Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 19
Front and Rear Tow Hook Covers
Has anybody cut their front and rear tow hook covers to make an opening to access the tow hooks without having to remove the covers? If you did, can you post pictures? I considered buying spare covers and cutting one set. The front cover is part number DPC500123PCL (about $43) and the rear is DPO500011PCL (about $23).
24th Jan 2007 8:32 pm
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
The mantec guard leaves a hole and protects your car.DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
DS3 TDV6 HSE- Silver with Alpaca (new one) Gone
D4 HSE Lux - Montalcino Red Gone
Porsche Cayenne V8 Diesel S
25th Jan 2007 9:36 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72931
I've made a square hole in the front cover, I can post a pic if you want.'05 LR3 HSE V8 - Adriatic Blue - Larini Exhaust System - Lamp Guards - Dual battery system - Hidden 12k winch - Rasta Sump Guard
25th Jan 2007 4:57 pm
lr3maybe
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 19
That's the front cover of my LR3 (Recently color coded with the wheel arches)
But I didn't make the rear one cause it's very easy to remove and I also have the removable tow hitch that I intend to use for recovery towing sometimes.
Be aware that not all shakles will fit the tight hole.'05 LR3 HSE V8 - Adriatic Blue - Larini Exhaust System - Lamp Guards - Dual battery system - Hidden 12k winch - Rasta Sump Guard
26th Jan 2007 5:52 pm
lr3maybe
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 19
Thanks for posting the picture. I think I'll cut my front one too since it is so much effort to remove. The rear does come off easier but I might cut that one anyway. I'm not sure. I made a small tool out of a bent piece of aluminum that I use for turning the retainer clips. It is easier to hold onto than a coin and fits the slot tightly so it doesn't damage it. I also added a little 90 degree bend to the handle portion so as you turn it, it is stll easy to grip.
If you want my opinion, I think that cutting the rear cover will not look nice and will collect dust, but worth trying since it's cheap.
Please post some pics after cutting.'05 LR3 HSE V8 - Adriatic Blue - Larini Exhaust System - Lamp Guards - Dual battery system - Hidden 12k winch - Rasta Sump Guard
26th Jan 2007 6:13 pm
catweasel
Member Since: 05 May 2006
Location: Bundaleer
Posts: 4805
lr3maybe wrote:
I think I'll cut my front one too since it is so much effort to remove.
it is adviseable to remove the front cover when offroading, the dealer just replaced 5 of the retaining clips as they had been sheared by the force of the gaurd being hit (yes I'm lazy too) and one more hit and it would've been lost.
I think I've still got my cover in the shed, if anyone wants it.Have a nice day!
2010 Cayenne Diesel with PASM & Off Road Pkg
2005 HSE D3 (Sold)
29th Jan 2007 3:57 am
Tony
Member Since: 20 Apr 2006
Location: Adelaide Hills
Posts: 183
Does the front cover serve any useful purpose or is it purely cosmetic? Jamo, have you noticed any increase in wind noise, or higher engine temp since removing it?
I'm inclined to consign mine to the shed alongside the rear cover, just in case I need the front tow point one day. The car may not look as pretty, but if stuck in the mud somewhere beyond the Black Stump the aesthetics of the D3 may be of secondary importance.....Ex Defender 110 200Tdi owner.
I've got the arb and kaymar bars now, but when I had the original bumpers, I often left the covers off and there was no noticeable difference at all.Have a nice day!
2010 Cayenne Diesel with PASM & Off Road Pkg
2005 HSE D3 (Sold)
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