installing a hidden hitch and license plate on the bumper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72C10chevy4x4 · 12-01-2002, 08:06 AM

my truck came with a heavy duty (~70-80lbs) bumper which a 2" ball attached. I want the stock bumper and to install a flip down license plate to have access to a hidden hitch.

anyone have pictures and tell me what's involved. welding is no problem-just not sure about the alignment of the hitch (since I don't have the bumper yet!).

thanks, -Paul

da-burb · 12-01-2002, 10:26 AM

Here is how mine turned out. I went to the junkyard and found a GM car that had the gas tank filler behind the plate. Then after the hitch was on, I put the bumper on, lined up the license plate holder and traced the opening on the back side, remove it and torch the opening, re-install and mounted the flip up plate holder.

The hidden hitch came from GMC Paul.

Longhorn Man · 12-01-2002, 01:44 PM

I have read that welding on one is bad news...messes with teh temper of the alloy.
I have thuoght of doing this also...but I would install the flip plate the other way, that way the hitch would keep it open onec you inserted it into the reciever, instead of flopping down onto the hich/trailer tounge. That could make it funny when hookin trailar up.
Another thing to think about, the plate is not properly displaied when flipped, so is technicly not legal...only an issue if a cop is being a prick...like in Los Angelas.

One of the vendors used to sell this as a kit.

Low69CST · 12-01-2002, 04:22 PM

You need to install your bumper and license plate thingy first, then mount the hitch. You need to know how far forward or back to place the hitch. If its too far back then you won't be able to get the bumper on the truck. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

Church · 12-01-2002, 06:21 PM

anybody installed the hidden hitch w/ a relocated gas tank?

Benrs86 · 12-01-2002, 06:29 PM

heres mine, i made the hitch out of a 87 chevy astro vans, just about 2 hours of torching and welding. not to bad, and the total cost was under 35 bucks. this is the only pic i have and it is crap and not really showing the hitch. you pull the plate out and the hitch is there. i just throw the licence plate in the cab and then the 2 inch receiver slides in. good luck, i can get more pics if you want, Ben

67cst · 12-01-2002, 07:24 PM

ive always wondered though, doesnt your lisence plate have to be visible at all times?

amstaff · 12-01-2002, 08:08 PM

Who sells a hitch for these trucks (particulary 72)? I have not checked yet, but can you get one from companys like Draw-Tite, Valley, Hidden Hitch, etc.?

Low69CST · 12-01-2002, 09:21 PM

My truck has a blazer tank in it, I mounted it no problem.

Benrs86 · 12-02-2002, 12:53 AM

im not sure 67cst, but i dont see the point, if there is a trailer behind you who can see it anyway? lol

12-01-2002, 08:06 AM	#1
72C10chevy4x4 UK Wildcat Fan! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 515	installing a hidden hitch and license plate on the bumper my truck came with a heavy duty (~70-80lbs) bumper which a 2" ball attached. I want the stock bumper and to install a flip down license plate to have access to a hidden hitch. anyone have pictures and tell me what's involved. welding is no problem-just not sure about the alignment of the hitch (since I don't have the bumper yet!). thanks, -Paul

12-01-2002, 10:26 AM	#2
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	Here is how mine turned out. I went to the junkyard and found a GM car that had the gas tank filler behind the plate. Then after the hitch was on, I put the bumper on, lined up the license plate holder and traced the opening on the back side, remove it and torch the opening, re-install and mounted the flip up plate holder. The hidden hitch came from GMC Paul. Attached Images __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

12-01-2002, 01:44 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I have read that welding on one is bad news...messes with teh temper of the alloy. I have thuoght of doing this also...but I would install the flip plate the other way, that way the hitch would keep it open onec you inserted it into the reciever, instead of flopping down onto the hich/trailer tounge. That could make it funny when hookin trailar up. Another thing to think about, the plate is not properly displaied when flipped, so is technicly not legal...only an issue if a cop is being a prick...like in Los Angelas. One of the vendors used to sell this as a kit. Attached Images

12-01-2002, 04:22 PM	#4
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	You need to install your bumper and license plate thingy first, then mount the hitch. You need to know how far forward or back to place the hitch. If its too far back then you won't be able to get the bumper on the truck. Trust me, I learned the hard way. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

12-01-2002, 06:21 PM	#5
Church Carolina Classic Trucks Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The South Posts: 792	anybody installed the hidden hitch w/ a relocated gas tank? __________________

12-01-2002, 06:29 PM	#6
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	heres mine, i made the hitch out of a 87 chevy astro vans, just about 2 hours of torching and welding. not to bad, and the total cost was under 35 bucks. this is the only pic i have and it is crap and not really showing the hitch. you pull the plate out and the hitch is there. i just throw the licence plate in the cab and then the 2 inch receiver slides in. good luck, i can get more pics if you want, Ben Attached Images __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

12-01-2002, 07:24 PM	#7
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,302	ive always wondered though, doesnt your lisence plate have to be visible at all times? __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

12-01-2002, 08:08 PM	#8
amstaff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: State College, PA Posts: 178	Who sells a hitch for these trucks (particulary 72)? I have not checked yet, but can you get one from companys like Draw-Tite, Valley, Hidden Hitch, etc.?

12-01-2002, 09:21 PM	#9
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	My truck has a blazer tank in it, I mounted it no problem. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

12-02-2002, 12:53 AM	#10
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	im not sure 67cst, but i dont see the point, if there is a trailer behind you who can see it anyway? lol __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04



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