Fin Fever

hope I don't need it, but hope is for the ill prepared. The problem is insertion of the rear towhook. If you ever want to do it on a 997.1, you have to remove the rear license plate (& frame). then you have to remove the black plastic plate backing, because it does not have a hole in it. then you will find a hole in the bumper cover so that you can introduce the tow-eye into the threaded socket in the bumper. As one poster pointed out recently, some of the bumper covers dont even have a hole in them.

first remove the license plate and the plastic plate backing. drill a 1 3/4" hole in the plate backing. it should be centered L-R and 1/2 inch high.



Then remount the plate backing with the two screws and the tow-eye will thread into it.

Now you can remount your license plate, either with 4 screws, or if you really want to make things easy, mount it with lots of high quality velcro.

when the time comes to use the tow-eye, just tear off the license plate and screw it in.

RonCT

That's the first mod we track junkies do when our 997s arrive Sure does make putting in the tow hook easier (4 screws instead of 6).

Fin Fever

next, I am going to see if our local guy with a water cutter can make a clean cut to take a circle out of the middle of my license plate (about 3 inch diameter) I will then velcro that in place, and all I will need to do is pull that middle circle off, leaving the rest of the plate in place. I will do it with a junk license plate first to see how it looks.

LlBr

Perhaps hinge the top of the plate with small stainless hinges from boating store. Velcro the bottom to keep it from flapping. Lift plate to insert hook.

Modifying the plate in any way is technically illegal, AFAIK. At night cop might easily see that it's been messed with because reflection is uneven? I dunno. I'll do anything to avoid meeting cops. For instance I only exceed 100mph "safely."

Hamotee

Good idea. I don't even remember if my car has the access hole in the bumper now that you mention it. Does anyone have a source where I can get another "plate backing" online?

Fin Fever

Thanks for your tip. I took your idea and ran with it. I was able to get all of the parts at West Marine (all stainless steel)

if you want to do this project you will need:
1 piano hinge
4 #10 flat head machine screws 3/4" long
4 #10 T nuts
4 #6 finish washers
2 #8 flat head wood screws 1/2" long

after you assemble it, all excess screw lenghths need to be ground down

gota911

Cool! Nice job!

LlBr

Great! I'm glad it worked! Cutting a nice clean hole in the plate is still intriguing idea though!

Fin Fever

thanks, it reminds me of my dad's 1972 280 SEL

LlBr

You mean because the plate lifted? I was thinking your dad had that 1955 300SL, the one with gull wing doors.