Any interest in hidden bike hitch/carrier??

cossie1600 · 05-08-2012, 11:32 AM

Yeah, not enough buyers. The shop isn't going to do it for two hitches, he needs a minimum of 10 to be able to sell at that price.

If you guys can get 10 together, let me know and I will work with him to make a batch. I use mine a lot and it is great. I am mad that someone stole my rear fog light, now I have to leave the ball hitch on all the time arggg..

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 08:04 AM

I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60.

The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models.

One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time.

The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY.

cossie1600 · 05-09-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Diver

Very cool. Will he do one offs? What would be the price?

He would only do it if the price is right. I can ask him, but it will probably be higher than what people are willing to pay. I am guessing about 500 each. I paid around that myself.

There are definitely existing hitches you can use, but you will have to cut your bumper or at least the bottom of the fog light frame. Remember you have to also leave enough room fpr the hitch pin. Lastly, dont just use two bolts if you plan to mount it to the bumper, use 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60.

The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models.

One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time.

The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY.

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 08:29 AM

Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives.

And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car.

tommyguns · 05-09-2012, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives.

And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car.

Wow this is great news! I was just about to clunck down the $$$ for the SeaSucker mount. I'll be watching.

Shark Diver · 05-09-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

He would only do it if the price is right. I can ask him, but it will probably be higher than what people are willing to pay. I am guessing about 500 each. I paid around that myself.

There are definitely existing hitches you can use, but you will have to cut your bumper or at least the bottom of the fog light frame. Remember you have to also leave enough room fpr the hitch pin. Lastly, dont just use two bolts if you plan to mount it to the bumper, use 4

Worth the $ if no cutting involved. I will follow this. Would like to do something at by the end of the month. Thanks, d.

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Diver

Worth the $ if no cutting involved. I will follow this. Would like to do something at by the end of the month. Thanks, d.

I should have the hitch on the 15th of this month ($56 w/ free shipping!). I will let you know if it fits or not.

fuct · 05-08-2012, 01:21 PM

yea i did this maybe 4 times........... too much trouble.

gy954 · 05-08-2012, 01:39 PM

I just finished installing an EVO-R fog light. I also have the Stillen cat-back exhaust, which is way bigger than the OEM muffler.

Since either one of those items will not work with the hitch, I can't be a customer. If you designed a hitch that would work with both those items, that would be a different story. And here's the critical part: I don't care if the hitch is hidden or not. Sure, hiding the hitch is a more elegant solution...except you lose customers because of the restrictions (assuming I'm not the only one that feels this way

). Just my $0.02. Good luck.

IMWEZL · 05-08-2012, 05:54 PM

I would be interested if it weren't for my Stillen CBE. Too bad I need a way to get an extra set of wheels with race tires to and from an event.

cossie1600 · 05-09-2012, 10:08 AM

Nice, good luck

senseiturtle · 05-18-2012, 01:39 AM

I would be very interested in a hitch.

370 t/s with invidia gemini

cossie1600 · 05-18-2012, 06:29 PM

Good luck. Cheap alternate is always good. Now we need one foe fuel starve and brake ducts

ResIpsa · 05-19-2012, 04:24 PM

Success! It was a hell of a lot of work. But I did it.

My solution involves some major cutting of the rear bumper bar. If you only have a Dremel tool or a cutting wheel on a drill it will take serious time and commitment. Also, don’t let your wife see you hacking up your rear bumper…

I will post a DIY with complete details later this week.

About the Brake ducts. I posted a DIY on brake ducts almost a year ago. Just as good as the Stillen ones IMO. I just don’t know what it takes to get Sticky around this place.

05-09-2012, 08:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 339	I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60. The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models. One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time. The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-09-2012, 08:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 339	Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives. And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-08-2012, 01:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
gy954 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 163 Drives: 2011 370Z Rep Power: 182	Sorry, No, and here's why: I just finished installing an EVO-R fog light. I also have the Stillen cat-back exhaust, which is way bigger than the OEM muffler. Since either one of those items will not work with the hitch, I can't be a customer. If you designed a hitch that would work with both those items, that would be a different story. And here's the critical part: I don't care if the hitch is hidden or not. Sure, hiding the hitch is a more elegant solution...except you lose customers because of the restrictions (assuming I'm not the only one that feels this way ). Just my $0.02. Good luck.

05-19-2012, 04:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 339	Success! It was a hell of a lot of work. But I did it. My solution involves some major cutting of the rear bumper bar. If you only have a Dremel tool or a cutting wheel on a drill it will take serious time and commitment. Also, don’t let your wife see you hacking up your rear bumper… I will post a DIY with complete details later this week. About the Brake ducts. I posted a DIY on brake ducts almost a year ago. Just as good as the Stillen ones IMO. I just don’t know what it takes to get Sticky around this place. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

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05-08-2012, 11:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Yeah, not enough buyers. The shop isn't going to do it for two hitches, he needs a minimum of 10 to be able to sell at that price. If you guys can get 10 together, let me know and I will work with him to make a batch. I use mine a lot and it is great. I am mad that someone stole my rear fog light, now I have to leave the ball hitch on all the time arggg..

05-08-2012, 01:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 25	yea i did this maybe 4 times........... too much trouble.

05-08-2012, 05:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
IMWEZL Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: HNL Posts: 603 Drives: 370Z/MKVII GTI Rep Power: 18	I would be interested if it weren't for my Stillen CBE. Too bad I need a way to get an extra set of wheels with race tires to and from an event.

05-09-2012, 10:08 AM	#11 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Nice, good luck

05-18-2012, 01:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
senseiturtle Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 22 Drives: 2011 370Z T/S Rep Power: 14	I would be very interested in a hitch. 370 t/s with invidia gemini

05-18-2012, 06:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Good luck. Cheap alternate is always good. Now we need one foe fuel starve and brake ducts