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Spare Tire Support Structure

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by givemethewillys, Jul 10, 2020.

  1. Jul 10, 2020
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    Hey Jeepers! I did some work on the tub this week, and completely rebuilt my passenger quarter panel. When I cut out the patch panel that was brazed on, the spare tire structure revealed itself in all its rusty crusty glory.

    Screenshot_20200710-203053_Gallery.jpg

    For now I left it there and replaced the panel, but is this stuff necessary if I don't plan to ever have a spare tire there? Will it promote rust?

    Screenshot_20200710-203423_Gallery.jpg
    Also, I had a tough time tacking the top portion of the panel, as you can probably see. I think that corner is really thin, but there was nothing left below it. I may have to rebuild the bend, but I don't have the tools for it, so am not looking forward to the task.
     
  2. Jul 10, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
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    4,491
    I don't recall how much, if any of the extra supports exist on the driver's side of the tub. Look up in there and see what's there, if anything and replicate that. Since you won't be hanging the spare at that spot, you won't need the extra supports the factory put in there.

    That is a pretty tight bend to replicate. Maybe a local sheet metal shop could bend it for you for a few bucks. HVAC contractors sometimes have brakes that can bend the metal for you. Try to get all your joints as tight as possible.

    Maybe that panel is available in the aftermarket. Between the bend at the top, that you are talking about, and the bend around the corner to the tail light panel,.....that's a couple of bends on one panel to make it right. Or a lot of stitching stuff together to try to get it right. You might be ahead on time and money to buy the panel if it's available. I know the tail light panels are available and reasonably priced.
     
  3. Jul 10, 2020
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    I'll have to double check, but I don't think the driver's side has any support. It looks like I'll probably have to take the bow pocket off and replace the structure underneath. As for the taillight panels, I considered the classic enterprise panels, but ultimately decided to bend my own. Not exact, but pretty darn close.
    Screenshot_20200710-232006_Gallery.jpg

    I'm praying that it looks halfway decent when I'm done with it, but itll never be a "show jeep". Im shooting for good enough that my wife will ride in it. Right now I have exactly zero dollars invested in fixing this tub (harbor freight dust collector supplied the 18 ga sheet metal), which I'm pretty happy about. Gonna invest in the tailgate surround and crosspiece structure, since I don't have a pattern to go off of. That should make everything pretty solid.
     
    truckee4x4 likes this.
  4. Jul 11, 2020
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2020
    Messages:
    545
    EDF04D7E-F220-461B-98CF-6442059E745D.jpeg Here’s an image of my driver side looking from front to rear. No support other than the little c channel piece that curves across the top.

    edit: image is loading sideways for some reason. Sorry about that.
     
  5. Jul 11, 2020
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    That support structure is just for the spare tire mount. It can be removed if you will never use the factory spare tire mount. The driver side has none of that because it is unnecessary.
     
  6. Jul 11, 2020
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    Thanks for the knowledge guys! I'm ripping it out.....
     
  7. Jul 11, 2020
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    The support brace was also used to hang the tailpipe.
     
    truckee4x4 and givemethewillys like this.
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