removable rear license plate?

[baltobernie]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about installing a trailer-type receiver into the back of my Spider, to accept my bicycle rack. The rack fits a Class II hitch, and I can easily obtain the square tubing necessary to fabricate a receiver near the pinch weld.

But the license plate is in the way, plus I don't want to spoil Gina's lines with the receiver showing. My first thought was a 70's Chevelle license plate assembly with the spring. Pull down the plate and secure it with a catch, exposing the receiver. But then I have no tag displayed, and the rack must extend another five inches to clear the sprung plate.

I don't want the plate easily stolen or lost, and I'd like to temporarily attach it to the rack when in use. Any suggestions?

[Danno]

I wish i could help, but I'm confused. Why is your license plate in the way? any receiver put on the car would be attached underneath, the license plate on mine is up between the tail lights. Putting a receiver through the tail where the plate is would require a PITA fabbing of the trunk lock mechanism, etc.

[baltobernie]

On early cars, the trunk lock mechanism is above the license plate, so no worries there.

I can appreciate your confusion, since most receivers are below the bodywork. Yes, I know there's Hidden Hitch; that's what I have on my Dodge. But I want to mount the bike rack higher, so that it doesn't scrape with the already-low Spider.

Y'know, I could mount the spring-type frame upside-down, so that the plate hinges upward. It would still be technically visible.

[rlux4]

Here's an idea Bernie:

It would necessitate changing Gina out for a late model Spider though. My suggestion would be an 82.
Ron

[Danno]

lol, Ron. I was looking at that thinking "Duh, he doesn't even have the big 'ole double tube bumpers on his car." I like your solution (the 82), but if it doesn't appeal to him he can always just swap bumpers with me, seems like that would be much easier and cheaper........

Anyway, so I see what you are saying. I know that the plate is lower on your car. I think I remember the earlier models having the plate right along that seam in the back. My personal opinion is that a hinging plate is more work that it's worth. I'd be more inclined to have something that simply required finger screws to hold the plate on the car, then a similar bracket on the top bike rack tube(s). If the screws are long enough and placed in the right spot you could actually use wing nuts that are on the back side of the bumper and carriage bolts that could thwart a criminal interested in having your plates as a reminder of their plate making prison days.

another option would be to have the hitch receiver come exactly to the body's surface and then have the plate permanently affixed to a square tube that could slide into the receiver and then a hitch pin could hold it in place. Don't know what you'd do with the plate when the hitch was in use, though.

[baltobernie]

another option would be to have the hitch receiver come exactly to the body's surface and then have the plate permanently affixed to a square tube that could slide into the receiver and then a hitch pin could hold it in place. Don't know what you'd do with the plate when the hitch was in use, though.

I like this idea. I could make the license plate tube the same length as the bike rack tube so that the clevis would be in the same position. Perhaps for the tag display while the rack is on, I could use the (presently unused) front plate mounted securely to the rack. No month or year sticker on that one, but if I got stopped I could show him the other one carried in the trunk.

Thanks, guys. (And no, I won't trade bumpers .... or cars!)

[ROOK1]

Here is what the 4X4 community does.



or



Here is the link.http://www.realtruck.com/hidden_hitch_f ... P1C1T.html

Could be easily fabbed up with the class II smaller tube.

I'd do the folding type and have it fold down. The springs on these things are more than enough to keep it from rattling.

[baltobernie]

Thanks!