EarlyCJ5.com Technical Library

A technical library for classic Jeeps

Quaggy's Spare Tire Carrier

by David "Quaggy" in Colorado

Alright, I finally have it done. My first welding project. It wasn't too tough for the first time welder, but a big enough project to keep me busy and learning. Lots of pics are included and if you have any questions, I'm on the Early CJ Board.

The first thing I did was got a section of 3/16" 2x4 for the bumper part of it. I chopped the ends with a vertical cut and then an angled cut. This picture shows the bumper up-side-down on a table with the cuts. Later I finished the ends with some flat stock.

This one shows the finished end of the bumper. I welded in some flat stock and ground down the welds flush for a clean look.

Next, I took some of the 3/16" stock and made mounting plates for the back of the bumper. These served two purposes. The first was that I wanted some additional strength for the bolts that were going to be threaded into the bumper. The second is that I needed the bumper to be slightly off-set from the rear crossmember for everything to fit right. I also think that it will help keep debris from getting between the two and causing rust.

I welded the plates on and then sanded them flat to fit snug on the bumper. I drilled and tapped the plates with bolts to bolt through my crossmember and into the bumper to hold it in place.

There are eight bolts total to hold the bumper on the crossmember. I thought that this would be more than adequate. I took off the old tire carrier and the draw bar to put it on, and I used the existing holes in the rear crossmember to align the plates and the holes on the bumper. That way I didn't weaken the rear crossmember any more since there were plenty of holes to choose from.

This is an overall look at the rear of the bumper and how it will bolt on.

Next, I started with 1/8" 2x2 square tubing to create my tire carrier. The mock-up was pretty easy, but getting everything to fit just right took some time. I placed the carrier together on a flat surface to make sure that everything fit and all the angles were correct.

On the tubing that was going to hold the spare tire, I wanted a little added strength because of the off-set of the tire. I chose to bring the side sections almost to the top of the tire holder. This way it would have both the support of the welds to the vertical piece as well as the welds to the angled pieces.

A picture of the welded sections. They were all fitted and welded on the floor, so I didn't have any problems with sections slipping or moving while I welded.

I cut a piece of stock just big enough to fit the rim of the spare tire. I cut a square in the middle and slid the 2x2 tubing through it. I welded both sides. I thought that this would give a little more strength to the piece that holds the tire carrier. Later, I filled in the hole and ground it flat. This picture shows the mock-up on the Jeep.

The hinge that I used, I got from Lynn, and it has a 2000 lb capacity. Hopefully my tire doesn't weigh that much! I welded that to the rear of the bumper and to the tire carrier. I aligned the tire carrier center on the bumper and welded supports on the left side to hold the tire carrier. I ended up fitting that end with a pin to hold it in place.

I took three bolts and drilled and tapped the circle to hold my spare tire. I threaded the three bolts in and then tack welded them in place. I put my tire on and it felt very secure. This shows the mock-up with the spare tire on it and with the left bracket in place.

A view of the back shows how the circular piece fits in the spare tire and how it all fits together. Later, I filled in the 2x2 holding the spare tire.

This shows the finished and painted project. The back turned out fairly nice and I will probably end up fitting my Hi-Lift on it some how. I can't decide whether to do it vertical, angled, or horizontal.

Shown from the front, with everything painted and ready to go.

Pinned in and ready for the tire, things fit snug with the paint on it. The CB antenna on the right was incorporated into the design.

This shows a close up of the antenna mount. I welded a piece of 3/16" and drilled it for the antenna. It fits perfectly between the hinge and the bumper.

A view from the other side doesn't really show, but I drilled a hole in the corner for the antenna cable to go through instead of coming from under the bumper where it might get pinched. It actually goes through the hole and then back up to the antenna. The cable is just visible coming out from the bottom of the brake light.

This is the finished product with the tire, antenna, and license plate mounted.

My old tire carrier, draw bar, and license plate holder. I think the upgrade was worth it. Now, I have to figure out how to mount a couple of gas cans on it. I guess there is always something more to do. If you have any questions, I'm on the board. I hope this helped some people out. I'm a first time welder, so if I can do this so can you.