Installing a Woodhouse Tow Hook

[VENOM V]

Hi all,

Here's a super quick photo guide on the install. Very easy, it's one of those projects that becomes clear as you dive into it. You can access the tubular frame that it mounts to by lifting the hood, removing the thumb screws that secure the air scoop, and removing the plastic piece above the radiator. You don't need to remove the bumper cover, however you do need to remove the top row of screws that secure it, as they also secure this plastic piece above the radiator (see last image)...

[VENOM V]

Next, you locate the tow hook on the tubular frame, then secure the mounting collars around the frame. Once the collar is in place, the tow hook mounts to the collar with one large bolt. Finally, re-install the plastic piece above the radiator, the bumper cover screws, and the thumb screws that secure the air scoop. Very simple installation.

[BAD BOYZZ GARAGE]

Super Kwick, Super Kleen, Super Informative !! A must have for any tracked snake..

Kool stuff Venom V

Bad Boyzz
Toddy

[FLATOUT]

That's an IPSCO tow hook, bought from Woodhouse. Correct?

[Jack B]

I have seen a couple of G5's where the hook sticks out about 3" more than the one on my car. Is that a longer hook or a mis-step?

[FLATOUT]

I have seen a couple of G5's where the hook sticks out about 3" more than the one on my car. Is that a longer hook or a mis-step?

IPSCO makes two versions. The longer one which is legal for most NARRA types orgs, and the shorter street version.

[Nine Ball]

It may be an IPSCO, but mine says "Woodhouse" machined into it, and I prefer to support an advertiser here on the VOA. :)

[mjorgensen]

The shorter version is SCCA approved (cannot stick out as much) and yes IPSCO makes these for us, we took all the measurements for Mark to help fit this that is where we decided to remove the fascia for the install, thanks for showing an easier way to do this for the customers that were hesitant about the install. The hooks can be had in black or the silver, but we stock the black because I think it's coolest ;-).

Thanks

[V10LEE]

Very nice. Todd thanks for posting this!

[johniew398]

Thanks. I had Woodhouse install mine before they delivered the car. It sticks out 1 1/2" from the body, not enough to catch anything like someone walking by (they're toooo close anyway).

At first I thought it would have been better painted orange like in the SRT shots; but it looks better black, doesn't stick out too much.

I always wondered what I would have done if I had ever had to have the ACR towed but never had any issues requiring that in 5 1/2 years but now with the TA, I don't have to worry about that. And if I ever track it, it's nice to have it installed.

[VENOM V]

You're welcome guys.

One nice feature is that you can easily remove the tow hook with 1 bolt when you're not tracking it, leaving it's collar mount in place on the frame. However, I like the looks of it so much that I leave it attached all the time. It shows the car's true racer intent, this aint no garage queen!

[Cdubb]

Picked one up from Mark last week!

[FLATOUT]

It may be an IPSCO, but mine says "Woodhouse" machined into it, and I prefer to support an advertiser here on the VOA. :)

Ipsco is an advertiser here goob ;)

http://driveviper.com/club/sponsors.php

[FrgMstr]

You're welcome guys.

One nice feature is that you can easily remove the tow hook with 1 bolt when you're not tracking it, leaving it's collar mount in place on the frame. However, I like the looks of it so much that I leave it attached all the time. It shows the car's true racer intent, this aint no garage queen!


Everyone in my family and MANY of my friends have a scar on their shin from that damn thing. :)

[VENOM V]

Everyone in my family and MANY of my friends have a scar on their shin from that damn thing. :)

That's a Viper bite, LOL

[Late Apex]

I have the Ipsco also on my ACR and its a great product. His short version is the one to get and SCCA approved. The longer version is kind of tacky and just sticks way out of the facia. Nice for leg bruises though.

[FLATOUT]

I have the Ipsco also on my ACR and its a great product. His short version is the one to get and SCCA approved. The longer version is kind of tacky and just sticks way out of the facia. Nice for leg bruises though.

I thought it was the other way around. Longer was SCCA approved.

[mjorgensen]

I thought it was the other way around. Longer was SCCA approved.

SCCA does not want them protruding because it can cause damage to another racers car even from casual contact on the track, that's why it is the shorter of the two.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

GREAT FYI TODD... thanks.


The primary reason for a protruding tongue (tang) is to keep any towing-hooking-strapping hardware off and away from your paint. The SCCA-tongue is located inside the painted facia, and even casual-winching hardware could impact the paint. Emergency-vehicle tows could certainly gouge some paint.............

Mark is 100% correct on SCCA reasoning......whether bump-drafting or incidental-contact, a protruding tow hook tang is a No-No. The head tech inspector for SCCA working with ACR-X program helped develop the measurements off the -Xcars............

Did you know you can order BOTH tongues with the IPSCO-WOODHOUSE (or PartsRack) removable tow hook kit? Add $40! Gen 3-4 tongues are an easy removal or swap from above, the G5 removable is a bit more difficult from below. But you CAN have your tow-hook-kit BOTH ways, or can be ordered separately if you must meet tech-inspection rules later on. In black or aluminum finishes...a truly over-engineered great safety item.

[mjorgensen]

The primary resaon for a prodruding tongue (tang) is to keep any towing-hooking--strapping hardware off your paint. The SCCA-tongue is inside the painted facia, and even casual-winching hardware could impact the painted fascia. Emergency-vehicle tows could certainly gouge some paint.............Mark is 100% correct on SCCA reasoning......whether bump-drafting or incidental-contact, a protruding tow hook tang is a No-No.The head tech inspector for SCCA working with ACR-X program helped develop the measurents on the -X-cars............Did you know you can order BOTH tongues with the IPSCO-WOODHOUSE (or PartsRack) removable tow hook? Add $40......the Gen 3-4 tongs are an easy swap from above, the G5 swap is a bit more difficult from below. But you CAN have your tow-hook-kit both ways, in black or aluminum finishes.


Excellent point on the swap out Jon, plus you could even have both a black one AND a silver one for "mood changes" LOL.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

What? Mood-swings of Viper owners !? Nahhhhhh

I have had a couple owners paint / powder-coat the tongues to match. The tongue can be shipped raw, making it very easy to colorize.

[FLATOUT]

SCCA does not want them protruding because it can cause damage to another racers car even from casual contact on the track, that's why it is the shorter of the two.

Thanks Mark, FLATOUT = fail.

[mjorgensen]

Thanks Mark, FLATOUT = fail.


Nah FLATOUT = :dude3:

[Simms]

Hi all,

Here's a super quick photo guide on the install. Very easy, it's one of those projects that becomes clear as you dive into it. You can access the tubular frame that it mounts to by lifting the hood, removing the thumb screws that secure the air scoop, and removing the plastic piece above the radiator. You don't need to remove the bumper cover, however you do need to remove the top row of screws that secure it, as they also secure this plastic piece above the radiator (see last image)...

How in the HELL do you get your hands and arms in there to install the collar? Even with the hood up, I can't get anywhere near that cross bar! Help! LOL.

Also, when removing the plastic piece over the radiator, my car had some spacer washers between the 6 bolts and facia. Be careful if you car has them. I lost a few pulling that panel out and not knowing they were there.

[VENOM V]

How in the HELL do you get your hands and arms in there to install the collar? Even with the hood up, I can't get anywhere near that cross bar! Help! LOL.

Also, when removing the plastic piece over the radiator, my car had some spacer washers between the 6 bolts and facia. Be careful if you car has them. I lost a few pulling that panel out and not knowing they were there.

Haha, yes it's difficult but I found an angle from under the hood on the passenger side that wasn't too bad. I didn't have any spacer washers under the bumper cover, but I can imagine that they might do that to get it to line up just right. Good luck!

[Simms]

Haha, yes it's difficult but I found an angle from under the hood on the passenger side that wasn't too bad. I didn't have any spacer washers under the bumper cover, but I can imagine that they might do that to get it to line up just right. Good luck!

Thanks. I might need to have my son get in there. Did you approach it from the engine bay, or did you sit on the ground in front of the car and get your arm under the hood that way?

[VENOM V]

Thanks. I might need to have my son get in there. Did you approach it from the engine bay, or did you sit on the ground in front of the car and get your arm under the hood that way?

From the engine bay. If your son isn't able to reach in there, perhaps remove the bumper cover, since you've already got most of the screws out. My hands are medium sized, I'm guessing someone with small to medium hands should be able to do it without removing the bumper cover.

[Simms]

All good! My ten year old son installed his first tow hook tonight! Once I removed the other plastic piece that snaps on the radiator, it was a lot easier to access. He was thrilled to feel like he just modded a viper LOL.

[johniew398]

Everyone in my family and MANY of my friends have a scar on their shin from that damn thing. :)

You can't do that with mine.

http://s268.photobucket.com/user/johniew398/media/1497693_10151982578587737_564762867_n_zps143dd52e. jpg.html

http://s268.photobucket.com/user/johniew398/media/1546098_10151982578592737_622702303_n_zps4049b1ab. jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

[kbench55]

Sorry to bump an old thread but I have a question in regards to the front tow hooks. It says once installed the hook can be removed and replaced in two minutes. Do you guys just leave your front tow hook on all the time or do you remove it. If you remove it how do you go about doing that? Do you just reach through the grill opening and loosen off the bolt?

I do not track my car but I do go on some road trips. I would like to have a tow hook on the front incase I need a tow. I do not want to keep the hook on all the time but would like it to be easy to put on on the side of the road if needed. Is there other options for getting towed? What have guys done in the past that needed a tow but did not have a tow hook installed?

Thanks

[esm_viper]

Sorry to bump an old thread but I have a question in regards to the front tow hooks. It says once installed the hook can be removed and replaced in two minutes. Do you guys just leave your front tow hook on all the time or do you remove it. If you remove it how do you go about doing that? Do you just reach through the grill opening and loosen off the bolt?

I do not track my car but I do go on some road trips. I would like to have a tow hook on the front incase I need a tow. I do not want to keep the hook on all the time but would like it to be easy to put on on the side of the road if needed. Is there other options for getting towed? What have guys done in the past that needed a tow but did not have a tow hook installed?

Thanks

I installed mine and just left it since I don't daily drive my car. Once installed, it's easy to reach through the grille and loosen the nut that holds the tow hook keeping the bracket that goes on the frame intact.

[kbench55]

I installed mine and just left it since I don't daily drive my car. Once installed, it's easy to reach through the grille and loosen the nut that holds the tow hook keeping the bracket that goes on the frame intact.

Awesome, thanks for the info.

[Dr.Ron]

Cost for the short ones?
I cannot find them.

[13COBRA]

Cost for the short ones?
I cannot find them.

http://www.viperpartsrack.com/viper-safety/tow-hook-front-gen3-gen4

[allans]

Just installed mine last week. Todd's description is right on. Best, Allan

[Vprbite]

Everyone in my family and MANY of my friends have a scar on their shin from that damn thing. :)

Viper caused scars are good. It's part of officially being in the club. Like getting your bottom rocker in a MC. Tow hooks are good. My GF got a nice burn on her shin from the exhaust tip. She showed it off like a tattoo.

I say good on ya to anyone who has a scar from it. Be proud of it!

[allans]

Don't worry about the tow hook, the ACR-E splitter will cut you off at the ankles. Allan

[Rocket]

So there are no threads in the tow hook extension?

[ViperPete]

Would a Mod copy/paste the "How to" stuff and move the content to the "how to" section?

Great write up!!!!

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Jon,

Is it possible the bolt was moved in order to make it possible to access and remove through the grille from underneath? Seems like otherwise you'd have to remove the plastic closeout panel?

[AZTVR]

Seems illogical to have the bolt going upwards versus downwards and WTF why would it be different than Venom's...????
This photo is how it would be installed on the car. Looks ass backwards.

Wow, what an insulting post with respect to a great vendor ! Why didn't you just call Mark at IPSCO and ask the person that knows. He is a very helpful guy. Well, maybe it wouldn't be a good idea for you personally to call him at this point.

[Dfunk]

Jon,

Is it possible the bolt was moved in order to make it possible to access and remove through the grille from underneath? Seems like otherwise you'd have to remove the plastic closeout panel?

That is why the bolt head faces down toward the ground. Mine is that way. Removing the extension is now a couple minute job. Checking the extension bolt is easy as well, no need to worry about it getting loose.

[Arizona Vipers]

Does anyone here strap their Viper down via these tow hooks? I'm currently strapping through the front wheels on my ACR.
Adding a 2nd tow hook on the front and strapping from there would make my life a lot easier... lol...
The way they mount seems very secure, but they flex easily when you push on them.. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

[Viper Pit]

What is it actually attached to? Is that area strong enough to pull a car out of the weeds without tweaking anything?? Just wondering...

[Jack B]

Have you tried the frame slots. My car is extremely low and the frame slots work fine. You do not want to use the front tow hooks for tie-down, they are only meant to be in direct tension, not an angle or cantilever pull. The rear tow hooks are different, I use those to tie the car down, they work fine.

[ViperJon]

Awesome. Got the silver colored tow hook, cleaned it thoroughly with acetone and rattle-canned it with three coats Rustoleum gloss red.


http://i.imgur.com/cvlsN9m.jpg?1

[Arizona Vipers]

Have you tried the frame slots. My car is extremely low and the frame slots work fine. You do not want to use the front tow hooks for tie-down, they are only meant to be in direct tension, not an angle or cantilever pull. The rear tow hooks are different, I use those to tie the car down, they work fine.

Thanks for the info on not using them as tie downs, I have been tempted. I'm driving up on 3" race ramps now, which lets me get a strap through the wheel. My Mac's tied downs hook is too big for the slots. I might get something welded on there, as strapping through the wheel makes me paranoid that the alignment will get knocked outta whack.

[cashcorn]

Thanks for the right up VENOM V! I would also like to add that if you have the DSE heat shield. The air box needs to be removed to get the plastic cover off as the cover also sits under the heat shield. I also mounted the tow hook bolt from the bottom, which has easy access from the front grill. The IPSCO tow hook is a nice piece of machinery. Adding the rears next.

[stradman]

Does anyone here strap their Viper down via these tow hooks? I'm currently strapping through the front wheels on my ACR.
Adding a 2nd tow hook on the front and strapping from there would make my life a lot easier... lol...
The way they mount seems very secure, but they flex easily when you push on them.. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

Wow you're adding a second tow hook to the front with its mega base taking up another section of your radiator? Good luck to you on that. I removed mine altogether.

[ViperGeorge]

Wow you're adding a second tow hook to the front with its mega base taking up another section of your radiator? Good luck to you on that. I removed mine altogether.

I used to run two IPSCO front tow hooks and I did use them to tie down my TA 2.0. I had them both moved to my ACR-E. The TA would run hot on the track all the time as did other's peoples TA 2.0s. There are several threads on here about it and cars without the hooks were heating up too. The ACR does not run hot on the track (max 220 coolant). Mark J. theorized that the heating issues on the TA 2.0 were related to the small splitter designs on the front. A friend with a GTS with the aero package (very similar to the TA) was at the track with me one day and his car ran hot as well without the front tow hook.

I recently removed the second hook on my ACR-E and moved it to my GTS. I now tie the ACR down through the wheels.

By the way, IPSCO now makes a new tow hook extension that pivots up and down (like the IPSCO ACR rear tow hook) further reducing how far the thing protrudes. I changed over to the new design, very nice. Also anyone with a Viper should have the rear ACR hook, solid as a rock. Ok, it adds a few pounds to the car probably about the same as 1 gallon of gas but most of us won't ever notice the difference.

[Cpl]

I used to run two IPSCO front tow hooks and I did use them to tie down my TA 2.0. I had them both moved to my ACR-E. The TA would run hot on the track all the time as did other's peoples TA 2.0s. There are several threads on here about it and cars without the hooks were heating up too. The ACR does not run hot on the track (max 220 coolant). Mark J. theorized that the heating issues on the TA 2.0 were related to the small splitter designs on the front. A friend with a GTS with the aero package (very similar to the TA) was at the track with me one day and his car ran hot as well without the front tow hook.

I recently removed the second hook on my ACR-E and moved it to my GTS. I now tie the ACR down through the wheels.

By the way, IPSCO now makes a new tow hook extension that pivots up and down (like the IPSCO ACR rear tow hook) further reducing how far the thing protrudes. I changed over to the new design, very nice. Also anyone with a Viper should have the rear ACR hook, solid as a rock. Ok, it adds a few pounds to the car probably about the same as 1 gallon of gas but most of us won't ever notice the difference.

The new design. When it pivots, does it hit the body?

[ViperGeorge]

The new design. When it pivots, does it hit the body?

It is a tight pivot and no it doesn't

[Arizona Vipers]

It is a tight pivot and no it doesn't

Can you please post pics of it? Thanks!

[ViperGeorge]

Can you please post pics of it? Thanks!

Here you are. You can just buy the revised hook piece and reuse the block that mounts to the bar. If your existing tow hook is older you may need the mounting block as well as Mark Johnson changed the tolerances a couple of years ago. I had two one fit with a little help but Mark had to change the block on the other. While you can move the hook it is tight enough that it doesn't move around. The advantage of this one is that it follows the angle of the tow. I still would use a short axle strap if you need to get towed.

31946