It's all about the Red Tow Hooks

Mad Mac · Jun 22, 2016

A Jeep enthusiast friend in my hometown bought his wife a Rubicon Hard Rock.
So I decided to yank his chain.

You may not have $49,000 for a new Hardrock, but you can probably scrounge up enough for a can of red paint. The OE black tow hooks were removed and painted first with white paint to make the Chrysler Flame Red paint from Summit Racing brighter. I painted the single tow hook in the rear hitch receiver also. My only mods.

mwmoon · Jun 22, 2016

If I didn't know better, I'd say I was looking at a Hard Rock. Well done!

tarditi · Jun 22, 2016

Front plate mount is not nearly complicated enough for a JKHR... but nailed the hooks!

Y-Guy · Jun 22, 2016

Nicely done... touché

rednroll · Jun 22, 2016

Nice, so that's a TJ Hard Rock edition.

BlueBabySound · Jun 22, 2016

Next you should do an 8 slot grill. 1 better than the HR grill

WhiskeyRanger · Jun 22, 2016

Needs more ugly hood.

:hide:

JEEPjato · Jun 22, 2016

The Rubi X had red hooks too

NATURERIDER · Jun 22, 2016

Are the black front hooks easily removeable and how? Interested in doing mine for my 2016 Black JK.

BlueBabySound · Jun 22, 2016

There's 2 ways to do a JK
1) Tape off around the hook and prep/paint.
2) Remove bumper and hooks and prep/paint.

I did #2, in hindsight I would have done #1

Mad Mac · Jun 22, 2016

I don't know about the JK, but for a TJ remove the bolts with a T55 Torx bit. I had to use a 3/4 inch drive breaker bar and adapters to get them loose.

NATURERIDER · Jun 23, 2016

I assume when you say prep, roughing up the surface, applying the white first, then the flame red by brush to prevent overspray if going with option 1. (or would you tape off wider and use spray can?) Thanks for the advice!

BlueBabySound · Jun 23, 2016

Correct; sand, clean, primer, paint. Lots of newspaper and tape and you should be fine.

I used a spray can, can't speak to the results of a brush. I'd imagine it's hard to get the bottom side of the hooks with a can so the brush might work better.

Coyote_Tango · Jun 23, 2016

This really gives me an idea!! I really liked (envied) the Trailhawk variants on the Cherokee and Renegade, so this will give me at least those distinctive red hooks.

Does anyone know the story behind them? Is there a reason for them to be red or is it just for design? Usually Jeep has some backstory or reasoning as to why something is designed a certain way. Anyone know?

NATURERIDER · Jun 23, 2016

GREAT! Thanks everyone. Not sure about what the red color means but sure looks good on a black Wrangler!!

Mad Mac · Jun 26, 2016

In addition to 2015 and 2016 Hard Rocks and the Unlimited X in 2014, the 2013 Tenth Anniversary Rubicon also had OE red tow hooks. Any others?

If you are suffering from RTHE (red tow hook envy) and own a JK, Mopar OE red tow hooks are available on line. Pre-JK, you have to paint your own.

Coyote_Tango · Jul 15, 2016

Thanks Mad_Mac! I stole a page from your book, but decided on Green instead of red to match my theme! How do you think it came out? I have a few more pics in my link in my sig

ChuffHugginLoognat · Jul 16, 2016

I like that color match, I might do the same with Baby Blue.

JC113 · Jul 15, 2016

Reds overrated, go green!

(Pic does absolutely zero justice)

Mad Mac · Jul 16, 2016

Color coordinated toxic green, a winner.

Coyote_Tango · Jul 16, 2016

Ehh... Not sure if this is a true compliment or you being sarcastic...so i'll remain quiet.

EdwardB · Jul 16, 2016

Our Cherokee Trailhawk had red hooks so I think I'll pass on painting them red on the JKU - Ted

Pony Hauler · Jul 16, 2016

I went with color matched myself

Coyote_Tango · Jul 16, 2016

Looks good Pony! Mad_Mac I think you started something here....

Mad Mac · Jul 17, 2016

Well done, Pony Hauler.

zerocherokee · Jul 17, 2016

Looks nice!

It's all about the Red Tow Hooks

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