Hidden hitch questions

[1LowToy]

Well I put the hidden hitch on and now the usual modifications promblems to conquer.

Now I need to hinge the license plate to get to the receiver. Anything the fits right up? Old Impala one maybe?

Now the factory spare tire carrier wont work either. Any suggestions? Toyota or Nissan crank up one maybe? Anyone fabed something like this up?

[rwhit57]

Hey any chance you could take a measurement for me? I'd like to know the distance from the end of the receiver to the bed, the panel below the tailgate. Thanks

[1LowToy]

The receiver sets about the enter of the tailgate as your looking down. I fact I even got it centerd as your looking from the back of the truck too I need another beer

[Goldfinger]

I would take the plate hinge from a late 80's caprice. and flip it upside down.

[1LowToy]

I had that idea about the Caprice license plate hinge. I was intersted in some other contraptions that may be used.

I was thinking of an import pickup's spare tire hanger but I don't know of one that just unbolts rather than taking a hacksaw to a frame @ pick n pull. Most of the import frames are built like brick sh*t house. I have just enough room for the spare under the truck. From the back of the hitch to the ring gear cover is about 29". A 215x15 tire is about 27.5" tall. So if I place it just right it, it should pull the tire up and to the back towards the hitch and away from the axle. Thoughts are to have the crank of the wheel lift accessable from the side through the wheel well. As it sets now I have to pull the hitch down to get the old hanger out.

Planning modifications is kinda like women. It takes two or three to get it right

[78maliburat]

Cutlass / malibu holder

[Corts60]

Nova's also had that license plate bracket. They are still around. That is what I use on my '78 with a hidden hitch. My hitch was built by the previous owner back in '79 though and there is no way I could get a spare in there.

[1LowToy]

I've found a solution to the spare. I have a neighbor who is baggin his S10. So his spare tire hanger was scrap for him and a freebe for me. I did some trimming up on the crossmember to fit and it's gonna be sweet. Basic measurement is 32" wide to fit between the C10 frame rails. So if you find a frame, center it up and cut @32" Heres some pics. It's only set in there until I pull the bed off for bodywork later this spring but you will get the idea.

I've located hinged plate holder from an Impala but $20? I may spend 40 on gas lookin though.

[1LowToy]

With a 215x75x15 spare I should end up with about 1.75" from the differential cover.

[bucannon]

ive been planning to modify a wind up style spare tire carrier but instead of a 215 my spare will be 315 (35" tire!) so i might have to do a pre-runner style tailgate with tire carrier...

[1LowToy]

Any vendors have Chevy impala, nova chevelle that may have such a bracket?