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Tow bar thread size

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Snapshift, Oct 20, 2022.

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  1. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
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    Lyle D. Pahnke
    #1 Snapshift, Oct 20, 2022
    Does anyone know the Towbar thread size for a 458. My car did not come with a tool kit nor towbar eyebolt and I thought I’d at least try to fabricate one. It appears that it might be a 16 mm diameter bolt with a 1.25 mm thread pitch, but I I’ve tried to bolt that size in it and doesn’t seem to thread very easily into the hole or get much of a purchase. if anyone could enlighten me on the specs on it tow eye bolt for a 458 I would appreciate it. Thank you.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Steve Magnusson, Oct 20, 2022
    Snapshift and Ricambi America like this.
  3. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
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    #3 Snapshift, Oct 20, 2022
    thanks so much. I didn’t think to check that source. Another question, are these an interference fit because even with the right thread they tighten up pretty quickly and don’t seem to get a full thread purchase. Thanks.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Steve Magnusson, Oct 20, 2022
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2022
    Don't know if they have an intentional interference fit/deformation built-in to the female thread on the chassis (but don't see why it would need that), but the female thread probably does get a lot of dirt/debris collected at the bottom so might need a good cleaning, or even a thread chasing, to get the gunk out and allow the tow hook to thread in easily. Also could be that they weren't too careful about masking off the female threads when the chassis was painted -- just a thought...
     
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  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Steve Magnusson, Oct 20, 2022
    Or I should've added that maybe they painted the female threads intentionally to prevent corrosion assuming that, if the Owner wanted to use it, he/she would would clean them out...
     
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  6. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

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    #6 Ferrari Tech, Oct 21, 2022
    I have found most eye bolt holes for Ferraris are very difficult to get the bolt in. They all have some level of paint/road grime in them.

    FYI, don't let the tow truck driver pull the car up with the eye bolt. They are all offset and if the winch cable is in the center it will bend the eyebolt as it get close to the winch. I have had a tow truck operators that had a sliding winch and another that had a winch on the side and a cable block that they could line up with the eyebolt. They did not bend the bolt.

    I have had to straighten a couple so I could get them out without more damage to grill work.
     
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  7. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
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    #7 Snapshift, Oct 21, 2022
    I’ve bought a tap $45 from McMaster cart and will chase the threads then spray with fry silicone spray lubricant and put a rubber plug in them. I’m fabricating the tow ring from a 1/2 chain shackle and a long 16x1.5 metric bolt. Welded together. I’ll even paint it yellow at the ring end. Lol. It’s not for looks. I can’t see paying 100 plus for an eyebolt. Hope I never need it but you never know. Car was missing tool kit and manuals. but got a good deal on it so just getting it sorted now with all little issues. Thanks so everyone for your input.
    Now to figure out the infotainment system. Hmm….
     
  8. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    #8 Ricambi America, Oct 21, 2022
    I understand the frugality of the 'make your own' tow hook, based on how it'll be used. I'm not arguing that point whatsoever.

    But what I don't get is this... if a car is missing a tool kit and manuals, why spend money replacing those items with the intent of 'completeness' and resale (or showing the car), but not include an original towing hook? A judge will look for that item in the kit as seriously as they'd look for the screwdrivers or an owners manual. The original towing hook is not $100. It is (at the time of this posting) less than $70. https://www.ricambiamerica.com/155838-tow-hook.html
     
  9. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
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    #9 Snapshift, Oct 21, 2022
    Well I'm not replacing the tool kit since I can't find one that is reasonably priced I'm just making the tow bar now for emergent use if ever needed. If I could find an original reasonably priced, I would get the original tow bar. Too bad these things are ripped off lost etc. with multiple owners. I need a spare key but that becomes pricey too.
     

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