Installing a slot hitch

[Doubletrouble 10]

Hi all, I recently bought a slot hitch and plan to install it this weekend but I don't have the lift cable. I looked under my fender on top of the trans. is the conduit I guess you call it. ( it looks kinda like a pay phone cable, spiral metal tube.) I dont know what size cable to use to fab one. Has there been a how to thread on this? I've done a search and found a little info but no cable sizes. Pictures would be great also. BTW, it's a '71 work horse 800. Thanks

[Gene_S 93]

Jim I just messured some extra lift cables I have and they mesure around .145 so I'd say if you make your own cable just get 1/8 (.125) cable and cable crips and that would work just fine.

Hope this helps you out...

[Doubletrouble 10]

Thanks haasman35, that helps. hard to tell what size I would need by eyeballing it. I think they carry what I need at TSC. love that store :omg:

[mavfreak 11]

i used 1/4 stanless and i also have a 1/4 rod that use also

[Gene_S 93]

I like TSC to... BUT my new favorite store is Big-R.

Let us know how she turns out when your done

Dang mavfreak 1/4... you wont have to worry about that breaking...

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

My Charger has the type of conduit you describe. 1/4" will not fit.

ISTR I used 3/32 cable (about 90% sure), but I am away and cannot check this week.

Even if you don't have the correct tool (swaging tool) I would advise getting a clevis for the lift-arm end. In lieu of the tool put it on a vice and pound it with a hammer.

At the other end I was able to get (with a bit of bending) a thimble directly through the hole on the hitch.

The reason for all of the above (determine through trial and error) is to ensure you get as much range from up to down. You need the ability to drive with the implement up, but you also need enough slack on the down side so the implement can dig in.

One other caution. While at TSC or wherever get a good clevis pin as big as will fit in the lowest hole in the list arm - the cheapy universal pins will brake. Trust me!

Best of luck.

:D

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

The more I think about it the more sure that it was 3/16th cable I used.

When I lived in Cleveland there was a really good industrial hardware store where I got it. Here in VA I could only get 1/16 or 1/8th.

Finally I bought more 3/16th on ebay.

[rickv1957 72]

The 3/16 cable is just right Rick

[Doubletrouble 10]

I looked at TSC the other day when I was there, the 3/16 cable looked like it may be to big. I'll take a 3/16 drill bit and see if it will fit in the conduit to check first. I thank you for all the help. I'll try to remember to take some pics when I fix it up for future reference. I don't have an implement for it yet but am thinking about building a culivator for it later and possibly a dethatcher. Thanks for all the help, I knew I could count on you all for your wisdom and experience. It's nice having a site full of knowledge from like minded people.

[Doubletrouble 10]

I checked the conduit size using a 3/16 drill bit. It did not fit so a smaller cable is needed. I happened to find some garage door lift cables in a box of odds and ends so I can use one of those for now. I tried to push one though the conduit and there is something stuck in there. I'll try to clear it out today with a coat hanger, if not then it's time to customize. Larger conduit and cable will be in order.

[mavfreak 11]

I guess maybe the coduit most not wh on mine. the 1/4" cable fit fine. I made a 3 point hitch on my tractor and use the cable to lift it. so I guess I got lucky on the 1/4" cable :omg:

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

I guess maybe the coduit most not wh on mine. the 1/4" cable fit fine. I made a 3 point hitch on my tractor and use the cable to lift it. so I guess I got lucky on the 1/4" cable

I think they went from a conduit supporting 3/16 on the Charger era to a bent tube on the C-series era.

I was amazed that the 3/32 cable didn't snap. It has stretched a bit the first few times I used.

[gwgdog66 23]

I uses 3/16" cable on my 75 C-160. Got everything I needed at TSC.