Front Tow Hook Installation Problem

Sean150 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 26, 2006 2:20 pm

Hi everyone, today I went out and bought the Mopar front tow hook kit for my 06 KJ. Iv got them installed but I cant seem to figure out a good way to cut the bumper so that I can actually use them. I think tin snips or a dremel might tear the plastic up too, I figured I would post on here as it seems like one of you have had this problem before. Im simply looking for the best and cleanest way to cut the plastic off. Also here is a picture of what i'm dealing with.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sat Aug 26, 2006 2:42 pm

I'm thinking something like a small keyhole saw would do the trick.

Neal · **Posted:** Sat Aug 26, 2006 2:58 pm

My 05 is the same as yours, I never had to cut the plastic. They work fine the way they are.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 26, 2006 3:03 pm

When I cut the bumper on my 05 Limited, I found that a hack saw blade would work fine, but the I got the best results by scoring the plastic with a sharp knife and then snapping it. This left a nice smooth edge. Not sure if the Sport has different plastic.

cowdogg · **Posted:** Sat Aug 26, 2006 4:03 pm

I haven't done it but I would cut it with this: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none
and then file the rough edge with a sensored word file. There are about 35 other ways I can think of to do it though if this doesn't work. Funny when I type out sensored word file it comes out like this.

Big D · **Joined:** Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:08 pm **Posts:** 349

If you're going to cut it with anything that has power make sure you use masking tape. That way the edges will not chip.

asgates · **Posted:** Sun Aug 27, 2006 11:31 am

a coping(?) saw with a fine blade should do the trick.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sun Aug 27, 2006 12:32 pm

I installed the front trailer hitch a couple of weeks ago on my '06 Limited and needed to do some trimming. Aviation snips worked just fine.

Pablo · **Joined:** Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:06 pm **Posts:** 1201

I used a small air saw, reciprocating saw. About $35 bucks at Home Despot. A cheaper version of this (Can't find the other on-line):

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN ... =100019112

Then I took a hand held micro die grinder, shown here: http://www.campbellhausfeld.net/webapp/ ... y_rn=10561

and put an angled sanding wheel on it. I suppose a dremel tool also works just fine. Turned it up half way and used it to smooth the edges. The wheel gets fast enough that it slowly melts the plastic edge it is applied to. I used this to give the edge a more polished look. It removed all uneven edges, all the discolored white cut marks/shavings, and left no abrasive marks of any kind along the cut-- it looks like it was molded that way.

The bumper on my 06 rubbed slightly against the hooks. Even if it did not rub, I would still cut the loops out. It will make it much easier if you ever have to attach something.

EricsKJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:32 pm

Just did the same thing over the weekend. I used a Dremel with the cutoff wheel, and yes, the plastic melted as it cut. Not too bad, though, you can clean it up with some sandpaper. asgates mentioned using a coping saw, that would probably work great too! Might still need to sand a little.

GilaMonster · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 5:31 pm

I trimmed the plastic bumer for my front trailer hitch with a Dremel using the little sanding drum. Worked just fine.

bugnout · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:53 pm

I trimmed mine with a razor knife. Much easier to do off the KJ than on.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:07 pm

Man if you are going to use any power tools to cut the tow hook opening, I would HIGHLY recomend to use this tool, This will do the job RITE and fast.!!!!!!

Neal · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:44 pm

I know that is the right way to go, altho I would look for a bigger chain saw

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:44 pm

I use a craftsman version of the roto-zip. You have to be careful when using it, cause it can wander a bit, but I'm used to using one, so I've had no problems. Just a thought...

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Tue Aug 29, 2006 3:01 pm

With out joking around,
I had helped my cousin out with his 06 KJ installing the tow hooks. It was a long hard way but it came out looking like a factory cut. I had him pull that bupber away and put that peice of plastic on my router table and clamped it down and slowly with a FINE not rough deep cutting tip it went real smooth and came out awsome.

Never got a chance to take any pics, the KJ was wrecked a week later. It was creamed by a tractor trailer while it was parked. Thank god no body was in the jeep when it happend

spyder · **Joined:** Fri Apr 28, 2006 4:58 pm **Posts:** 6

I ran without cutting it out for a while but I had some trouble getting my big tow strap over the hook. I started the cuts with a tin snips and then finished it with a Stanley razor knife (be sure to use heavy, leather gloves when you do this.) To smooth things out I used my little Dremel with the fine sandpaper cylinder. Looks better cut out than left in and helps eliminate possible interference.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Sep 07, 2006 3:16 pm

Jeep Dawg wrote:

With out joking around,
I had helped my cousin out with his 06 KJ installing the tow hooks. It was a long hard way but it came out looking like a factory cut. I had him pull that bupber away and put that peice of plastic on my router table and clamped it down and slowly with a FINE not rough deep cutting tip it went real smooth and came out awsome.

Never got a chance to take any pics, the KJ was wrecked a week later. It was creamed by a tractor trailer while it was parked. Thank god no body was in the jeep when it happend

Any pics after it got hit?

Front Tow Hook Installation Problem

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