11 replies to this topic

[RWD3M]

Hi Guys,

 

Today, for the first time in 7 years, I'm servicing my dearly beloved's Mini on a car ramp! A joyous occasion which was only made possible by said dearly beloved's generosity last year in releasing the funds for me to purchase it (a Strongman Glenfinnan for those who are interested).

 

Well, of course, when things are presented from a different angle you start to notice things and I certainly have! Isee that the front of the Mini has 2 towing eyes fitted, one either side. One is a lot beefier than the other, but should they be there? Are they left over from some recovery incident in the past? I would expect one perhaps but stowed rather than fitted, certainly didn't expect to see two of them.

 

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Any suggestions welcome :)

 

FWIW, the car is a '97 MPi.

 

Hope you're all having a great day!

 

Richard.

[Chris1275gt]

That is where you put them I have only one but you can have two if you so wish.

[nicklouse]

Some sales areas required them to be fitted. Most did not have them.

[Davidmt]

I have 2 shiney ones 

 

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[Bobbins]

They're either fitted or they're not, it's not possible to fit one when you suddenly need to tow the car because it doubles as the front subframe mounting. IMHO they're a good addition.

[goudoogje]

the MPI had the better/stronger one fitted from factory.

 

I think the older version is added by someone in the past. 

[RWD3M]

....because it doubles as the front subframe mounting.....

Well, I didn't know that!

[MatthewsDad]

It's a fit and forget until you need it. It's been useful on the two occasions I needed the car to be winched onto a recovery vehicle.

[68+86auto]

It's normal to have two when they were fitted.

[floormanager]

Can I ask, I bought a towing eye from somewhere and when I went to fit it, the bolt was a bigger size, so I didn't.  What towing eye can fit without modification?

Paul

[Davidmt]

Suspect they have to be a certain size to be fit for purposes. No point in putting in a weak eye that just shears if ever used.

Mine were larger but still fitted through the subframe. I did have to put a drill through the spacers but marginally. They did need more persuasion to fit and align but I used a jack and bar to get everything aligned and a mallet to push them in.

Edited by Davidmt, 28 January 2024 - 08:58 AM.

[Bobbins]

Both the original and later type towing eyes fit the same size hole as the front subframe locating bolt, all are the same size thread. My JDM Mini had one of each type of towing eyes fitted!

The later type are in stock at Bull Motif.

Diagram from the Minispares website:

Edited by Bobbins, 28 January 2024 - 09:10 AM.