Finished side mount spare project / photo

[John Burne]

If anyone does this conversion the best tip I learned is to measure two and a half inches back from the bed stake pocket to the edge of the angled backer plate. Also use a piece of angle iron on the inside of the bed at floor level to take up some of that down pressure and prevent accidental indenting. I previously found a donor fender with the bracket on a junked truck up in northern Maine and hired a local semi-retired body man to cut out the dimple and weld it into my existing fender. Found an old rim, cleaned and painted it up and added a new tire and new hubcap. The style clearly isn't for everyone but I'm glad I did it.

 

[Alaska Jim]

It looks good, and on anything more than a local drive you do not have to worry about not having a spare , or a wheel and tire sliding around in the bed. nice job.

 

[mercman from oz]

Looking good, just like a bought one.

 

[Ole Don]

Very well done. You have me drooling on my keyboard again.

 

[mikhett]

Very well done!kudos!

 

[okiedokie]

I like it. Makes me want to add one to my 53.

 

[John Burne]

Thanks guys. I don't have anything next planned for the truck. I did see an old stock looking photo of an F100 with a rear step bumper that was black diamond plate and had a wrap around design. I thought if I could verify that was an actual Ford option then maybe if I could find one it could be the next project??