Anyone have an OEM trailer hitch available?

[BlackBart]

Does anyone have the factory trailer hitch for sale? This is the (XC70) OEM hitch that fits up inside the rear bumper cover. Shipping is to western MT.

Thanks -

[IdahoBob]

BlackBart...If you find two of them, I'm in Whitefish MT, and looking for the OEM hitch for my '04 XC70 also. I previously bought one for my daughter's XC70. Paid $70 from an online scrapyard in Oklahoma. If you've not installed one of these before, be sure to get all three of the major steel pieces (the crossbar and the two bars that bolt into the frame. Get the spacers and the (18mm) bolts. If the donor car has the electrical plug, get that. It plugs into a socket inside the spare tire well. You have to remove the bracket on the passenger side of the frame, that the two hook screws into, to mount that side's bar. After cutting the notch in the back bumper cover (it's a shape like a pyramid with the top flattened off) slide the crossbar up into the bumper, and then bolt it to the bars attached to the frame. I've NOT been able to get one in or out of the bumper if I assemble the three big pieces on the ground and then try to slide them into the bumper. If I find a second one, I'll see if you're still looking.

[BlackBart]

Hi there - we have friends in Whitefish.

Yes, popular item at salvage yards it seems. Available new for many dollars. The video DIYs I've seen show the bumper cover coming off to install through the rear crossmember, then cut the notch and fit it back over the receiver.

Thanks for the note - I wish I had a '67 wagon!

[IdahoBob]

You don't have to remove the bumper cover. I did that the first time, and it's a mess to get it to hang straight & tight when you reinstall.
On a warm (warm-ish, we're both in Montana...so, Montana warm) pull down on the bumper cover, slide one end of the hitch in, and then push the whole thing up in there. Once it's in, set something on top on your chest, to hold it up (it's heavy, your arms will get tired) while you bolt it to the arms that attach to the frame (that you installed, loosely, first. THen, wants the three big pieces are bolted together tighten everything up. I did the wire brush and touch up black rustoleum before installing. Cut the slot in the bumper cover before you start. Look under a car that has the factory hitch, and you'll see the shape. I've left notes on windshields a couple of times when I see worn down & un-loved XC's with the hitches: "Hey, I want your trailer hitch! I have one of these Volvos and am looking for the trailer hitch. I'll remove it, and pay $70, cash. Your car will sit a fraction of an inch higher in the back, and get a tiny bit better mileage without the weight. Call or text me at xxx.xxxx. It will just take 10-15 minutes. Bob" It hasn't worked yet on a hitch, but I have bought other cars I wanted by leaving notes on windshields. Yes, the '67 was fun. Rode nice, fun to shift. Adjusting dual carbs with altitude changes on cross-country trips was a lost art; but happy memories.

[BlackBart]

Thanks. I actually saw an XC with an OEM hitch here about a month ago - shoulda left a note!

I have a '67 Alfa I've had forever. Dual Webers, which I'm taking apart to rebuild - steep learning curve!