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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Projects Posts (NOT VEHICLES) => Topic started by: Geezer77GMC on February 21, 2021, 11:01:11 AM

Title: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Geezer77GMC on February 21, 2021, 11:01:11 AM
My spare tire is always in the way for using the Geezer as a truck, as in having to take the spare out of the bed to load plywood then put it on the load. I also don't like it unsecured or just bolted to the bedside. I'm currently fabricating parts to swivel it from either sitting upright in the bed or rotated up to sit on top of the bedside. It will use a gas spring to counter balance some of the wheel/tire mass and the leverage will hold the assembly in either the up or down position. I’ll attach a CAD representation showing the two positions. The views are looking from the front toward the tailgate. The racks pictured have been in use for a decade and use a 2500 lb Harbor Freight winch to assist loading heavy items. The boom can swing from side to side using a similar winch mounted to the rear left upright & pulley on the opposite upright. Note there is a heavy cross-member that is built into the rear of the bed. Any way has anyone done anything similar, if so I’ve not found it on this site.
Any comments, suggestions or criticism would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Mike81K10 on February 21, 2021, 07:37:21 PM
My tire is secured under the back of the bed on a hanger just in front of the rear bumper.
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Geezer77GMC on February 22, 2021, 04:24:44 AM
My tire size is 12.50 x 33 / 16.5 and will not fit under the truck because of towing hitch & exhaust system. Mounted under the rear also decreases ground clearance for off road around the farm, for instance crossing streams with fairly steep banks that we have to deal with around here. The wheels are vintage aluminum slots and need attention to keep them from corroding, wouldn't happen much if mounted out of sight. Thanks for the comment
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Mike81K10 on February 22, 2021, 11:05:23 AM
Yep that wheel/Tire would not only "not Fit under the bed," it would be very heavy to even attempt to hang it. Anything larger than the original tire and wheel size would not fit well under the bed. I would have it in the bed someplace. Don't think I would want the boom setup in my truck. However, we all have different interest and needs and I sincerely wish you the best of luck on your solution and post some pics with your progress. The wheel/tire looks nice. Someone else in the forum might be of better assistance.
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Geezer77GMC on February 22, 2021, 01:10:04 PM
Yes the rear rack & boom isn't nearly as clean looking, but very handy for loading things I couldn't otherwise. It is also easily removed & installed as required. There are disconnects for the winch power. The boom also makes getting that spare into the tailgate easier. The front rack is also removable, but the spare tire mount will be dependant on something in the front standard behind the driver, could be a short stub. I find the front rack an excelent tie point for bulky items. Attached a pic without either rack installed, the supports for the racks are built into the bed.
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Mike81K10 on February 22, 2021, 07:07:24 PM
It is good that the boom setup can be removed when desired and if I were loading and unloading as you mentioned, I might be inclined to desire one as well. Nice looking truck! Do your think you will need a window guard if your are going to have some heavy loads and the boom in the bed?
Title: Re: Spare tire always in the way
Post by: Geezer77GMC on February 27, 2021, 02:35:39 PM
Getting the parts made for the spare tire mount.