Mk2 carrier tow hitch on a Mk1

[Colin Alford]

Rob,

I was going to have a look at the parts list to see if there were different variations of the shovel/ pick handle bracket, but you have beat me to it. (After a recent update of my iPad, it took an incredibly frustrating amount of clicks to re-size and upload the pictures above. I had to walk away to calm down for a few minutes).

The modifications done to your cross bar to clear the POW can holder appear to be a better solution than my example. Yes, on the un-modified cross bar the lamp interferes with the right edge of the can holder.

Years ago I found some “walk around” images of another Mk1* with the hitch fitted. My recollection is that the carrier was in Ontario and it had a WD number which was only a couple of digits different. I recall that it had a virtually identical crude cut/weld job on the POW can holder. I suspect that both might have had hitches fitted in the same shop.

Do you know any history of the carrier that donated your hitch? My initial impression is that these might have been in-service mods, as I doubt any farmers would have gone through the trouble of preserving the functionality of the POW can holder, and ensuring that they had functioning tail/ convoy lights.

Colin

[rob love]

Looking at that POW carrier modification in your photo brings a tear to my eye. You would think, after they figured out what had to be cut on the first one, the could just cut out the required portion and not have to take out the whole corner, and crudely replace the upper portion.

The carrier that donated my hitch belongs to a family in Southern On. It does not appear to have any civilian modifictions done to it, and is rough/unrestored but fairly complete. The owner(s) do not want to sell, so I consider myself fortunate to have been able to purchase this piece.

Another option I am considering is to leave the angle iron piece off altogether, or else notch it where it meets the number plate. I won't notch the original of course, but make up a repro. I'll see which way the wind is blowing come springtime. If I can keep the original mk1 tailight with the red/white switch, that is my preference.

[Colin Alford]

Rob,

I agree that it is an ugly job. I am happy that no-one I know did the work, but it is an interesting part of the vehicle’s history.

I would think that you would want some sort of cross bar to mechanically tie the two sides together. I do have a somewhat rusty and bent registration plate hiding somewhere. If I can remember where it is hiding, I can take some pictures of it roughly in location to assist in developing a solution.