Tow Hook Thread

When getting ready for a recent track day, I found that the tow bar that came with my car simply would not thread into the socket inside the front grill area.

Is the tow bar any different between recent models such that I may have received the wrong one somehow? Is the thread left hand or right? I tried both ways to no avail. Suggestions?

Need to fix this in case my car ever needs a tow.


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Car is a 458.


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Thanks. Mine looks just like that.

 

I've tried many times and it simply won't thread in. I took a close look today and it looks like the tow bar is larger in diameter than the threaded hole. I did a bit of checking part numbers and found that the 360, 430 and 458 take the same bar, with same part number. But the part number for the V-12 cars, like the 599, is different. It's possible it's larger in diameter. They otherwise look identical. Does anyone know the thread and pitch for the 360/430/458 tow bar?


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Update. I think it's M16x1.5, as the 458 takes the same hook as the 360.

https://www.ricambiamerica.com/tow-02-challenge-style-towing-eye-m16-x-x1-5.html


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458. The thread is M16 x 1.5. M16 tap is same as 16mm tap, or is it? Can't seem to find answer. I will use a tap to chase the threads, but they look clean and unused to me. Will report back once I get the right tap tool and use it.


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I finally got around to fixing this. The thread is definitely M16x1.5, which is the same as 16mmx1.5. I chased down the threads with a tap, and got the tow hook on. If you don't want to put the OEM silver bar onto the car, you can get a Hill Engineering one with a yellow loop for $105. Or, you can get this blue one by JDM Racing for $21 from Amazon.com. It's the same one for the Scion FR-S, or Subaru BRZ.

The JDM is alloy, so I don't know that I'd rely on it to actually tow the car. I'd use the HE one (it's steel and looks quite strong) or OEM one for that. But I think it looks rather nice - for a tow hook.

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Here are more pics for those who do not use Tapatalk and are wary of clicking on links.
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Now, can anyone tell me if the 458 has a rear tow hook socket? I couldn't find one. How do you tow the car if the front is inaccessible?

 

Well, the manual only mentions the front, so I guess that's that!

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It worked for me, but only after I chased the threads with a tap. After I did, my OEM tow hook worked, too. Before I chased the threads, none would work.


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Yes. M16 x 1.5. 360/430/458

http://www.hillengineering.co.uk/catalog/tow02-p-203.html


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