Tow strap - Where to source?

[Cobra4B]

I want to replace the flexible strap that came on the car. It says SAI Nylon has various ratings on it and a part number, but nothing I can identify as a brand. I can't find it online or on the GTS or GTRA parts lists I have. I don't see it on Coleman's website either. There's something called "tow strap" on the GTRA parts list that's from Coleman, but it's an actual 15' tow strap.

~Brian

EDIT

Before


Good as new

[NewToPanozGTS]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

I want to replace the flexible strap that came on the car. It says SAI Nylon has various ratings on it and a part number, but nothing I can identify as a brand. I can't find it online or on the GTS or GTRA parts lists I have. I don't see it on Coleman's website either. There's something called "tow strap" on the GTRA parts list that's from Coleman, but it's an actual 15' tow strap.

~Brian

Brian,
The GTS cars have a centrally located metal tow strap (1/8 X 2" flat bar with folding hook) that attaches to the frame crossmember behind the crush box. It exits between the ABS nose and the air dam and also attaches to the center/bottom/front of the crush box. It's a sturdy piece but not as heavy as it sounds. PAD may still have one in stock. If you want the part number let me know. If I can crack the code on attaching pix, I'll post one since my strap is presently off the car.
Bill.

Bill.

[Cobra4B]

I considered that one but it was $90 or so and heavier than the nylon one we have. I decided to forgo buying and welding on the center one before having the chassis powdercoated. We called Panoz and nobody there can recall where they got them. They may have been done custom. I'll probably just clean it up and re-use.

[Panoz60]

Brian,
I ditched the strap on my GTRA and fabricated one out of steel. I used 3" by 1/8" flat stock and a piece of 1", .120 wall tube. I think it took me about an hour and cost me about $20.00 From what I've seen you do with your dad's Panoz, you clearly have the skills. I think it weighs about 3-4 lbs.

There is a place here in the Tampa area called "Certified Sling". They make industrial tie-downs for flatbed 18 wheelers, along with assorted other stuff in that arena. I know they could make one for you. Probably give you a choice of colors too. I bet there is a place nearby you that does the same thing.

[Cobra4B]

At this point I'm just going to clean the strap and put it back the way it was. Worked just fine before and the winches on my trailer and my father's are both offset to the side for my Corvette's tow hook anyway.

I had it in my head that it'd be some kind of common racecar tow strap that I could just grab a fresh one. Don't need to turn this thing into a project too.. already have enough of those

[Panoz60]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

At this point I'm just going to clean the strap and put it back the way it was. Worked just fine before and the winches on my trailer and my father's are both offset to the side for my Corvette's tow hook anyway.

I had it in my head that it'd be some kind of common racecar tow strap that I could just grab a fresh one. Don't need to turn this thing into a project too.. already have enough of those

But....it's ugly compared to the rest of the car. Now the car will be ruined!!!!

[Cobra4B]

Why do you think I'm going to clean it

[boothkc]

I decided to forgo buying and welding on the center one before having the chassis powdercoated

I'd give strong thought to not powder coating and just painting the frame and cage. Powder coating is ideal for restorations, but much harder to match (with paint) for repairs which are inevitable. There isn't much corrosion risk and these cars are always cracking or breaking something so you can count on having to weld and fix wear or damage in the future.

Not sure what color you are going with, but black holds up much longer (and is easy to match) than the newer Panoz gray.

Just my "saged" $.02....

Kevin

[Cobra4B]

The chassis has been powdercoated for a couple of months now. Used gloss white. Powder will hold up much better than paint. Any repairs can be done with the single stage gloss-white I painted my Corvette's cage with. Both are pure white. See my build thread for the rest of the pictures/details.



As for the tow strap... some brushing with detergent, a trip through the wash, and a little red rattle can and good as new.




Turns out it's a 2" x 2" tow sling or lift sling. You can get them online for $30-$50ish.