hi, my 1997 355GTB did not come with a tool kit. is there supposed to be a tow hook in it, that screws into the front bumper? I noticed the hook on Ricambi while looking at other things. so I'm thinking I should probably buy one for 'just in case' wouldn't want some tow guy ripping off my bumper unless there is a designated hook up spot without the hook? thanks.
Do not try to hook on the suspension -- the car is too low and the odds are high you'll damage the bumper. Use either the factory hook, or the Hill Engineering version: Ferrari Parts : 143290 TOWING HOOK : Ricambi America or Ferrari Parts : TOW-01 Challenge Style Towing Eye (M16 x 2) : Ricambi America .
if ever the time would come that I needed a tow it's nothing more then screwing the hook into the hole through the front grill? I believe it's on the driver side.
Yes -- it is the only time in Ferrari ownership that you'll be grateful for getting screwed. (In seriousness, some cars still have a little rubber grommet to protect the bumper threads -- 14507987 -- from dirt, corrosion, etc. Others are missing it. It's never a bad idea to gently thread the tow hook into the hole and keep the threads relatively tidy.)
The Challenge Tow hooks look much nicer than the ones that come with the tool kit. They can be made also.
You can have one made if you cannot find one for sale Thread M16x2 - 5cm thread length After that keep the same diameter for 15cm before making the hook
You should check the condition of the threads before you need to use the tow hook. They may be partially corroded and you will want to clean things out before the need arises. Ken
Agreed....for $68.00 the OEM tow hook will do the job & its only going to sit in the tool pouch in the car should it ever be needed.
the challenge one is nice. the hook is yellow which matches my paint. would just leave it in there. but the oem one would be fine. wasn't home previously. just checked the hole and it's open with no rubber cover. can see all dirt/sand in there. and the threads don't look in the best shape. will have to clean it out. hopefully it will thread in.
the tow hook plug is : #14507987 PLUG $6.50. This should protect the threads from further degradation (perhaps a little anti seize with a little paint brush if needed?). I don't have the plug and will be picking it up at the local dealer.
is there a tow hook location on the rear ? as for the front location on my car, from the looks of it will have to be re-threaded. even if I clean the dirt/sand I doubt the hook will thread in.
No. Challenge cars have one though extending through the bumper to a mount welded to the frame... . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
My car was missing a tow hook for its first tow. As Dan from Ricambi warns, pulling at the rear suspension can damage some other bits if you're not careful. I kept an eye on the tow cable as it pulled the car up backwards, but I would not want to do that again. Tow hook + flexible flatbed ramp gives you the most peace of mind. Did it this way last week; I didn't even care to watch once the front cleared the bottom section of the flatbed.
