Frame Cross Members

[Merle Coggins]

I suppose I'll take the new forum out for a test drive with this question too.

Near the rear of the frame, there is a small, U shaped, cross member. I believe it's only fuction is for the spare tire carrier. This piece is installed with the "U" up, so it fills with debris. Could this piece be installed with the "U" down without any adverse effects? As I see it, the only change would be to use a longer bolt for the tire hanger.

At least that way it wouldn't be a 2" wide x 1" high x 4' long dirt tray anymore.

Merle

[Steven Hood]

I don't see any reason why not. As you said, a longer bolt would need to be used, but other than that, I wouldn't see any structural issues.

[MBF]

You may want to put some type of cushion on the face that contacts the tire so that you don't leave grooves cut into the sidewall of the tire. Just my 2 cents

[Ken_Hart]

agree, dont see any reason why not. I plan to box my frame and add additional bracing when I get to that point to help stiffen the frame. With a wood body, I think the stiffer the frame, the less impact on the wood joints.

[Merle Coggins]

You may want to put some type of cushion on the face that contacts the tire so that you don't leave grooves cut into the sidewall of the tire. Just my 2 cents

That piece shouldn't even contact the tire. The tire goes up against the larger rear cross member.

[Young Ed]

I suppose I'll take the new forum out for a test drive with this question too.

Near the rear of the frame, there is a small, U shaped, cross member. I believe it's only fuction is for the spare tire carrier. This piece is installed with the "U" up, so it fills with debris. Could this piece be installed with the "U" down without any adverse effects? As I see it, the only change would be to use a longer bolt for the tire hanger.

At least that way it wouldn't be a 2" wide x 1" high x 4' long dirt tray anymore.

Merle

My 46 has that same system for the spare tire. I've had my U piece upside down for 5 years now. Doesn't seem to have hurt anything. I can't comment on the new bolts thing because I didn't have old ones so I was making my own anyways. Besides I don't think the old ones would have been long enough for my radials either.

Ed

[Merle Coggins]

Thanks Ed,

I'll have to make up new bolts too, since I had to cut the old ones to get the spare tire down, so that's not an issue. I figured it would work. I'm glad to hear that it does.

Merle