Just before it turned off frigid, I had begun installing the base plate which bolts to the frame just under the front bumper of Coors and is what the tow bar connects to. I managed to get it mounted along with the brake cable installed through the firewall and tail lights wired. The base plate is bolted to the frame on the driver's side with the three bolts that hold the steering box on. Just for a last minute "gotcha", I managed to twist off one of the bolts. Crap! And I was even using a torque wrench. There is about 1/2" of the bolt sticking out and I was able to get hold of it with vice grips, but couldn't get it out. The jaw teeth of the old vise grips were pretty worn. So, I bought some new vice grips with some very aggressive teeth. However, it turned off so cold, I'm going to wait for warmer weather to try again. 10-15 degrees is a bit below my lower limit.
Another job I have is adding some bracing to the hitch on Pumpkin. Coors weighs a jigger over the rating of the hitch. I wanted to install a heavier rated hitch but the frame on Pumpkin is a bit of a problem. So, I've designed some additional bracing that should increase the tow weight capacity. I'm adding two heavy steel straps that run from the hitch back (actually "up") to the frame about 30" on each side. The hitch just bolts to the frame, so these straps should add quite a bit of pull strength and stiffen any side-to-side stress as well. I have this job near finished. I still have to drill a 3/4" hole through the bottom of each frame rail. Since it requires me to lay on my back and drill up with little leverage advantage, I may have to have it done at a shop somewhere.
