Ranchero Trailer Hitch

[VwDrvFnd]

Here are some pictures of the Trailer Hitch installed on my 57 Ranchero. Theses were asked for in the "Wanted" section. Enjoy!

Full Rear


looking down


under the bumper


across the bottom




Driver side




Passenger Side






Installer (don't ask me when)


Hitch Type

[VwDrvFnd]

The Installer is still in business!
I am not sure what years my car spent in Washington State so no telling what year it was installed!
http://www.mannswelding.com/index.html

[John Palmer]

Thanks for the photos.

I'm curious as to what the two 1/2" by 2" bars that are welded to the frame side near both rear spring hanger's are?  Ironically, my Ranch Wagon had remnants of the same two bars hanging down from the frame.  They look to me, like part of a diagonal brace, but they would need to go under the gas tank.

[VwDrvFnd]

My initial thought is somthing to do with exhaust hangers. i dont have a full exhaust system on the car so i am unsure.

Thanks for the photos.

I'm curious as to what the two 1/2" by 2" bars that are welded to the frame side near both rear spring hanger's are?  Ironically, my Ranch Wagon had remnants of the same two bars hanging down from the frame.  They look to me, like part of a diagonal brace, but they would need to go under the gas tank.

[Lou]

Thanks for the pictures. We appreciate you taking the time to accommodate us.

[John Palmer]

My initial thought is somthing to do with exhaust hangers. i dont have a full exhaust system on the car so i am unsure.

I'm thinking they were not factory, "definitely aftermarket" added at some point, and way "too heavy" for exhaust hangers.  The mystery continues.

[Raven Rider]

Many thanks for taking the time to post pictures for us.

[RICH MUISE]

Additional brackets for safety chains?

[hiball3985]

Those brackets have me baffled too. Not for safety chains way out by the spring hangers, the hitch has two holes for those..

[SkylinerRon]

Brackets look like their for a different hitch.
Also tailgate lifts use these but, very doubtful here.

Ron.

[Limey57]

Thanks for sharing, something I want to get round to doing for mine. 

[djfordmanjack]

Thx for the pics. I have a vintage hitch for my Wagon and will try to reinforce it a bit, yours looks very rigid.
Judging from the pics I think you'd better tighten your bumperbracket bolts before towing anything...

[VwDrvFnd]

Yea lookis like everything back there could use a good once over and maybe some new grade 8 bolts. i was originally going to remove the hitch but i think i might just keep it as part of the rich history of my car. i have all new bumper bolts, going to pull it all off and clean it up before i do anything with it. needs to be rewired to.

Thx for the pics. I have a vintage hitch for my Wagon and will try to reinforce it a bit, yours looks very rigid.
Judging from the pics I think you'd better tighten your bumperbracket bolts before towing anything...