The Frame Of My 1977 Ford Van Has Rivets On The Frame. Will The Curt # 14053 Still Fit?

Question:

Thanks for the details of your hitch #14053. Please note the notches on both of the hitch laterals. The rear frame of my 1977 Ford Chateau has a cross member at this approximate distance. The cross member is attached to the frame rails by half inch rivets, two rivets per side. Are the notches on the hitch positioned to fit around the rather rivets on the frame? Thanks in advance for the good info your team provides.

asked by: Haynes H

Expert Reply:

The notches on this hitch # 14053 are not designed to fit around the rivets. Rather the hitch flange will sit directly below the rivets. This hardware kit includes steel spacers which go between the frame and the hitch. These allow the hitch it be installed without interference from the rivets. We installed this hitch # 14053 on a 2003 Ford Van which had similar rivets in the frame. I have linked our install video below. If you fast forward to around the 3:00 mark you can clearly see the rivets. You can then see how the spacers are used, and how the hitch is installed right over the rivets.

expert reply by: Jesse M