Tow hook install

[Mach U]

Just ordered the ZL1 Addon tow hook for my 2021 Mach 1 / HP
Are there any words of wisdom you could impart prior to this rookie trying to install this? Thanks much.

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[DRAGOON]

Just ordered the ZL1 Addon tow hook for my 2021 Mach 1 / HP
Are there any words of wisdom you could impart prior to this rookie trying to install this? Thanks much.

Hey Ron - get another the factory cover - MR3Z 17E811 A - and it only comes black, unpainted. No color match from Ford ? Removing the OG cover takes patience as it’s attached with an hook style anchor that needs some fiddling to remove. I installed the ZL1 main shaft with the LH threads, took some exact measurements & drilled the 1/2” hole with a step bit In the plain black cover. I later opened the hole to 9/16” to accommodate a sleeve to give it a finished look. Used blue loctite to assemble the hook eye with jam nut. I’m keeping my OG blue cover unmolested. Only wanky issue is ZL1 uses a RH thread for tow eye/jam nut making it a cumbersome procedure to tighten it all up. If they would have used a LH thread, it would be straight forward. Hope this helps.

 

[Mach U]

Thanks Dragoon,
Lol - now you can help me with the phone number of my local Ford dealer, as after that explanation they’ll be doing the work. I’ll stick with washing and driving the car.

 

[jamus34]

Just an FYI the covers are on back order. Last I heard from Levittown was mid Feb. I need to follow up on my order.

 

[iceman145]

I used the factory painted cover. I used painter's tape to cover where I was drilling (front and back) and used a step drill. I just went slow and it turned out good.

 

[Rael]

I have the Zl1 tow hook as well. I removed the cover and just left it off. (I figure that if I ever put the cover back on, by then it won't match the rest of the bumper anyway.)

It screwed it and tightened up fine.

 

[adeuel]

Are you guys driving around on public roads with the tow hook in place?
Or just for track use?

 

[iceman145]

Are you guys driving around on public roads with the tow hook in place?
Or just for track use?

It's removable, so you could do both if you wish. Mine stays in.

 

[Mach U]

i only bought the HP because it looks cool and aggressive. Same for the tow hook although I just had a flat and almost needed a tow. Plan on leaving the original cover off and tow hook on. Not a track poser - just enjoy the look and everyday driving.

 

[jamus34]

mines a more practical reason, I need the front license plate mount and refuse to drill.

 

[derklink]

Is there a license plate holder that uses the tow hook hole?

 

[jamus34]

Yeah ZL1 makes one. Apparently theirs also lets you take the plate holder off and add a tow hook if needed for track days.

I will likely be installing this weekend I’ll let you know thoughts.

 

[Skye]

Are there any words of wisdom

I installed a tow hook from ZL1 as well. Insight follows.

Are you guys driving around on public roads with the tow hook in place?

Yes. I never take mine out. The front plate sits on the floor inside the car.

Is there a license plate holder that uses the tow hook hole?

Yes there is. See below.

Edit, 22 Aug 22: The last photo in this post highlights the bracket assembly for the plate, how a tang in the back is welded to the plate in the front. The tow hook shaft screws into the receiver and the plate assembly screws onto the shaft.

When I received my license plate assembly, the tang in the back was mis-aligned with the plate in the front. The hole in the front did not line up true with the tang in the back. I've since confirmed from another member his was received same.

I take it that two of us receiving same it is something in ZL1's manufacturing process. ZL1 does have a warranty policy: https://zl1addons.com/pages/product-warranty

I massaged mine, bending the tang in the back of the plate until things lined up better with the hole in the front.

Option 1: open a ticket with ZL1 for a return/replacement.

Option 2: massage yours like I did, knowing you're voiding the warranty for the plate bracket.

I'll be sending ZL1 and e-mail as a follow-up.

The tow hook shaft and hook end were received and installed without issue.

-----------------------Original Post Follows-----------------------------

For those of you weighing license plate options for your M1, if you have an HP in-particular, attached are some photos of Skye.

I purchased a complete tow hook assembly from ZL1 Addons; this included a shaft for screwing into the receiver and the hook itself. The hooks can be bought in black, red or no color, if you want to locally power coat a custom color.

I also purchased a plate assembly only, for the tag..

From the photos, I can readily switch from plate to hook and back in moments. It's in a nice place, not blocking anything.

I plan on leaving the hook on and carrying the plates. If pulled over, I'll claim I just came back from the track and forgot to put the plate back on.

The Mach 1 Owner's Supplement explains how to access the tow hook receiver. You push in on one side of the access cover, while lifting on the other. While the access cover for the receiver has tabs to leave hanging, I gently used a screwdriver and removed mine; it sits in the basement.

I was concerned of the tow hook rubbing against the body. I had several types of "bumpers" for cabinets and stuff. I took a black, soft one and placed it on the back of the hook; you can't see it and if the hook smacks the panel, no harm done.

 

[Rev68]

FYI, if you want the orange tow hook to work with this plate holder, you will have to do a little extra work, as it has different threads than the plate holder, but ZL1 was awesome and got me the parts I needed to make it work. I'd recommend reaching out to their customer service before ordering.

 

[PaddyPrix]

For what it's worth, even at the track, it's not required to have the tow hook installed, just have it available. I have mine ziptied to my cage where a few twists will break the tie, and then a simple screw in should I need it. Typically the front hook is to tow you when you're out of gas, or get lifted onto a flatbed, and the rear is to pull you out of some ditch. The fact that you can screw in a hook in like 30 seconds doesn't matter much, but not having one is much worse as there aren't any easily available spots with the top and bottom trays obscuring things like the k member.

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