I've been thinking about adding a hitch to my '57, but know nothing about hitches. I have a Corvette type roll pan. I'd like to modify my license plate to flip up or down to reveal the square tube that the hitch slides into. Given that the roll pan is fiberglass that part shouldn't be too hard. Is this something Joe average can do, or would I be better off taking it to a shop that does hitches for a living?
Bill, that sounds like an EZ project to me. Most receivers bolt on to the frame and are readily available from U Haul, Wallyworld, Trailer Supply, etc. It's just a function of figuring out where we want to mount it on the frame. Flip down license plate brackets should be readily available at the local boneyards, assuming they still have any early to mid '70's cars left. Sounds like a reason hang out!
If you got the money, honey, I got the time! I've already put some thought into this one! Don't be surprised if you get to your truck tomorrow afternoon and see me under your truck with a tape measure
It'll be a week or three. Chores are way behind because of skiing with my daughter's family last week, plus I have to get my mother's, mother-in-law's, sister-in-law's and my personal tribute to the Infernal Revenue Service done before 4/15.
For Safety's Sake I vote for you taking it to a hitch installing place , NOT U-Haul !. I've seen some really scary home brew hitches over the years and one time a van my buddy and i were flat towing , jumped the hitch then jumped a curb and narrowly missed killing a 5 year old boychild...... No more homebrew junk for me .
Here's one we put on a 48 with a roll pan. There is a plate welded onto one end of a square tube that fits into the receiver. The license plate frame has light incorporated into it and a quick disconnect. The receiver is bolted to the frame rails and has two extra braces bolted to the spare tire cross member.
That's not a bad idea. I want a hitch as well so I can pull my 1961 travel trailer behind the truck. I plan on using a licence plate set up from an old Nova that folds down. Then cut a square hole in the roll pan behind the plate. I backed the truck up to the trailer and I like the look.
