18 replies to this topic

[Bobbins]

My 1998 JDM Cooper has two front towing eyes permanently fitted, it was that way when I bought it. Is this just a quirk of the Japanese market models or will it be something a previous owner has done?

 

Also, both towing eyes are different, one is threaded externally and fastened in place with a nut, the other is threaded internally and held with a bolt and a selection of spacer plates and washers ... this doesn't make sense unless there's something I'm missing? IIRC the parts diagrams show this to be correct.

 

I've no particular desire to have the towing eyes in place although I am trying to keep the car original, two does seem overkill though.

 

Stu.

[nicklouse]

yep there are two versions as standard. the rope one was standard on Export cars (mainly Europe) and the other came about on the MPI cars (JDM SPi)

http://www.minispare...owing eye .aspx

I guess yours lost one at one time.

 

and back in the day we really wanted the "rope" ones on our Minis as they were rare.

[Bobbins]

If I remove them both I assume I'll need to replace them with suitable bolts/nuts to support the front panel? It's so long since I removed a front subframe I cant recall what's attached to what!

[cal844]

If I remove them both I assume I'll need to replace them with suitable bolts/nuts to support the front panel? It's so long since I removed a front subframe I cant recall what's attached to what!

Yes that's correct

[mk1leg]

well When I bought My ERA turbo it need towing as it had not turned a wheel since 2004 but couldn't be towed or put on a flat bed so I needed a hoist.....so when I started the resto I removed the front Number plate and hay presto a towing Eye

[Steve220]

If you remove them, M10's fit perfectly.

[nicklouse]

If you remove them, M10's fit perfectly.

but the correct answer should have been 5/16ths

[Gillybobs]

I've added towing eyes to my car ! Fitted the ones from mini smiffy

https://www.ebay.co....redirect=mobile

[Steve220]

If you remove them, M10's fit perfectly.

but the correct answer should have been 5/16ths

However the towing fittings are 3/8" (9.5mm) and have a much better fitment. The fitting of the 5/16" is due to the poor tolerances in the bodies. M10 fits perfectly and is commonly available in high tensile steel. Neither is wrong, however if you're a purist, get the imperial, ill fitting option.

[luismx123]

how would I mount this type of tow-eye? https://www.ebay.co....d-/170970002861

[yeti21586]

Front or rear?

[luismx123]

Front or rear?

uhhh....both? nah probably front but yea...

[minitravellerman]

how would I mount this type of tow-eye? https://www.ebay.co....d-/170970002861

 

I have one of these type fitted to the rear of my MG ZR - basically it clamps to either side of the OEM tow hook. It's quite a substantial piece of equipment.

[minitravellerman]

What rear tow mounts have others used on their Minis? I am thinking of adding one to my Traveller but with the position of the number plate I'm at a loss of how best to do so.

 

One I am considering if I could get one or get a copy made is the SPQR type (item 19 on the attached SPQR flier)

Attached Files

•  SPQR towing eye.JPG   70.22K   6 downloads

[nicklouse]

What rear tow mounts have others used on their Minis? I am thinking of adding one to my Traveller but with the position of the number plate I'm at a loss of how best to do so.

 

One I am considering if I could get one or get a copy made is the SPQR type (item 19 on the attached SPQR flier)

the problem you will have is you have your fuel tank to get in the way. almost worth fitting a tow bar.