TR 4A / 5 / 250 / 6 

Some comments from our customers;


 Bob.

First let me tell you that the frame is jewelry. The attention to detail and finish is impeccable! It’s just what I needed for this project and first class! Thank you.

I appreciate you considering with the help with the rotisserie jig. I’m sure that there will be some conversations with it. I am serious about this endeavor and need it to completely support the body tub to original factory specifications. Years ago someone had what I am looking for as a work cart for sale cheap and I really regret that I didn’t buy it.

Talk soon and I will send you some pictures of the rotisserie and dimensions.

Frame made it safely to Pennsylvania 

Jim

=================================================================================================================

Bob

 

Merry Christmas! 

 

I thought I should write to update you on my "Summer with a RAT-CO framed TR6"

 

A little bit of an anecdote:  A friend of mine once owned both a TR6 and a TR8.  A few years ago he decided to sell one of them.  He opted to sell his beautiful TR6.  The reason?  Comfort. He said, "The TR6 is a 500 mile trip car, but the TR8 is a 5,000 mile trip car."

 

Well, once the frame swap was done and the final little bits sorted, I let a few friends from my car club - The Ottawa Valley Triumph - drive the TR6, including this fellow.  I said to him, "Using comfort as the measure, if my TR8 is a 5,000 mile trip car, my TR6 is now a 10,000 mile trip car."

 

He agreed.  Indeed, everyone who's driven it agrees, and we're talking folks with decades of experience in a range of Triumph sports cars.  The car is an absolute dream to drive. Every mile has been one of complete joy.

 

In fact, I would say it's by far the most comfortable car I own.  I finally put her away for the season, but I can't wait for the opening of driving season next year!

 

Bottom line - thanks.  I am so, so, so happy with my TR6 now.


Replacement Frames

CH01 = TR6  thru TR250

CH02 = TR4 SRA  and  TR4A IRS

Weight of Finished Bare Frame is 235 lbs

For reference our 1972 TR6 model frame was weighed at 180 lbs after we removed all the rust and dirt from the interior. We really do not know what a new factory frame actually weighed but we can only guess that it was more than 180 lbs before rust removed some of its bulk. 

Frame length 10 ft. 10 inches

Width at front shock towers widest point 35.5 inches

Width at rear spring/ differential mount 39.0 inches

Height (max) at front tower 14.5 inches

Height (max) at rear diff. Tower 11.0 inches


Shipping pallet dimensions for all series frames.

12 ft.long

5 ft high

3.3 ft wide

2x6 construction pallet weigh's approximately 125 lbs .

 Options:

EXTERIOR FINISHES:

Electrostatic Powder Coating - Our preferred finish due to it's durable surface...  it is an electrostatically applied  plastic coating  infiltrating the substrate of the metal  providing  a distinctive finished look.  We have found this surface finish to be far superior to any painted finish.  This polyester powder coating material can be repaired easily...  It  will not pull back significantly if welding is necessary nor will it flame up in the welding process.  We have found that it can be spread with a trowel when it is hot and blended easily. To make the repair look natural, feather the area when cool with sandpaper and paint with Krylons new fusion paint. It is  made to paint polyester plastics thus  providing a coating  like the type of powdercoat we use.  Our new awareness of the qualities of this powder coat and the fact that paint and powder coat now costs about the same, has led us to drop paint from our options list. Powder coating includes sandblasting, sanding, powder primer coat and a powder finish coat in a variety of colors. Black is the most popular, but a variety of other colors are available.

Phosphoric Acid Coating  - Frames that our customers would rather finish themselves are sprayed with a metal prep solution to keep the frame from surface rusting until it is sandblasted and finished. This coating forms a white powder on the surface easily removable with soap and water.   It is highly recommended that the chassis be sandblasted and finished as soon as possible.

Un-Finished - As the title implies, completely unfinished


INTERIOR RUSTPROOFING:

WoolWax® - Our Preferred product.  www.WoolWaxUSA.com

Lanolin is a unique organic substance derived from the wool grease coating on raw sheep wool. It is an all natural, incredibility effective substance that acts as a moisture barrier and lubricant.

WoolWax® Undercoating Formula is a lanolin based corrosion inhibitor developed solely to protect the undercarriages of automobiles and trucks. Our lanolin is blended with other proprietary agents to provide long term corrosion protection. 

Most other undercoating products contain up to 70% solvents, which make these products very thin and watery. Without a very thick viscosity, these products break down and wash off quickly. WoolWax® is solvent free and very thick and viscous. It applies like a heavy latex paint. WoolWax® does not dry. It remains soft and pliable and continues to be active, migrating into all the inaccessible areas.

WoolWax® is the most trusted name in vehicle undercoating protection. Municipalities, Fire Departments, Undercoaters, and snow and ice removal companies all throughout the northeast trust WoolWax® for their corrosion protection needs. WoolWax® is a heavy duty industrial grade lanolin/woolgrease formula that provides powerful long term corrosion protection. Because WoolWax® is built thicker, it is more resistant to wash-off than competitors products. WoolWax® is built to last longer ! 

Expanding Foam -   This foam is expanding closed cell,  water proof foam which sticks like glue to all surfaces when hardened. It is not a sponge and will not absorb water. Also it does not allow anything to infiltrate the interior of the chassis.  The expanding foam is forced into one end of the open tubing  and allowed to ooze out of the other end to assure a complete fill. Once fully expanded  the over fill is cut away and the fill holes are filled with plastic caps.  This foam application does two things to the structure.  First it makes for an impenetrable water seal and secondly sound dampens the frame. You may think this a minor point but in fact the frame does resonate and amplify the vibrations caused by road conditions and those passed along by the drive train. Foam filling quiets the ride appreciably. About 90% of all the frames made to date are foam filled.

                             


OTHER OPTIONS:

Swingarm Refurbishment - RATCO will refurbish your swing arms or can supply a set of completely refurbished swing arms for your project.  Refurbishment consists of stripping down the arms of all rubber parts to bare metal.  The arms are then blasted down to clean metal where they can be inspected for cracks and welded as needed.  The threaded studs are then inspected.  If they are solid and in good condition they are left as is, if not they are replaced and a Helicoil is installed as needed.  The swing arm is then powder coated and all rubber parts are replaced with new parts. 

Rear Shock -in-Coil Installation - While we are refurbishing your swing arms is a perfect time to install the Rear Shock in Coil Kit.  We perform all of the drilling and grinding necessary to install the kit, and since we will have all of the parts except your springs, we can install everything into the frame for you, simplifying your restoration.

Rear Tube Shock Conversion - As long as we are assembling your rear suspension, we can also install the Rear Tube Shock conversion kit to simplify your restoration.

Rear Sway Bar - Like the other options, if we are installing your rear suspension, we can install your rear Sway Bar, simplifying your restoration.

Toyota HVDA Conversion - we can weld brackets onto your frame which will allow you to install the Toyota transmission using the OEM Toyota transmission mount.  For new RATCO frames this is the most secure/robust way to mount the transmission.  No additional cost. 

Jaguar Differential - We have a frame design which incorporates an XKE differential with inboard Disc Brakes into our standard frame.  This modification would not have been possible with our original design, but the new 2x3 frame members provided an additional 2" of space along the interior which made this modification possible. 




Pricing:

CH-01 / CH-02 Frame $7000 (235lbs)

CH-01 /  CH-02 with Ford  $7500 (250lbs)

302 V8 302 V8 Modifications 

  CH-01 / CH-02 Complete      $14800 (404lbs)

Rolling chassis

CH-01 / CH-02 Mods for $500 (0lbs)

Jaguar Differential

Powder Coating    $750

Phosphoric Acid Coating $50 

        Internal Rustproofing      $250

        Palletizing/Handling     $350


Swing Arm Refurbishment

RATCO Supplied Arms  $525 (26lbs)    

Customer Supplied Arms $425 (26lbs)

Richard Good Adjustable  $149 (7.3lbs)

Swing Arm Brackets

SICK-01 w/Monroe     $320 (7.2lbs)

Sensatrac Shocks 

SICK-01 Installed      $525 (7.2lbs)

SICK-02 w/Monroe Gas     $300 (7.2lbs)

Charged Shocks (7.2lbs)     


    SICK-02 Installed   $500 (7.2lbs)

TCBK-01 Brackets only     $200 (6.4lbs)  

TCBK-01 Installed   $225 (6.4lbs)

TCBK-02 w/Monroe      $250 (11.2lbs)

Sensatrac Shocks 

TBCK-02 Installed     $275 (11.2lbs) 

Front Suspension

Actual part color is black

Front Tube Shock Conversion Kit

This kit replaces the standard lower shock mount brackets, the ones that look like dog bones, with new brackets. The new brackets allow the use of the Sensatrac shock absorbers, which has pin type ends. Orientation of the new bracket is essential in the operation of the system and specifically the shock absorber. This kit is recommended as a complement to either of our rear shock conversion kits.

Pricing:

FSK-01 Front Tube Shock Kit $190 (5lbs)

(Monroe Sensa-track Shocks)

FSK-02 Front Tube Shock Kit $165 (5lbs)

(Monroe Gas Charged Shocks)


Rear Suspension

Rear Tube Shock Conversion Kit

THIS IS A MUST READ BEFORE ORDERING A  TUBE SHOCK CONVERSION KIT FROM ANY SUPPLIER

Our research as to whether these kits actually cause the failure of the differential cross member at the frame rail, has concluded and the results say that it indeed speeds up a process that will eventually happen anyway. Our response to this is first to design a better system and second to be prudent.  We recommend carefully inspecting the weld areas at the crossmember to rail interface and after finding them to be sound and solid,  then install this kit. The improvement over lever shocks is worth the risk. If that sounds irresponsible let me say that the failure (possibly) caused by this performance improvement is never catastrophic or life threatening. It is however a major inconvenience. It is never our intention to put anyone in harms way. We have done the research and testing that has led us to design a product we believe is best for this application..

We designed the system to help deter the failure by making the structure out of steel that will flex with the force of heavy shock loads.  All of our competitors brackets are made of 1/4 inch material.  Ours is made of 3/16 material.  This thinner material and the design of the bracket itself, actually flexes under load.  It is our belief that if the bracket flexes it will take most  (if not all)  of the stress from the cross member to rail weldments.  Our testing has shown this to be true. We have used this system for over ten years without failure on many cars belonging to friends and customers.  If your frame is in good shape and you have checked the areas in question for structural integrity, then we recommend this product and know that you will see a great improvement in ride performance.


THIS KIT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OUR REAR SWAY BAR.  IF USING THE REAR SWAY BAR THE SHOCK IN COIL KIT IS REQUIRED

Actual part color is black

Pricing:

(all IRS Cars)

TCBK-01 Tube Shock Conv $200 (11.2lbs)

(Brackets Only)

TCBK-02 Tube Shock Conv $250 (11.2lbs)

(Monroe Sensa-Track)

(TR4 SRA)

TCBK-06 Tube Shock for SRA $275 (11.2lbs)

(Brackets Only)

TCBK-07 Tube Shock for SRA $350 (11.2lbs)

(Monroe Sensa-Track)

(TR4A w/o Distance Piece)

TCBK-08 Tube Shock Kit SRA $275 (11.2lbs)

(Brackets Only)

TCBK-09 Tube Shock Kit SRA $350 (11.2lbs)

(Monroe Sensa-Track)

(TR4A w/ Distance Piece)

TCBK-10 Tube Shock Kit SRA $275  (11.2lbs)

(Brackets Only)

TCBK-10 Tube Shock Kit SRA $350 (11.2lbs)

(Monroe Sensa-Track)


The Distance Piece is referenced in the diagram as item 59.  It was included in some , but not all, TR4A SRA cars.  Please take a look at your car's suspension before ordering.


Distance Piece

The Distance piece was used in some later TR4's and all TR4A's.  They are not available from any other source we are aware of.      This replacement is made from 11ga steel rather than cast aluminum as the original was. Black Semi-Gloss Powder Coat for Rust Resistance.  There is an alternative version of this item where the attachment tab is centralized rather than offset as shown in the photos below.  We can provide this version upon request.

Pricing:

Distance Piece (TR4A) pair $200 (3.2lbs)

Here's a custom Distance Piece we made for a customer wanting to use a Koni Shock with our Tube Shock Conversion Kit


Rear Shock in Coil Kit

Actual part color is black

For All Triumph TR series IRS Cars

Now you can have the best rear suspension system for your Triumph. Race proven shock in coil technology places the spring and shock on the same rotational plane, decreases the sprung weight and neatens up the entire area as a bonus. This kit is essentially the same system as supplied with our new frames but it incorporates the necessary hardware to convert your stock spring and shock arrangement to coil-overs.  It contains everything that you need and comes with complete instructions.

The conversion from stock to coil-overs requires a degree of mechanical ability.  Some of the tasks you will need to accomplish are:

This procedure is performed twice. Once for each swingarm and is easier than it might sound.

The conversion should take about 3 hours once you understand the procedure. If you have ever replaced your springs,then you know how to do half of the job already.

You get the following material with the kit;

Monroe shocks are recommended because this particular model fits in the coil spring and has the correct length and compression dimensions. Unfortunately for some, we have not found a performance shock that works well in this situation.

This system is perfect for normal street use and at the same time excels at those times when you want the best cornering performance.  Sensatrac shocks have variable valving and change their compliance based on road conditions. When the road is harsh they soften and when the road is smooth they stiffen.  The gas charged shock is stiff all the time and is a good choice for those who want better cornering stability during autocross or flat track..   Add a set of our front and rear matched sway bars and you’re ready to rock and roll. 

  Pricing:

SICK-01 Rear Shock in Coil Kit $320 (7.2lbs)

Monroe Sensatracs Shocks

SICK-02 Rear Shock in Coil Kit $300 (7.2lbs)

Monroe Gas Charged Shocks

Note: Let us know if you are using shorter springs as we have a modified kit for that application

Springs

Pricing:

FSSK-01 Front Spring Kit (TR6/250/4A) 15lbs

Standard (includes cushions) $145pr 325lb/in

Up Rated (includes cushions) $200pr 390lb/in

RSSK-01 Rear Spring Kit  (TR6/250/4A) 15lbs

Standard (includes cushions) $140pr 380lb/in

Up Rated (includes cushions) $210pr 475lb/in

RSSK-01-Inst $25pr

Rear Spring Kit Installation

Suspension Bushings

RATCO is pleased to offer SuperPro Suspension bushings.  These bushings are made of a urethane material which provides a similar feel to the OEM rubber bushing, but provides a greatly enhanced lifetime.


Front Suspension

RAT 683-000 Superpro Front Bushing Kit (front upper) 1 $36.99

RAT 683-022 Superpro Front Bushing Kit (lower inboard) 1 $69.99

RAT 683-017 SuperPro Front Bearing Set (Trunnion) 1 $114.99

RAT 661-663 SuperPro Front Spring Bushings (0.120") 2 $22.99

RAT 661-664 SuperPro Front Spring Bushings (0.325") 2 $39.99


Rear Suspension

RAT 683-016 SuperPro trailing arm bushings (rear) 1 $104.99

RAT 683-087 SuperPro Spring Bushings (rear) 7mm 2 $32.99

RAT 683-090 SuperPro Spring Bushings (rear) 12mm 2 $34.99


Differential Mount

RAT 683-121 Super Pro  Complete Differential Bushing Set 1 $224.99


Refurbished Swing Arms

Swingarm Refurbishment - RATCO will refurbish your swing arms or can supply a set of completely refurbished swing arms for your project.  Refurbishment consists of stripping down the arms of all rubber parts to bare metal.  The arms are then blasted down to clean metal where they can be inspected for cracks and welded as needed.  The threaded studs are then inspected.  If they are solid and in good condition they are left as is, if not they are replaced and a Helicoil is installed as needed.  The swing arm is then powder coated and all rubber parts are replaced with new parts. 

TR6 Swing Arm with Replacement Rubber Parts

TR4A Swing Arm with Replacement Parts

TR4A Swing Arm, un-refurbished

Pricing:

Refurbished TR4A Swing Arm Set $500 (26lbs)

Refurbished TR6 Swing Arm Set $500 (26lbs)

Un-Refurbished TR4A Swing Arm Set $100 (26lbs)

Replacement Swing Arm 

The original Aluminum Swing Arms are becoming increasingly difficult to source.  We have developed our own replacement which is made entirely of powder coated steel, and has been tested with over 800 hard driving miles.  We are confident these will out perform the original Aluminum units.


Pricing:

New TR6 Swing Arm set (32lbs) $1200 pr

NOW ON SALE $900 pr

TR4A-SRA  Forward Leaf Spring Bracket

Some TR4's and all TR4A's with Solid Rear Axle require these brackets to attach the forward end of the spring to the chassis.  Customers converting an IRS TR4A to a solid Rear Axle will require a pair of these hard to find items.

Pricing:

FLSB-01 Forward Leaf Spring Bracket pair $200 (2lbs)

The Distance piece was used in some later TR4's and all TR4A's.  They are not available from any other source we are aware of.  This replacement is made from 11ga steel rather than cast aluminum as the original was.  The product shown is the replacement for Stanpart 137634 and 137635 (right and left handed parts), These were used on TR4's after CS23383.  We also have Stanpart 14227 which has the tab centralized so there is no right or left handed part, we believe these were used on all TR4A's.  These were Please let us know which one you need,

Sway Bars

For All Thriumph TR Series 4A(IRS), 5, 250, 6   (not available for CH03 series, TR2-3)


FRONT SWAY BAR SET:

 Front sway bars are also available and ours can be used alone without the rear bar or can be used in conjunction with the rear bar. Our front bars are reproductions of the stock bar in 4140 chrome molly steel, mandrel bent in 7/8 inch diameter. They match the rear bar and when used together are designed to provide neutral steering without inducing under steer or over steer. These are powder coated and come with all the necessary mounting hardware.

The bars are 4140 chrome molly steel and are mandrel bent to our specifications. They come with all the hardware and end links sets. These 3/4 inch diameter bars and all the hardware are powder coated for lasting durability.

Actual Part Color is Black/Gray Hammertone

REAR SWAY BAR:

If you are converting to the coil over shock system, then you might want to look into fitting a rear sway bar to your new frame. This sway bar is custom made for us by a premier sway bar manufacturer and is fabricated to fit our frames ONLY if a coil over shock system is used. The coil over system frees the mounting hole normally used by the lever shock on the swing arm. That mounting point is now used for the end link attachment of the sway bar. The bar rides up and over the differential along the spring tower cross member and is held in place by brackets and bushings at two locations.

The bars are 4140 chrome molly steel and are mandrel bent to our specifications. They come with all the hardware and end links sets. These 3/4 inch diameter bars and all the hardware are powder coated for lasting durability.

Actual Part Color is Black/Gray Hammertone

Pricing:

RSBK-3/4-01 (RATCO Frame) $280 (11lbs)

3/4" Diameter (8690)

RSBK-3/4-02 (STOCK Frame)  $300 (11lbs)

3/4" Diameter (8690)

FSBK-7/8  Front (not installed) $280 (11.4lbs)

7/8" Diameter (8567)


Transmission Bracket Kits

We  have been noticing lately that customers are putting cars together from parts collected from various sources.  In some cases pre-72 transmissions are being put into post 73 frames and vice versa.  To help make things simpler, we are offering weld-in brackets to convert your frame to match the transmission you are installing.  These are the same brackets we use on the   RATCO Frames, but they have been modified slightly to fit between the inboard flanges on the factory frames.

Pre 73 Transmission Bracket

Allows you to install an early transmission in a later frame.

Welding Required

(2.8lbs)

Price $150

Post 72 Transmission Bracket

Allows you to install a late transmission in an early frame.

Welding Required

(3.2lbs)

Price $200

HVDA Bracket

Adapts a Toyota transmission to Post 72 Frame.  10ga Steel is More robust than the cast aluminum adapter hardware provided with the conversion kits.  Provided with Black Powder Coat finish

Bolt-in, no welding

(1.2lbs)

Price $200

Throttle Linkage Kit

For all Triumphs TR2/3/4/5/6 with:

Dual Strombergs

Dual SU's

Dual  or triple Webers,  DGV or DCOE

Triple Strombergs

Triple SU's


TR4 MODELS AND TR6 MODELS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME IN INSTALLATION PROCEDURES..

If you are using any of the above mentioned carburetor setups with either the stock, Pierce Cannon or Goodparts manifolds, then these kits will make your life so much simpler. It eliminates the bell crank system used in the stock carburetor setups and replaces it with a modern, infinitely adjustable, aircraft quality, push pull cable system. 

RATCO's approach is to simplify the entire connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle connection at the carburetor with a cable instead of a bellcrank. In the process we have eliminated that cumbersome bellcrank linkage and have added adjustability which allows foot pedal height adjustment, full open throttle settings and free play adjustment. All this adds up to a smoother and more accurate linkage for the street rider and track racer alike.

This system replaces the bell crank assembly at the carburetor with a push/pull aircraft cable assembly connected to the lever at the passenger side firewall and a simple bracket at the carburetor. Now Weber owners can get full throttle acceleration, which was impossible with the stock linkage. Installers get to choose the location of the carburetor bracket, which is most convenient for them and all users get smooth accurate response to pedal pressure.

All hardware needed is included and complete instructions come with the kit or can be downloaded from this web site. All parts are powder coated and all hardware is nickel-plated. Installation takes about 1 hour and requires drilling holes in the firewall to mount the bracket.


Additional Information here:

Pricing:

TLK-01 Throttle Linkage Kit $125 1lb

(TR4/4A/6/250)  or all with Standard Manifold, Dual or Triple Stromberg, SU or  Weber DGV

TLK-02 Throttle Linkage Kit $125 1lb

(TR4/4A/6/250) For Weber DCOE Carbs with Cannon Manifolds only.

TLK-EFI (electronic Fuel Injection) $125 1lb


Emergency Hood Release Kit

You may not have experienced it yet, and we hope you never do, but one day you're going to pull the hood release handle and you're going to feel the cable slip from it's clamp, or snap entirely.  Due to the fact that the locking mechanism is located on the firewall, it is all but impossible to reach.  This simple and inexpensive kit allows you to have a secondary method of opening the hood in case of such an emergency.  Many of our customers tell us they like it so much they often use it instead of the original.  It is also more convenient because it is accessible from the passenger side which is where the secondary latch is located, so it saves some walking around the car.

Our kit is unique in that it uses the existing hole in the locking mechanism, rather than requiring you to drill a new hole.  We always prefer to minimize permanent changes in favor of reversible changes.  The installation is extremely simple and requires only a single 1/8" hole in the firewall to allow the control rod to enter the passenger compartment.  Please review the photo above.

Pricing:

EHRK Emergency Hood Release Kit $20 (1lb)

 

Differential and Spring Tower Replacement Kits

The differential cross-member that you see here is the design used for the RATCO frame and it is the same design that is used on the Differential Replacement Kit for stock TR frames.  Our kit allows you to replace your broken or tired differential cross-member without taking the body off the car..  The procedure requires some cutting and welding but can be easily done by the shade tree mechanic if a welder is available..  The kit includes all the hardware needed and comes with an instruction manual showing step by step procedures with detailed photo's.. 

A very important feature of the kit is that it includes a set of rail covers that wrap around the old frame rails and provide a substantial platform upon which to weld the new differential cross-member..  Once installed it allows the welding of new steel to new steel and the design strengthens the entire area as well..   It can be made to work with the old design lever shocks or if you want to upgrade to the tube shock conversion  kit or the shock in coil kit, that can be made as well.. Tell us your preference when you place your order.


Due to required welding, repair kits are provided unpainted (RDCBK-02 shown)

Due to required welding, repair kits are provided unpainted

Due to required welding, repair kits are provided unpainted

Pricing:

RDCBK-01 Rear Differential Crossmember Kit $325

(for RATCO Shock in Coil)

RDCBK-02 Rear Differential Crossmember Kit $375

 (for lever shocks)

RSTRK Rear Spring Tower Replacement Kit $475


Trailer Hitch Kit

A Trailer Hitch for a TR6?? 

Yes, we went and did it.  We designed a 2" Trailer Hitch to bolt onto a TR6 with either a stock frame our our RATCO frame.  We didn't go with the 2" hitch for the towing capacity, but rather for the large number of aftermarket accessories that are currently available in that size.  The hitch is made of our standard 11ga steel tubing, and can be installed on any TR6 with Dual exhaust.  


We don't expect the Towing capacity of a TR6 to be very great, but some of the accessories could really come in handy.  How about some extra luggage?  We will be designing an exhaust deflector system shortly so that the exhaust doesn't cook the food in your cooler.


Disclaimer!  This trailer hitch is intended for light loads and low tongue weights.  

Do not overload or attempt to pull heavy trailers.


How about a Luggage Tray or a nice flag holder for your next parade?  Our flag holder is designed to work with readily available 1/2" Electrical conduit, so you can adjust the length to suit your flag, or replace it easily should it get damaged. 

Or maybe a bike rack?

So, how do we know how much weight it can handle?

Meet our test dummy, Mr Wideload.  His 200Lb load does not distort or bend any of the tubing, and the rear suspension does not even sink excessively.  By the way, this car has springs 1" lower than normal.

Ok, so here is a bit more detail about the design and installation.  The Hitch picks up four points on the car, the two rear differential mounting studs, and the two forward Bumper mounting bolts. 

OEM Frame Installation

RATCO Frame Installation

Actual part color is black

The connection points at the forward bumper bolts are designed so that any downward vertical load is shared by the bolt as well as the frame flange.  The RATCO frames can use the trunk cross bar, but the Stock frames were determined to be too weak to carry the load, so a new cross bar is added. 

There's also a removable receiver tube for when you are not using the hitch.  With the receiver tube removed, there is no change in the ground clearance, and the tube is about 1" past the edge of the valance and painted black, so it is barely noticeable. 

The receiver tube is just about even with the end of the bumper, and even with the receiver tube mounted, there is no loss of ground clearance. 

Here's what the complete kit looks like:

Includes all mounting hardware and Powder Coated, Welded Steel assemblies. 


Disclaimer!  This trailer hitch is intended for light loads and low tongue weights. 

Do not overload or attempt to pull heavy trailers.

Flag Holder, works in any 2" receiver

Pricing:

THK-01 Trailer Hitch Kit (TR6 only)                   $250

FLAG-01 Flag Holder                                              $30


Flat Towing Package

Actual parts are provided in black

Pricing:

FTP-01 Flat Towing Package  $320