Project Hidden Receiver Hitch on 2004 Coupe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 7
From: Las Colinas, Texas
Project Hidden Receiver Hitch on 2004 Coupe
My wife and I just recently bought bikes and since we both have small cars (Mine is the G and she has a 350Z) we needed a solution to haul our bikes around so we can ride outside the neighborhood.
I saw that there were several options already out there but they either had something that touched the paint or something that was visible when not in use. Well neither of those options were happening on my car.
Goals for this project were 100% stock appearance when not in use and be able to move the bikes around without damaging the car.
Total Costs Involved..
-Aluminum Square Tube - $25
-2" to 1.25" Adapter and pins - $30
-Labor to get tube welded in place - $60
-Cost of Bike Rack - $200
-Locking Receiver Pin - $20
-Bike Rack Locks - $10
Total Cost $345
This is what I had to start with.. A solid chunk of aluminum bumper behind the license plate.

I purchased a 2" square tube with a .25" wall thickness to act as the receiver hitch.

I then had it welded on both sides into the bumper and this is what it looked like before paint.

This is what it looks like on the car after paint. Note the main pin goes through the rear side near the exhaust.

This is the 2" to 1.25" adapter that I am using. The pin on the 2" side goes on the back side of the bumper and is 100% hidden when in use. I also use a locking hitch pin for added security.

Another on car shot without the bumper cover in place.

With bumper cover in place this is what you see when the plate is removed.

The 2" to 1.25" adapter in place with pin in the back in place.

Here are a few pics of the finished product with the bikes in place..



I saw that there were several options already out there but they either had something that touched the paint or something that was visible when not in use. Well neither of those options were happening on my car.
Goals for this project were 100% stock appearance when not in use and be able to move the bikes around without damaging the car.
Total Costs Involved..
-Aluminum Square Tube - $25
-2" to 1.25" Adapter and pins - $30
-Labor to get tube welded in place - $60
-Cost of Bike Rack - $200
-Locking Receiver Pin - $20
-Bike Rack Locks - $10
Total Cost $345
This is what I had to start with.. A solid chunk of aluminum bumper behind the license plate.

I purchased a 2" square tube with a .25" wall thickness to act as the receiver hitch.

I then had it welded on both sides into the bumper and this is what it looked like before paint.

This is what it looks like on the car after paint. Note the main pin goes through the rear side near the exhaust.

This is the 2" to 1.25" adapter that I am using. The pin on the 2" side goes on the back side of the bumper and is 100% hidden when in use. I also use a locking hitch pin for added security.

Another on car shot without the bumper cover in place.

With bumper cover in place this is what you see when the plate is removed.

The 2" to 1.25" adapter in place with pin in the back in place.

Here are a few pics of the finished product with the bikes in place..



Last edited by ricerocketdave; Mar 7, 2011 at 04:48 PM.
Cool setup though OP
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They make bolt-on steel reciever hitches for most trucks and suv's that sell for a few hundred....could be a great idea.
I think that there would be a market for something such as this.
Last edited by 4D05G35; Mar 6, 2011 at 03:19 PM.
I have the hidden hitch on my G and from experience I can say that your set up is much much better.
Obviously, the hidden aspect is a big plus. The other thing is that the bolt on hitch sits pretty low, Im ALWAYS scraping it when going up steep driveways. And when the bikes hitch is connected, it scrapes even more. It works well but ultimately it should sit higher as it does in your application. Good job.
Obviously, the hidden aspect is a big plus. The other thing is that the bolt on hitch sits pretty low, Im ALWAYS scraping it when going up steep driveways. And when the bikes hitch is connected, it scrapes even more. It works well but ultimately it should sit higher as it does in your application. Good job.



then


It was VERY handy....