $40 bucks for repos either if there not the real thing you might just as well use the newer style hooks or somthing from the farm store. but thats just my opinion being the cheap sob that i am __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

02-03-2006, 01:53 AM	#11
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? The grain structure of cast steel will not be strong enough. You're dealing with forged steel for the strength and safety. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

02-03-2006, 08:05 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I wouldn`t buy cast hooks.For forged,I`d pay whatever any other tow hook available costs.That`s all they`re worth,right?I mean,they`re not factory hooks.The value of originals would drop.That`s what happens when repros hit the market.Why?Because there would be the alternative.That`s what happened to used emblems and mouldings. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-03-2006, 08:53 AM	#13
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Yea, i thought they were forged too. I dont think cast would hold up to abuse. I made a print of the 71 style (no bend) and was gonna set one up on our verticle machining center, but havent had the time. Machine out the shape and then a couple hours with the dynafile, and wala...a stainless steel tow hook! __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

02-03-2006, 09:25 AM	#14
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I know crankshaft wise, its cast -> forged -> billet in terms of strength......I wonder if billet tow hooks would be worth a damn? I have always appreciated original stuff....old stuff in general, if it made it this far....I figure the odds of me breaking it are at least slightly reduced.....for a repo hook, I have to agree with everyone else....i wouldn't pay more than what other off the shelf hooks cost.....I am not all that concerned about the 'original look' I would rather keep the difference from buying a current production hook, and keep the rest for other parts. If you can make it cost effective, and still turn a few bucks...put me in line! good luck! __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

02-03-2006, 09:41 AM	#15
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Here is one pic I have. Top Left is 60-68, top right is 69-72, bottom 2 are 72 only Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"



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02-03-2006, 09:43 AM	#16
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I think its a great idea Trevor, good luck with it, I think $100 would be about right for a set, but you could pm a couple of our new parts vendors and ask them. Here is a set of 72 only from the front. Randy Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

02-03-2006, 09:44 AM	#17
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,395	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? wrong pic Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

02-03-2006, 09:50 AM	#18
OLDCHEV4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Chester County PA, USA Posts: 1,228	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Billet would definatley hold up better than cast. __________________ 72 k/10 short wideside 72 k/5 Blazer 72 K/5 Blazer - obstacle course racer 72 custom/10 8' bed 70 K/5 Blazer 67 C-30 GMC Flat bed 86 GMC K2500 Plow Truck 85 GMC K3500 84 M1008 85 M1008 77 G30 Motor Home 72 Sears 12hp Tractor Glenmoore, Pennsylvania

02-03-2006, 10:37 AM	#19
Huskerboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Austin, Texas, USA Posts: 1,628	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Sorry, I meant forged in my post. __________________ '72 Chevy Blazer

02-03-2006, 04:42 PM	#20
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I THINK IT IS A GREAT MONEY MAKING IDEA, & I THINK YOU COULD SELL ALL YOU COULD GET YOU HANDS ON FOR $100 OR SO. IF SOMEONES WILLING TO PAY $590 FOR A SET OF USED OEM ONES, SELLING REPOPS FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OUGHT TO BE A SNAP. GOOD LUCK. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

02-03-2006, 05:31 PM	#21
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Am I crazy or are there some chrome ones out there? __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

02-03-2006, 05:34 PM	#22
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Here is another "All 3" refrence pic Attached Images __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-03-2006, 05:36 PM	#23
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? I found some chrome aftermarket ones. They just don't look as strong. __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

02-03-2006, 05:42 PM	#24
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Some people had their OE ones chromed, are you sure they are aftermarket, because far as I know aftermarket's do not exist ? __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-03-2006, 05:44 PM	#25
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Re: What do you think a reproduced Tow Hook would be worth???? Those hooks are high alloy forgings. Not economicaly feasable to prototype. I found some forged hooks that are very similar ( do a Google ) for about 25.00 a pair. No they're not stock, but neither is my truck!! Guarantee ya what though, the hooks I found will look equaly as mean as the originals.!!!!!!

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