Chester Posted August 14, 2003 Posted August 14, 2003 After a run out last night I noticed that the spare wheel on on the back of my 1990 SE was a bit lower than normal. A quick look underneath ans I found that the 2 welds that hold the carrier brackets to the chassis had broken. Where the brackets had been welded to the chassis there are now 2 holes in the box section. The only thing that was holding the wheel to the car was the thin securring bolt. I dread to think what could have happened. I did a quick search and found one mention on the wscc. I really don't want to have to remove the body. If I remove the pertol tank and free the wiring from the chassis do you think I would be OK getting the brackets arc welding back onto the chassis without damaging the body? Westfield do a bracket for the spare. If I use that would I still need the existing wheel carrier? They seem quite expensive, has anyone made their own version? Was hoping to take the car along to Mallory on Sunday but now looks like the tin top will be used. Anyone going to Mallory on Sunday who has a Westfield bracket that they would be willing to exchange for beer tokens? Thanks Mark Quote
Chester Posted August 14, 2003 Author Posted August 14, 2003 Just chatting to a guy at work who has suggested that I get the brackets welded to a flat piece of metal the same width as the box section and a few inches long. Get another piece of flat metal the same size, drill thorough the chassis and bolt the bracket plus new metal to the chassis, putting the other piece of metal on top of the chassis to spread the load. Is it OK to drill and bolt through that bit of the chassis? It doesn't seem to do much else apart from provide a fixing point for the spare wheel carrier. Do you think it would be strong enough to take the weight of the spare? Thanks Mark Quote
stu999 Posted August 14, 2003 Posted August 14, 2003 Leave the spare at home? Ok, so that wasnt what you wanted to hear, but somebody had to say it....... Quote
Chester Posted August 14, 2003 Author Posted August 14, 2003 Stu, Thank you.................... Did think of that but the body work behind the spare is scratched and there is a hole where the wheel securring bolt goes. I would also have to fit the number plate to something else - not really a problem. What size are the Westfield stickers that you can get? Mark Quote
DutchWestfield Posted August 14, 2003 Posted August 14, 2003 Chester, As long as you make the flat piece of metal the same width as the chassis bar I think you are Ok. The main risk is that you squeeze the bar with the bracket, which makes it all come loose. Good quality 6 mm bolts break at a load of nearly 1000 kg, so do not worry about that... I designed my own spare wheel bracket (the bit between the rear of the body and the wheel). It is made mailly from aluminium, and does not require any welding. These are the parts it is made off: It is hard to get a decent picture of what it lookes like when assembled, best attempt: More pictures on my site in the june section (also from the inside of the body). Quote
hilux Posted August 14, 2003 Posted August 14, 2003 the body work behind the spare is scratched and there is a hole where the wheel securring bolt goes. I would also have to fit the number plate to something else ............or lose the spare and cover up damage with ally plate Quote
Chester Posted August 14, 2003 Author Posted August 14, 2003 Just called Westfield - they don't see a problem in using plates and drilling the chassis. For info - a 427mm diameter Westfield transfer is about £30. Think I'll go for the plates and drilling solution. Thanks Mark p.s. like the look of the ally carrier - maybe when I have more time. Quote
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