Drilling a Hole for Tow Hook or License Plate

[Hanakuso]

I made a small DIY for creating a hole for either a tow hook or license plate holder, such as my Grimmspeed license relocation kit.

I take no responsibility for any damages that occurred. Do it at your own risk.

Tools needed:
1. Plastic trim remover or a flat screwdriver. I wrapped a flat head screwdriver with electrical tape.
2. Drill and 7/8 Spur-point drill bit. 1 inch or bigger drill bit will allow for more error if you messed up on measurements or you have a thicker tow hook or license plate holder.
3. Ruler
4. Paper/Cardboard
5. Wrench to remove and install tow hook or license plate holder.
6. Grommet (optional)
7. Spare tow hook cover (optional)

Steps to make the hole correctly.

1. Remove the tow hook cover with either your plastic trim remover or flat head screwdriver.

2. (Optional) Buy a spare tow hook cover just incase you mess up or want to keep the original for later. I bought mine from the local dealership for $20 painted.

[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/kikim85/3C0***A0-E650-42A1-9169-0C54FE4673CF-4830-000005DAF859ABF6_zps5a0b405a.jpg[/IMG]

3. Insert the tow hook or license plate bolt you intend to use. Don't attach the rest of the license plate kit since you want room to make measurement.

4. Measure the top, sides, and bottom from where the tow hook or license plate bolt to the end of the tow hook area. It's not in the middle of the cover so it's crucial you get this done correctly.

5. Get your paper or cardboard and outline the edges with a pen/pencil. Now use your measurements and test it on the paper/cardboard. It took me 2 tries and I had to keep cutting extra pieces off to make it fit on my test paper.



6. Lay the paper directly on the tow hook cover and use your spur-point drill in the middle of the circle. Go slowly since the plastic can melt.

7. Install the tow hook cover



8. You can add a grommet if you want or if you end up using a smaller bolt it can accommodate the extra space around the open area.



9. Install the tow hook or license plate and you're done!

[DarrenDriven]

Added to the DIY Directory:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7365

[sinigang_guy]

wanted to say thanks. i also put a 1/8 vacuum hose, cut along the length and placed around the drilled hole.

it gives it a cleaner look on the outside.

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by sinigang_guy

wanted to say thanks. i also put a 1/8 vacuum hose, cut along the length and placed around the drilled hole.

it gives it a cleaner look on the outside.

That looks good. The vacuum hose looks easier to use. The gromment IMO has a better fit/finish but it seems you have to be exactly right with the sizing

[RallySport Direct]

I never thought about a grommet. Good idea!

-Zach

[Dispect]

i never knew you needed a hole. i checked the grimmspeed site and it says "no drilling required"

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by Dispect

i never knew you needed a hole. i checked the grimmspeed site and it says "no drilling required"

You don't need to drill at all, but if you don't want the big hole from the cover you remove to install the tow hook license plate holder, then this is a handy DIY to use.

[tonytduc]

Been looking for this diy thanks!

[robo_robb]

Thanks a bunch Hanakuso! Could you tell me what kind of grommet you used in this pic?

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by robo_robb

Thanks a bunch Hanakuso! Could you tell me what kind of grommet you used in this pic?

Just typical rubber grommets. You can get them at lowes/home depot. If you want skinnier ones, I find the selection at computer stores(online) to be better

[mkiisupra]

Thanks for the DIY! I went out to local Toyota and found part number SU003-01522 as the number for the Hot Lava color. Good looks with the grommet/tubing. I will use the idea for the tubing on a corner I need to protect from rubbing for another project on my 240z, thanks sinigang guy!

Eric G

[Khazzy]

I will contribute to this rather than making a new thread. For the BRZ do the same method but since the surface is not painted, it is a little easier to use a different tool. I actually went with a dremel stone circular bit and pushed at high RPM. It melted the center but kept the outside cool and with a clean cut.

Ended up with this:


Took some wet sand paper to the edges afterwards and looked super clean. Trick is to not get it hot enough so it creates plastic goo. At that point you may end up making a hole bigger than intended. Go low then work up to fast. You start seeing some goo, then back off on the speed and let it cool for a second.

The same bit from above will work too. Just remember drill from the backside of the piece for a clean finish.

I have no "sealed" the hole I made in the tow hook cover door but will probably use some kind of rubber hose and cut down the center.

[Shindig]

I just did this with a rotary tool and a 3/4 inch grommet from home depot (~$1). I used a couple cardboard templates to get the hole positioning just right. Afterwards, I drilled the hole and expanded it till it could fit the grommet.

I was surprised at how much cleaner it looks. The hole didnt bother me at all, but I figured I could do this project pretty quickly and easily. After finishing, I don't know how I lived with that gaping hole for so long...

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by Shindig

I just did this with a rotary tool and a 3/4 inch grommet from home depot (~$1). I used a couple cardboard templates to get the hole positioning just right. Afterwards, I drilled the hole and expanded it till it could fit the grommet.

I was surprised at how much cleaner it looks. The hole didnt bother me at all, but I figured I could do this project pretty quickly and easily. After finishing, I don't know how I lived with that gaping hole for so long...

Your install looks very clean! I might end up doing exactly the same as you.