I'm toying with the idea of keeping the spare tire mounted on the passenger side running board on my longbox '52. There's room there without the dimple in the fender on the longboxes, but in order for it to look right, it needs a hard cover on it, at least covering the outer face and the circumfrence of the tire. Anybody ever do that? Do you know of any pics of this model (47-54 GMC or Chevy) that shows that done? Are there fiberglass ones available that could work?
here is a pic to give you an idea Hey Spika - these pics are of a truck i was looking at out of california years ago - the spare is covered but still with the dimple in the fender on a short bed, but it might give you an idea of how it would work. I think i read somewhere - and maybe on this forum, so do a search - that they used tire covers from lincolns or mark V's or something like that where their design was to have one of these spare tire covers on the back of a car on the trunk area. If you are building a real show truck with lots of chrome and bling, then this would be a good way to really set it off. I don't know of any source that makes these now, but i am sure they are out there - everything is!
Here is a link to one that I was thinking about using some time ago, http://rollmasters.com/lockingsparetirecovercontinentalkitstainlesssteelringandabs.aspx ,
Thanks, guys...I think that one in the link could work quite well. I like that look of the one you were looking at Gypsy...that is a pretty truck. Probably won't know for sure until the parts on mine start coming back together, but I think possibly the rose color on the face with the s/s outer rim might really look sweet. Just don't want to "over-do it". Thanks for the help!
For years vans had spare tire covers, may be a few are still around. They ranged from plain painted ones to fancy chromed and decked out ones. Nearly everything was on 15" wheels back then so the size should be right.
Hi Spika, Check with an RV dealer and/or van customizer-- the covers shown in the reply above were pretty common a few years ago. Good luck. Glenn
Thanks, Glenn. In googling tonight, I found what appears to be the best pricing on the one s/s rimmed ABS center unit that most handle...from $100 to $140 depending on size. Not bad at all. I emailed to see if I can use the PPG automotive paint on it or if I'd have to get a new mix of a special paint for plastics and hope to get a good match...will see what they say. I'm trying to envision it on the running boards...appears that the top of the wheel would still be below the box sides, and it should fit between the fender and the cab, as long as the stainless housing is pretty well fitted to the tire. If I go with this, it almost is going to cry out for a visor too, no??? One thing tends to lead to another, and they all lead dollars outta my pocket...
Sheesh, Glenn...a just noticed you're almost a neighbor!!! I'll be in Missoula this weekend for graduation...
It's not the greatest picture, but this shows how my spare fit on my 3/4 ton GMC. It didn't touch the fender. The mounting bracket looked "home made". I will create another one when it's that far back together. Hope it helps give you an idea about the height of the tire. I'm not sure a visor would become an item that you'd have to add, however... https://talk.classicparts.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=149&size=big&cat=&ppuser=5676&sl=z
Thanks, Zig...that's a lot of help, just what I was looking for. Assume those are 205-75 15's or so you run on it? Mine may be a bit wider, but shouldn't be much different in diameter. I think it could look quite nice mounted on the running board...that first pic in your group would look quite nice mounted in the front seat...
I'm out of town this weekend but we have a couple of Bolters in Missoula. Whenever you head this wayeither give me a call or e-mail & we can get together. 406- 544-4564 glenn.slay@catlin.com
Something like that... It's been a long time ago, and I think that wheel/tire was one Wolf ended up with. The tire cover from a van was what I was thinking would work as well. Paint type may be a problem... As far as the other picture, I like the way you worded that!
I just saw a tire cover on a van in a u pull it 2 days ago......If I'da known...but I did score a 2 seater go kart frame for $20!
