trailer hitch

[simplyconnected]

Anders and Tom, I will call tomorrow. I have no idea what they might say, but the worst they could say is, "no". So, it's worth a try.

partaxer is referring to a 'receiver' style. Trailer companies sell universal hitches that bolt onto the frame for that type. Draw-tite makes them, too. Just fit to your frame, tack-weld, pull it off, weld, and paint. Then bolt it on, and you're good to go. Receivers are rarely plated.

I don't do much pulling, but a trailer hitch will save your bumper plating on steep driveways. Let the bottom of the hitch get scraped a little... might not make too much difference on an old bumper, but it sure does on a freshly re-chromed job. - Dave

[Dutchbird]

I have been told that there was a dealer option trailer hitch for the squarebird. Does anyone know if this is true? If so, does anyone by any chance have a photo? Thanks. Ken

Hi Ken,

As you know by now, yes there is!
Ray posted some pictures of it also, he has the same one as I have.(stamped: 1958-59-60 Thunderbird)
The trailer hitch on Alexander's Bird was marked only with 1958-1959 Thunderbird.
Before I purchased mine I placed some bids on another hitch with only 1958 Thunderbird on it.
(needless to say I didn't won that one....)
Conclusion: they were made all three years for our Squarebirds - the same shape and style - so they are inter changable. Just the stamped marking on them is different.

[Dutchbird]

Dave: I seriously like to have one of these "originals" if possible.
I might take the trip to The Netherlands and buy myself a old Constructam Comet 5 some day. Will give me a reason to visit Marco and have a Heineken with him

Hi Anders,

Great pics of the '60 with the Constructam!
If you want to come over and have a drink, no problem because I run a B&B!!
(Beer & Breakfast)

If you want to haul a (vintage) trailer with an original hitch you need to drill a hole in your bumper, please keep that in mind!
That's one reason why I still haven't mounted mine, the second reason is the rear springs/shocks.
For the '59 and '60 you can buy adjustable Rear Air Shocks from Monroe (#MA 739) but for our '58 I'm still looking for years now to get some adjustable shocks.
(All tips / info very appreciated!)

Good luck hunting.............

[Anders]

Hi Ken,

As you know by now, yes there is!
Ray posted some pictures of it also, he has the same one as I have.(stamped: 1958-59-60 Thunderbird)
The trailer hitch on Alexander's Bird was marked only with 1958-1959 Thunderbird.
Before I purchased mine I placed some bids on another hitch with only 1958 Thunderbird on it.
(needless to say I didn't won that one....)
Conclusion: they were made all three years for our Squarebirds - the same shape and style - so they are inter changable. Just the stamped marking on them is different.

Sounds like they added a year in the stamping for each year, meaning it´s easy to see what model year you have.

[YellowRose]

trailer hitch

I have some interesting information for those of you who are looking for original Draw-Tite Squarebird/Tbird trailer hitches!

bigmess16 is Corey, who is a sales rep for Draw-Tite Co, who made these original, stamped trailer hitches for our Squarebirds and other Ford products. simplyconnected ~ Dave, contacted Corey about the possibility of Draw-Tite making more of these trailer hitches. Corey wanted to see the pictures of them I posted, so he joined us!

Now, at this point, I have no idea, nor does Corey, possibly, if Draw-Tite would even want to start up production on this model 50 year later... Perhaps, if Corey was given an indication of how many would like to buy a Draw-Tite trailer hitch for the 1958-1960 Squarebirds, 1961-1963 Bulletbirds, and 1964-1966 Flairbirds, that might help the company make a decision.

So if you want one, you might post here to Corey ~ bigmess16 and let him know. This is an excellent chance to possibly bring back this product if the demand warrants it.

I think this warrants posting in the other two Forums, so I will.

[kuusamon]

Dave,
I would like to have one, don't really need one at the moment but if it helps to order one in order for them to make a batch that will be great. Yes it will be a 'collectors item' but a mounted one and I will use it, actually the whole car is a collectors item, LoL. Of course depending a bit on the price but yes sign me in for it too.
regards
ron

[ParTaxer]

I would be interested but I feel torn between an original or hidden hitch attached to the frame rather than the bumper. My reasoning is that attaching it to a bumper allows you to kick it when getting in and out of the trunk. A hidden hitch allows you to remove the ball hitch when not in use. It also could cause bumper distortion if hit by the trailer /boat when loading. Just things to consider, but of course this is what they used in the day.

[Anders]

I will mail the Swedish Squarebird club and see if there is any interest there. As sson as I know anything, I post it to Corey.
Thanks guys!

[ParTaxer]

What's the latest on the number of people requesting trailer hitches from DrawTite?

[Anders]

I have mailed the Swedish Squarebird club, and they will have a notice in our next "member-magazine". Not much of a magazine realy, but still....
Will take a while before I can have any number. But anyway, I want one, if the price is realistic.

[tbird430]

There is one of these 1958-60 Squarebird hitches for sale on Ebay now. It is a used one that needs replating....

[vote4pedro]

I found this in the junkyard about a month ago.
it's not from Draw-tie but i took it anyway because it only cost me $7
it was only tack wedded on, used a hack saw then knocked it off with an axel i found at the yard here it is when i got it home.

pete

[tbird430]

That's pretty cool Pete!

Looks like someone else "made their own" out of another similar type hitch. Over many years ago too....