I'm trying to put a hitch on my 56, are there any "junkyard" dates/models, or alternative/inexpensive ways to do this? Does anyone make one to fit specifically? WHat have you-all done?

 

I modified a U-Haul hitch for my truck, welded it right into the frame rails and boxed around the sides. There a couple of pictures in my ''floors and scoops'' gallery

 

There are "universal" fit ones available at places like Northern Tool or even Walmart that you can adjust the width to fit your frame. Be aware there are different "class" hitches (class I for lightweight trailers to class IV for the largest trailers) depending on how heavy a trailer you are planning to pull. Make sure you get one that is heavy duty enough for your use so you don't possibly damage your truck or lose the trailer. There is no problem using a heavy class hitch for a small trailer although you may have to change to a smaller size ball.

 

I have some pics of a "built in" hitch on my 56, but I don't know how to post them up in here. This forum doesn't have the "manage attachments" option like others I belong to.

 

Put them in a gallery here (free- see sticky post on posting pix to gallery) then link to them in your post. You cannot put a pic directly in a post unless you become a paid supporter of this site.

 

Alright, I bought a subscription! Here's some pics of the hitch/bumper. I don't know where it was bought form, I'll have to ask my Grandpa.

 

One more...

 

hey offroadkid

thats a nice slick hitch set up! i am getting ready to put a hitch on mine, this gives me some good ideas.
thanks for the pics

Mark

 

That is a clean set-up, very nice! I appreciate the info all, and the pics offroadkid!! I have an old one from a T****a truck, I am going to try to adapt...

 

You're welcome!

 

Offroadkid, where is your spare tire? Mine is down below the rear of the bed, making this hitch thing more difficult...

 

Good question!! There isn't one under the truck, that's how it was given to me. When my Uncle dropped the truck off, he gave me the factory steel wheels and tires, so I guess that's my spare!!

I got an answer form my Uncle about the hitch. My Grandpa had a guy fabricate it in San Andreas, Ca. but the company is no longer in business. I hope the body shop is still in business, cause they're the ones who painted the truck, and now that the running boards are finished, I need them painted to match!

 

Hey guys, just an opinion from an old guy who has been there, Your hitch should probably have a stress plate behind the area where the hitch is bolted and that crossmember maybe should be boxed and welded into the frame. There are tons of stresses on a trailer hitch even in light duty situations That in itself makes over building a trailer hitch a good idea, there are a lot of safety issues involved. You may not overload the hitch but you can't be sure about the next guy. JMHO

 

I modified a hitch from a 97 Expedition to make a hidden hitch for my 66. It doesn't matter what it started life as. I only used the middle 34". Look in junkyards or at swapmeets for a candidate. I used a heavy duty 4" angle iron welded to the ends to mount on the truck's frame rails. Make sure you use grade 8 hardware!

[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Greg\My Documents\My Pictures\Greg's pics[/IMG]

 

Can I come off the frame rails with flat steel and go down to a cross bar?