Tow hook for 147 CAMS approved

[Campbeli]

Hi all,
I need to fit tow hooks to the 147 for super sprinting twin spark cup, etc
As the internal diameter of the standard tow hook that comes with the car is too small(less than 40mm dia), what are my options?
1. Attach a D shackle to the the standard tow hook? Seems a bit agricultural to me. Would it even pass  scrutineering?
2. After market tow strap? I've seen these on 147's but will need to cut away the bumper to fit it which i'd prefer not to do.
3. After market tow hook. That's my preference, but i can't find one with the right size threaded end (M16 x 2.0 i believe).

Thanks in advance
Neil

[Beatle]

What are the CAMS requirements for the hook, apart from the ring diameter?   

Are you allowed to weld the ring?  If so, it would be pretty simple to have the Alfa thread cut on a piece of rod and weld a ring to that.

[bazzbazz]

Or just cut the ring off the original tow hook off and weld a bigger ring on.

[warsch]

Here's what I've done - bought threaded rod and O-nut from bunnings, cut the rod, put the O-nut on and superglued it.

The picture of the product

[Colin Edwards]

Nothing wrong at all with an 40mm ID AS 2741 compliant Bow Shackle rated at say 2000kg.  Material thickness likely to be around 13mm dia.  Fit it to your 147 factory tow hook - problem solved!

The AS 2741 compliant shackle and the tow hook are both quality forgings.  These forgings should NEVER be welded.  The scruitineer would definately not pass that solution.

Tow hooks are forged then the thread hot rolled onto the shank - much like a high tensile bolt or steering tie rod.  "All thread" from Bunnings or wherever usually features a "cut" thread and should NEVER be used in safety critical applications like hoisting or towing.  AS3501 compliant allthread rod should also not be welded.   

If the weld or allthread fails during towing or dragging up and onto a tilt tray truck......................................!!!

[bazzbazz]

Just out of curiosity, is a tow hook/point required just at the front or both front & rear?

And yes, the bow shackle is a much better idea.

[Colin Edwards]

Hi Baz,

Somewhere in Schedule B of the CAMS Manual is something along the lines of a tow device to be forward of the front axle and a tow device to rear of the rear axle. 
There is also mention the tow device must be capable of supporting the movement of the vehicle with wheels locked across a sealed surface (the track).
If the dodgy weld or allthread fails when a vehicle is being dragged out of the kitty litter and the tow strap flings a lump of metal back at the recovery crew...........................!!!!

[Campbeli]

Many thanks for all the replies!
I went with bow shackles attached to the factory tow hooks.
Presented at scrutineering today and they recommended i run with the factory hooks only, as pretty much all the 147/156's were doing!
Anyway, i have them now, didn't cost much, and they might come in handy in  the future