Identify tow hook

[Lang]

What is this?

[Lynn Eades]

I dont know but it is involved in the Dodge WC tow hook lineage.

[Lang]

I don't think Dodge invented their tow hook but fitted an existing proprietry design.

Tug boats have a very similar quick release design but not with the springs. Note the roller for a release rope from the vehicle. Clark Tow Motors had a similar quick release from the driver's seat but nowhere near as strong as this unit.

It does look military though.

Here is the Clark hook.


Lang

[Lynn Eades]

As you probably know Lang, Clark also made a gearbox that used the same Dodge (New process) gear cluster as Ford. I am talking about the war time Ford four speed crash box along with Dodge truck boxes of that era. This is said loosely, because there were variations although most gears are interchangeable. The Clark box was from a forklift.
I don't know whose original design it was.
Point being that there was a lot of use of other companies designs.

[motto]

G'day Lang
I believe that hook it is off a Cletrac 7 ton high speed tractor. These tractors were built for the US Army Airforce and were fitted with two tow hooks at the rear, the quick release one as in your photo and another similar to the standard ordnance pintle.
A release cable passed around the pulley and went up to a lever mounted behind the drivers seat so as the towed load could be dropped off without having to dismount from the vehicle.

David

[Lang]

David

Thanks for that.

I did think Cletrac but can not get a clear photo. Will keep looking as he only wants $20 for it - I know, what am I going to do with the bloody thing? but it will be saved.

Lang

PS. Yes Cletrac - lower unit.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lang

I know, what am I going to do with the bloody thing? but it will be saved.

Yard art, door stop, trip-over, I can think of a multitude of uses

[Lang]

Paper Clip on my desk Hanno