Well, I was bored this weekend (got the Studebaker truck running like a beast.. what a torque monstor with the Crane roller cam recommended by Eric. 350 engine using a NP 542 5 speed. So much freaking fun to drive. Got the dual carbs rebuilt on the Opel GT and waiting on the machine shop to bore & deck the block, clean up the head and balance the rotating assy.
So.. decided that even though Vern's trailer hitch looks pretty righteous, I wanted a hidden hitch. The wagons had the gas tank filler under the license plate, like a 69 Camaro.
Ialso wanted to beef up the frame a bit in the back as the last 2 feet or so are not boxed, and that doesn't work out well for towing heavy loads. You cannot see any part of the hitch (with the plate up) from the rear or the sides.
Here is the write up I did over at team chevelle. I rarely get on that site.
Used the Wagon fold down license plate holder.
Bought a combo weld on receiver on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170770768906...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Attached a pic, because the link will eventually die.
Used 1/4 inch plate steel for the ends, welded on a 4 inch 1/4 thich tube cut to 38" long.
Welded 1.5" angle iron inside the frame rails.
Gas tank is a really tight fit, but it does not hit anywhere, so no rubbing. If I were to do it over again, I would make the end plates about 1 inch shorter. It would make it easier to install the tank. Couldn't have done it without some help from my angel of a wife.
I will be installing a 7 way harness set up. My trailer has brakes, so I want all the help I can get.
Already installed cargo springs, air shockes, boxed the rear control arms and added frame stiffeners. The hitch set up partially boxes the rear frame rails, so everything is much stronger than before.
Added a quick steering box last weekend. I had it on my 69 Z at one time, and I believe I got that box off a 90's Trans Am WS6. Fortunately, I saved the metric hose set up from 20 years ago.
I also added 12 inch brakes to the front. Anyone who is interested can read the story here :
http://www.camaros.net/forums/16-bra...e-upgrade.html
Still to go:
1. decide on a radio
2. install the rest of the factory air parts.
3. Paint eventually, but I have some other serious projects lined up in front of this one.