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OK, since my 89 with the protruding tow hook has been known to bust a few shins in the paddock, it’s time to go with the strap.
Found two in my search, SafeQuip and Motorsport. Any recommendation of one vs the other and which is the easiest to mount to 89 model bumper. I prefer to not have to remove the bumper if not required.
Thanks.
Keith
Keith,
I have the Motorsport tow strap that BimmerWorld sells. It does require removing the bumper cover but it really is no big deal…just two large bolts on the bottom of the bumper and it slides right off. The hardest part to me was actually figuring out how to install the thing without any instructions or another car to look at.
You basically have to cut a slit in the top of the bumper cover that the strap can slide through then loop the other end around the bumper shock. Just be careful not to pinch the strap as you slide the cover back on. It actually took me a couple hours to do mine but after having done it I don’t think it would take more than 45 minutes or so.
I presume this same theory holds true for the old skool bumpers - remove bumper, cut slit, wrap around bumper shock, feed through slit, install bumper?
TheRedBaron wrote:
I have not installed a tow strap on a car with diving board bumpers but I have heard that it is a real PITA. Supposedly you have to remove the whole bumper assembly instead of just the cover. Maybe someone else who has experience with this can chime in.
I didn’t cut a slit. Just fed it through the gap between the bumper and the strip.
see attached photo.
Note: I’ve got it pushed in… to make it pretty
Scott,
What model is that bumper? My 89 doesn’t look like that at the sides and I don’t heve the strip on top of the bumper. Mine is one piece that wraps around the sides?
So when I remove the two bolts at the bottom of the bumper, is there anything else to remove or just pull the bumper cover off by pulling forward as the Bentley says?
Keith
smithk3933 wrote:
[quote]Scott,
What model is that bumper? My 89 doesn’t look like that at the sides and I don’t heve the strip on top of the bumper. Mine is one piece that wraps around the sides?
So when I remove the two bolts at the bottom of the bumper, is there anything else to remove or just pull the bumper cover off by pulling forward as the Bentley says?
Keith[/quote]
It’s an early 88 (Build date is 9/87). Not sure I’m able to answer your question.
but if Bentley say it…it must be so. :huh:
Scott, did you paint your bumper? Looks good. Also, did you push it back or is that the way it was. I think my '88 Bumper sticks out a litter farther. My car is red so painting black won’t help much.
Michael
smithk3933 wrote:
[quote]Scott,
What model is that bumper? My 89 doesn’t look like that at the sides and I don’t heve the strip on top of the bumper. Mine is one piece that wraps around the sides?
So when I remove the two bolts at the bottom of the bumper, is there anything else to remove or just pull the bumper cover off by pulling forward as the Bentley says?
Keith[/quote]
Keith,
The later plastic bumers are a little different. Yours will look more like the picture below. When you install the motorsport strap, you have to cut a slit in the bumper itself (I used a dremel). Most people will attach it straight to the bumper support and it protruded right next to it…
I got a little creative and engineered a way to distribute the load between both supports:
