Short Fleet + Spare Tire + Hidden Hitch
 

Hey guys, the general consensus was that there was no way to get a spare tire and a hidden hitch under my short fleet, but I figured, what the heck, I'll give it a shot...My truck is a 64, but I'm pretty sure this applies to all 60-72 trucks...

First up is a shot of the spare I used. It is from an astro van (got off craigslist for free!). It has a dual pattern so it can work with a truck, camaro, s10, etc. In order to fit it on the rear drums you have to use a spacer about 1" (available for ~$40 at your local swap meet). It is the PERFECT spare, because it's just the right height, a 1/8" either way and it wouldn't work nearly as good (or not at all)...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...re_tire_re.jpg

Next here is the space you have to work with. I had the hitch made at a place here in LA called Eckharts. They did a wonderful job. You want them to make it so the receiver comes out your roll pan as low as possible, and so it sticks through about 3/8." This makes sure that your liscense plate stays straight up and down, because otherwise the hinge at the top of the flip bracket angles the plate down at a slant. Also, by having it as low as possible, this creates more room to sneak in the spare.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...spare_2_re.jpg

Here is the spare up in position. It tilts down at a slight angle towards the front, but since it is just the right length, it fits snugly in between the crossmembers (makes taking it in and out easy). **Note: you have to cut out that one crossmember back there to do this, you can see where I cut mine.** Once you have that hitch welded in there though, strength is a non-issue. You can also see the "studs" I put in that will hold the bracket up.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...spare_4_re.jpg

This is me priming the bracket I made to hold the spare in. I did it out of wood because:
1) it's easier
2) I don't have the resources to make it out of metal
3)I think it offers more "cush" and is less likely to squeak.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ainting_re.jpg

Few stainless bolts to hold the center "hub" in place, and you're good to go.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...inished_re.jpg

The finished product, up up and away.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...spare_8_re.jpg

From the back, can't even see the tire.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...covered_re.jpg

That's it. The hitch is rated to tow 5000 lbs BTW.

~Nate