Hidden hitch behind license plate? '66 Fleetside

[theastronaut]

Has anyone ever installed a hidden hitch on a fleetside so that the receiver is hidden by the license plate? I'd like to do this on my '66 but have never seen it done before (I searched!). It looks like the rear crossmember would have to be taken out and replaced by the hitch. The factory license plate bracket wouldn't work either, it would need to be hinged or removable. It could be made to plug into the reciever when you're not towing. Any thoughts or ideas? I don't want the receiver hanging under the bumper.

[1963c-10]

Other than the tow bumpers, you think Chevy would have considered another tow option for the trucks back then. They had to be as widely used then as they are now. Im w/you. Id like a tow hitch, but dont want it just hanging out the rear.

[kieth]

go down to Harbor Freight buy a long reciever tube then get some angle iron and start playing around. The only reason it may not work is the clearance between the tailgate and the bumper. I could not do it because I moved my tank back there......Find a lisc plate bracket from a later model truck that is hinged for the fuel filler that should take care of the lisc plate bracket which will cover the reciever tube up. Kieth

ps a good old fashioned hitch dealer could build you one if you are like me and shy on welding talents....ha ha..


ok try this link.....Kieth http://www.airbagit.com/Hidden-Trail...hit-fr8200.htm

lisc plate bracket: http://www.airbagit.com/Flipdown-Plate-s/1670.htm

chev hitch:http://www.airbagit.com/Hidden-Trail...hit-gm6072.htm


I FOUND IT...................SEE LAST POST.................THEY MAKE ONE............

[CRGRS 66]

I am going to follow this as well, I am interested to see what suggestions come from this. I have a receiver bolted to my frame. It is not pretty that is for sure. Thanks from throwing this up astronaut!

[brokenspoke]

I used a 72 bumper with a flip down license plate

[jonfletch01]

I think someone on here made on and then put the tag on a slide-in... that is the path I'm gonna go when I get to that point..

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by kieth

go down to Harbor Freight buy a long reciever tube then get some angle iron and start playing around. The only reason it may not work is the clearance between the tailgate and the bumper. I could not do it because I moved my tank back there......Find a lisc plate bracket from a later model truck that is hinged for the fuel filler that should take care of the lisc plate bracket which will cover the reciever tube up. Kieth

ps a good old fashioned hitch dealer could build you one if you are like me and shy on welding talents....ha ha..


ok try this link.....Kieth http://www.airbagit.com/Hidden-Trail...hit-fr8200.htm

lisc plate bracket: http://www.airbagit.com/Flipdown-Plate-s/1670.htm

chev hitch:http://www.airbagit.com/Hidden-Trail...hit-gm6072.htm


I FOUND IT...................SEE LAST POST.................THEY MAKE ONE............

Thanks for those links! I'll make whatever I end up using for sure, I was wondering if anyone sold pre-made recover tubes. I can have the gas tank built around the hitch so that's not a problem. The space between the bumper and cross sill is my biggest concern, mine isn't together to measure that gap. The bumper can be adjusted down, but only a certain amount before it starts looking out of place.

Originally Posted by brokenspoke

I used a 72 bumper with a flip down license plate

That was something that I had first thought about and they look good, but I definitely want to keep the original bumper since the truck will have a factory/stock style theme.

Originally Posted by jonfletch01

I think someone on here made on and then put the tag on a slide-in... that is the path I'm gonna go when I get to that point..

That's what I'm thinking. Not sure if there's enough room for a flip down bracket when the hitch is in.
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[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by jonfletch01

I think someone on here made on and then put the tag on a slide-in... that is the path I'm gonna go when I get to that point..

I had to read this a couple of times before I got it I really like that idea. If you get to it before me, it would be appreciated if you post up what you do somewhere.

[Captainfab]

Yes, you can buy pre made lengths of receiver tubes. Your better places that sell hitches should have them. You can also check with steel suppliers. It is a special sized square tube. If you can not find one locally, let me know. I buy the receiver tube in 20' lengths.

[Blue666]

Here's a few pictures of how I did mine. I still need to make a minor modification to the rear sill.

I used a regular straight hitch that was much wider than the frame. I cut out two sections (one on each side) and inserted two short pieces of thick wall square tube. With the bumper off, I centered the receiver, then marked the parts & welded it up.

I used a license plate holder from a mid eighties Chevy. Originally mounted to flip down, I just turned it over.

[mark 66]

I made my own. very similar to what has been discussed. just had to buy a long peice of reciever tube and the skys the limit.

[64shortbox]

I also used the same idea as blue666 did. I Made my own hitch that hid behind the bumper but I had to cut a square hole in the bumper to allow the receiver to slide into the hitch. I used a license plate frame off an 80's Camaro but I had to flip it upside down from stock. Works great & when the receiver's removed and the plate is flipped down no one knows. Yep, besides my 64 C-10 I also own a Hearse. It sure draws quite the crowd when I'm launching the boat.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Blue666

Here's a few pictures of how I did mine. I still need to make a minor modification to the rear sill.

I used a regular straight hitch that was much wider than the frame. I cut out two sections (one on each side) and inserted two short pieces of thick wall square tube. With the bumper off, I centered the receiver, then marked the parts & welded it up.

I used a license plate holder from a mid eighties Chevy. Originally mounted to flip down, I just turned it over.

Do you have any more pictures showing the license plate covering the receiver, and with plate flipped up?

[theastronaut]

Plenty of great suggestions! This will help a ton when I get to that point in my build, thanks to all who posted!
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[DPowers]

http://www.persh.org/pickup/body1.htm#hidenhitch

[Rich 5150 69]

I saw franks rendition in person, this was the nicest jobs I`d ever seen...

[Blue666]

Here you go!!
Plate up, Plate down & lic. [late light hidden in bumper.

Yeah, it's been since 09 since the truck was legally on the road. Just received my outer rocker panels & a few other goodies. Hope to be back out legally by spring.

[Clyde65]

I looked at the airbag it one 169.00, good price! but shipping USPS to me is $80-107.00 I think I'll pass on that
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