Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

see ten · 02-28-2009, 07:53 PM

Well, once again Saturday has rolled around. I didn't really go anywhere exciting to photograph this week. But I think I've come up with something to hold you over. My lil brother is no longer homeless (which is good) but now he needs to haul some carpet for his new place. Being as a 12' roll of carpet isn't going to ride in his 6' bed, a trailer is going to come in to play. His pickup doesn't have a hitch so a call was made to Early Classic for one of their hidden hitches. I thought I could show a few pictures of how the install went.

Brian volunteered his shop for the install. I guess he needed a break from bringing this back in to shape.

The box this came in weighed 56lbs. Appears to be plenty sturdy.

We put it in place with a jack and marked where the hole in the tag bracket had to go.

A cutoff wheel made quick work of the job.

Cleaned up the rough edges and shot some paint on it.

Neat lil harness that plugs right in to the factory harness. No messy splices here!

We must've marked it correctly because it lined right up.

The most rear holes on the hitch line up perfectly with the most rear holes on the frame. However this is where we ran in to our only real glitch. The bumper brackets were in the way of the bolts for the hitch. We had to remove the rearmost bumper bracket bolts and lift up the bumper. This allowed us just enough room to install bolts in to the holes for the hitch. Once they were tightened up, the bumper bracket bolts were reinstalled. Then it was just a matter of drilling four more holes to install the rest of the bolts for the hitch.

Spray-Bomb · 02-28-2009, 08:00 PM

Sweet

see ten · 02-28-2009, 08:07 PM

After much discussion it was decided that the bracket for the plate should be installed to flip up instead of down.

Turned out pretty clean I think...

This truck has had issues since he bought it with the rocker arms backing off. Apparently the nuts that hold em down were just slap wore out. When he came to pick me up he had one ticking. Our plan was to pull the valve cover and adjust the valve with the loose rocker when we got done with the hitch. Right before we made it to Brian's it quit ticking and started skipping...The rocker arm had came off.

So we load up and head to the parts store to get a new nut for the rocker arm. The counterman looks it up and asks us if there is anything else we need. My brother asks him if he can just cut us a deal on a set of roller tip rockers and we'll just do without the nut. The guy makes a call and a few minutes later one of his buds rolls up with these.

That's a set of full roller 1.5 Crane rocker arms, never installed. Got em for a song (well....I can't sing...we'll just say we stole em!) We paid considrably less then the swap meet price that was written on the box.

Here's the rear shot with the new hitch...and the pickup running again with the new rockers.

[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj166/seet...

Your artsy fartsy shot for the week!

I hope you guys enjoyed seeing how some of the Worthless crowd spent their Saturday morning! I hope you enjoy the pics as well!

Thanks!

see ten · 02-28-2009, 08:12 PM

Whoops! I forgot I had a shot of me doing some light hauling in the C10 from this past week! Enjoy!

Andy4639 · 02-28-2009, 08:24 PM

One ? for you. How do you pin it. The receiver that is? Nice job on the rockers too. I bet that made a nice differance in the way it ran.

big_al_71 · 02-28-2009, 08:33 PM

man this sat pict thread is becoming addicted...

I always look forward to it.

Wootdog · 02-28-2009, 08:34 PM

Sweet that is all I can say.
Kerry

Longhorn Man · 02-28-2009, 08:38 PM

do we have to compliment you every week?

Lookin awesome as always.

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-28-2009, 08:43 PM

Sweet

see ten · 02-28-2009, 09:06 PM

I didn't think to take a shot of the hitch with the pin in it. Here's a shot with the other piece lying out where you can see it.

There's room between the bumper and the hitch to install the pin...but if you've got huge hands it's going to be tight!

It's not necesary to comment on the pics, but the feedback does keep me motivated!

I think I've came a long way since I first started posting these every Saturday many many months ago. I've had a few hit the newstands and there are supposedly some more headed towards print as well. I've also had another forum use a shot of mine on their calendar. In the meantime I'll just keep practicing!

Thanks guys!

texanidiot25 · 02-28-2009, 09:43 PM

Dig the hidden hitch.

To add to the debate about the plate:

YouTube - FlipPlate.com Commercial

Flipping down would have been best

**Boog** · 02-28-2009, 10:29 PM

Clean install. Am curious how close the tag comes to the trailer coupling with it in the up position though. Oh hey, it's beer thirty!

71see10 · 03-01-2009, 08:35 AM

Here is a pic of the bed before, when we pull in into the shop!!

Asa's pic is about 5 hrs. of work later!Just another peek into the build and a bump for asa!!Great pics as alway,he really can come up with ideas and scenes for pictures!!!

Sammy · 03-01-2009, 10:24 AM

Quck question on the hitch. Even though I already know the answer. With a blazer tank installed would it still fit? If the answer is no..The burps/ blazers had hitches, hidden hitch wouldn't work in that arena either?

see ten · 03-01-2009, 10:31 AM

The only issue I could see with using it with your blazer tank is how are you going to get to the bolts? If my brother comes by today i'll take a couple of pics of how the pin goes in as well as the clearance for the tag to the end of the hitch.

Sammy · 03-01-2009, 10:36 AM

Thanks. I am not planning on the mod was more of a curiosty question. Good work.

thirdstreettito · 03-01-2009, 12:05 PM

Great pics as always! Thanks for the install pics of the hitch. Asa, you seem to drink a LOT! Hm. glug glug

PanelDeland · 03-01-2009, 02:38 PM

"After much discussion it was decided that the bracket for the plate should be installed to flip up instead of down"

I knew where this line would lead.

"Great pics as always! Thanks for the install pics of the hitch. Asa, you seem to drink a LOT! Hm. glug glug"

How do you think they decided?Beer break!!!!!

chipflyer · 03-01-2009, 03:59 PM

Very nice job! I plan to do this one day also. Did the tag bracket come from early Classic also?

Jeff

see ten · 03-01-2009, 05:37 PM

The ECE hitch came with everything but the hole in the tag bracket and the tools to install it. Here's some better shots of the clearances.

Seems to be plenty of room. We were concerned that with the plate flipping down that the safety chains would mess up the plate or get hung on it.

I really don't drink that much....I was just stocking up while it was on sale!

**72 Super** · 03-01-2009, 06:09 PM

That is a clean install and great pictures to boot.

02-28-2009, 07:53 PM	#1
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Well, once again Saturday has rolled around. I didn't really go anywhere exciting to photograph this week. But I think I've come up with something to hold you over. My lil brother is no longer homeless (which is good) but now he needs to haul some carpet for his new place. Being as a 12' roll of carpet isn't going to ride in his 6' bed, a trailer is going to come in to play. His pickup doesn't have a hitch so a call was made to Early Classic for one of their hidden hitches. I thought I could show a few pictures of how the install went. Brian volunteered his shop for the install. I guess he needed a break from bringing this back in to shape. The box this came in weighed 56lbs. Appears to be plenty sturdy. We put it in place with a jack and marked where the hole in the tag bracket had to go. A cutoff wheel made quick work of the job. Cleaned up the rough edges and shot some paint on it. Neat lil harness that plugs right in to the factory harness. No messy splices here! We must've marked it correctly because it lined right up. The most rear holes on the hitch line up perfectly with the most rear holes on the frame. However this is where we ran in to our only real glitch. The bumper brackets were in the way of the bolts for the hitch. We had to remove the rearmost bumper bracket bolts and lift up the bumper. This allowed us just enough room to install bolts in to the holes for the hitch. Once they were tightened up, the bumper bracket bolts were reinstalled. Then it was just a matter of drilling four more holes to install the rest of the bolts for the hitch.

02-28-2009, 08:00 PM	#2
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Sweet __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

02-28-2009, 08:12 PM	#4
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Whoops! I forgot I had a shot of me doing some light hauling in the C10 from this past week! Enjoy!

02-28-2009, 08:24 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some One ? for you. How do you pin it. The receiver that is? Nice job on the rockers too. I bet that made a nice differance in the way it ran. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-28-2009, 08:33 PM	#6
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some man this sat pict thread is becoming addicted... I always look forward to it. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-28-2009, 08:34 PM	#7
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,677	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Sweet that is all I can say. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

02-28-2009, 08:38 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some do we have to compliment you every week? Lookin awesome as always.

02-28-2009, 08:43 PM	#9
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,484	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Sweet __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-28-2009, 09:06 PM	#10
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some I didn't think to take a shot of the hitch with the pin in it. Here's a shot with the other piece lying out where you can see it. There's room between the bumper and the hitch to install the pin...but if you've got huge hands it's going to be tight! It's not necesary to comment on the pics, but the feedback does keep me motivated! I think I've came a long way since I first started posting these every Saturday many many months ago. I've had a few hit the newstands and there are supposedly some more headed towards print as well. I've also had another forum use a shot of mine on their calendar. In the meantime I'll just keep practicing! Thanks guys!

02-28-2009, 10:29 PM	#12
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,459	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Clean install. Am curious how close the tag comes to the trailer coupling with it in the up position though. Oh hey, it's beer thirty! __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-01-2009, 08:35 AM	#13
71see10 Worthless Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: LaFayette, GA Posts: 199	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Here is a pic of the bed before, when we pull in into the shop!! Asa's pic is about 5 hrs. of work later!Just another peek into the build and a bump for asa!!Great pics as alway,he really can come up with ideas and scenes for pictures!!!

03-01-2009, 10:24 AM	#14
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Quck question on the hitch. Even though I already know the answer. With a blazer tank installed would it still fit? If the answer is no..The burps/ blazers had hitches, hidden hitch wouldn't work in that arena either? __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

03-01-2009, 10:31 AM	#15
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some The only issue I could see with using it with your blazer tank is how are you going to get to the bolts? If my brother comes by today i'll take a couple of pics of how the pin goes in as well as the clearance for the tag to the end of the hitch.

03-01-2009, 10:36 AM	#16
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Thanks. I am not planning on the mod was more of a curiosty question. Good work. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

03-01-2009, 12:05 PM	#17
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Great pics as always! Thanks for the install pics of the hitch. Asa, you seem to drink a LOT! Hm. glug glug __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck



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03-01-2009, 02:38 PM	#18
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some "After much discussion it was decided that the bracket for the plate should be installed to flip up instead of down" I knew where this line would lead. "Great pics as always! Thanks for the install pics of the hitch. Asa, you seem to drink a LOT! Hm. glug glug" How do you think they decided?Beer break!!!!! __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#19
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some Very nice job! I plan to do this one day also. Did the tag bracket come from early Classic also? Jeff __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

03-01-2009, 05:37 PM	#20
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some The ECE hitch came with everything but the hole in the tag bracket and the tools to install it. Here's some better shots of the clearances. Seems to be plenty of room. We were concerned that with the plate flipping down that the safety chains would mess up the plate or get hung on it. I really don't drink that much....I was just stocking up while it was on sale!

03-01-2009, 06:09 PM	#21
72 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hyattsville, Maryland Posts: 3,693	Re: Saturday pics (2-28) Hidden hitch install + some That is a clean install and great pictures to boot. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super (Purchased new by my parents in August of 71) Black and White

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