Help With Hidden Hitch Info

[1978steven]

I'm looking for an older post. The board member installed a newer frame mounted receiver hitch off a 00-05 truck on his 67-72. I've looked all over and couldn't find the post. The hitch installed hidden behind his sport style bumper and he used a license plate flip up bracket to gain access to the receiver.

If anyone knows where the post is please let me know or if you have done this, post info/pics here.

Thanks,
Steven

[dennislbrooks]

may have been me --
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=163899

if you need more pics let me know

[1978steven]

That's the one.....

The hitch you have was off of a 1/2 ton truck? The one that was given to me is off of a 3/4 ton truck. The 1/2 tons drop down a bit and the 3/4 tons are straight across. So I should be able to hide it up in there pretty good.

My question is about the mounts and how did you go about modifing them to fit your truck. I'll post a few pictures of the hitch. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Steven

[dennislbrooks]

Yes I used a 2003 1/2 ton Silverado. My suggestion is that you use 2 ----
1/4" inch plates on each end. measure inside frame for overall length --- when cutting existing mounts off --remove 1/2" extra on each side. Weld the smaller plates to the hitch tube -- bolt larger plates ( I think I used 3 bolts to the frame on each side) to frame then use clamps for final positioning of the smaller plates --either bolting or welding smaller plater to larger ones. If possible tack in place while on the truck and remove to final weld small plate to larger one. Various fabrications methods can be used. Your 3/4 ton hitch may make things easier.

[dennislbrooks]

are you going to bobvilla67 on Jan 14th?

[jsbgump]

I think early classic has the hitch kit avail for a hidden set up

[1978steven]

Just snapped a couple pics of the receiver hitch...

[dennislbrooks]

You may have to notch more than I did for plug receptacle access -- but I am sure it can be overcome. Sawzall works nice for the cuts on all even the plates. Not sure but the existing mounts may come close for using on the bottom of the frame--- give it some pondering time.

[1978steven]

Overall length of the receiver is about 42" and from outside to outside framerail is aound 34". If there was a easy way to take out the extra length from the center section of tube and weld it all back together that would be great. I'm not a welder so your help is appreciated.

Steven

[1978steven]

I'm not really worried about the receptacle outlet as my truck is set up for flat four wire and it will be only light towing.

[NO LONGER DISTURBED KONCEPTZ]

That dont look very hidden to me. My friend shane has the Early Classic Hidden hitch on his 72 and you cant see it.

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by dennislbrooks

are you going to bobvilla67 on Jan 14th?

Yes, the Dallas get together mini swap meet...

[dennislbrooks]

ok--if you like the height of where using the existing mounts on the bottom of the frame--then if possible remove 4" of round tube from each side inside the mounts. Does that look possible? Looks like the bends in the tubing may make that a slight challenge. Can you get 2 " cut out on each side and still remain frame parallel on the mounts? If using the existing hitch mounts, how much needs removed from each side to center the mounts on the bottom of the frame rails?

[dennislbrooks]

I believe Steven is going to hide his completely.

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by jsbgump

I think early classic has the hitch kit avail for a hidden set up

I believe they do, but it will just be light towing and I'm on a tight budget.

[dennislbrooks]

when we get done -- you should be able to lift the truck totally off the ground with it -- like the ford pickup commercial-- 8-)

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by DISTURBED KONCEPTZ

That dont look very hidden to me. My friend shane has the Early Classic Hidden hitch on his 72 and you cant see it.

I think with the 3/4 ton hitch you would be able to hide the hitch pretty good. Remember we are talking budget the ECE hidden hitch probably runs around $150-$200 plus shipping.

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by dennislbrooks

ok--if you like the height of where using the existing mounts on the bottom of the frame--then if possible remove 4" of round tube from each side inside the mounts. Does that look possible? Looks like the bends in the tubing may make that a slight challenge. Can you get 2 " cut out on each side and still remain frame parallel on the mounts? If using the existing hitch mounts, how much needs removed from each side to center the mounts on the bottom of the frame rails?

Like I said I'm no welder, but it looks like I should be able to remove the length out of the center section and weld it all back together.

Dennis are you going to be at the meet there in Dallas?

[dennislbrooks]

yea, I will be there. taking it out of the center means all the welds there will have to be surgically removed then rewelded after the amputation. Can you remove all the welds in the middle with a 4" grinder or such? If we cut it out of the middle, I suggest placing a smaller tube inside before re-welding.

[dennislbrooks]

bring it with you and bring a tape rule in case I forget, I have a near stock looking blue 67 C10 SWB - you have my license number -- we can do this -- matt67350 and txfrirefighter know I am a fabricating fool. I can make one of near anything. Making 2 exactly alike is a different story-- they call those guys machinist.

[1978steven]

It looks like just three welds hold the receiver to the frame tube.

[dennislbrooks]

I take you are removing the receptacle bracket permanently. see my PM to you.

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by dennislbrooks

bring it with you and bring a tape rule in case I forget, I have a near stock looking blue 67 C10 SWB - you have my license number -- we can do this -- matt67350 and txfrirefighter know I am a fabricating fool. I can make one of near anything. Making 2 exactly alike is a different story-- they call those guys machinist.

Sorry for the slow response. I'm on dial up and every time I work her hard she wants to log off the net.

I'll bring it with me. If you can hook this thing up let me know how much I owe you.

[1978steven]

Originally Posted by dennislbrooks

I take you are removing the receptacle bracket permanently. see my PM to you.

I guess so. I really don't see why I would need it.