Since i like to save money when I can im making my own tire carrier that ive been working on for about 2 weeks, probably about 15 hours into it and about 30 bucks. Still have to buy a latch from mcmaster and some bolts to mount the tire. I have the paint and all the tools and extra materials so for about 60 bucks and lots of sweat and metal dust, Ill have a one of a kind tire carrier.

I had a picture of the hinge i used but lost it when i bricked my iphone. But its a 7 dollar gate hinge i found at pattons steel. I turned a groove on my lathe into the shaft so i can put a set screw so the 2 peices wont come apart.

I welded it to the frame on a bracket that came off of the frame rail and braced the ish out of it. Had to brace the frame walls from the inside because they were flexing when weight was put on it. Also had to weld the hinge at an angle because the top part of the hinge sits on a shaft with a ball bearing in between the 2 parts, so it fits loosely and hangs at an angle when weight is put on one side.

Next i had to cut my bumper to fit over all the bracing, guessets, and hinge.

Hopefully it wont take me too much longer. Still have to make a stop, figure out how to hang the tire and put the latch on and paint it and make a 3rd light. Wish me luck.





My 1776 69' vw Bus in the BG:

 

Looking good, I wish I could do more of my own fab work on projects, I need to learn how to weld

 

thanks! if you have the tools which is the biggest problem, its not difficult at all, just make sure to have a good grinder and if your making stuff that goes on cars, make sure you make whatever you're making stronger than you think it needs to be. Mig welding is as easy as pointing, pulling the trigger, going straight and going forward and back to make the stacked nickel look. But anyone can do it even if its a cheap unit and hood. They normally tell you where to put the settings for the material thicknesses under the access panel on the welder. Thats all you really need to know. Also be sure to chamfer the edges of what you're welding so there is more weld left if you are going to grind it flat.

 

Cool lightweight option to get that heavy tire off of the tailgate. Keep the pics coming

 

Please keep us up to date with pics this is exactly what I want to do. I have welding experience. but the ideas never seem to come to fruition.so to see someone actually do it and have examples then maybe I can get it done.

 

looks good!!!

 

Looks good. Nice words of encouragment on people doing their own work, too. Not sure my wife would let me buy all the tools, though. I allready have a lot of tools and hobbies

 

That is smokin' nice. I'll bet the cost isn't anywhere near a manufactured part.

 

very creative. Would you mind snapping a couple photos of the hinge and how it attaches?

 

I would like to see that also. Did you weld something to the frame to support it ?? Have you worked out the latch yet??