Spare Tire Rack 215/70R/16 Stock Location

[shagginwagon83]

Ehh i don't care about looks. If it means the product will adjust more for custom fit, then do that imo
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[AZ Landshaper]

What he said ^^^. Looks not important. What's important is not to reduce flow to radiator and back and that I have a spare when shit happens. I can be in kofa in a week plus.
No freakin at the river is a downer but I'll do. This is the desert after all.
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Support Small Business.

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85 Weekender w/ EJ22
Previously
64, 71, 72, 73, 76, 81, 84, 85 & 87 Campmobiles and Westfalias
and a 67 bug.

[E1]

[Aryana]

This is really great. I’m pretty sure I can make it work with my CLK wheel so I’m definitely interested in the final price.

[Gizmoman]

Ok, I do have a day job but have done a bit more design work. . .

The rack now has 2" of vertical adjustment to insure it will fit the widest range of tires and rims. Centered in the slots it would fit my 215/70R-16.
The two bolts are Class 10.9, 8 mm. The nuts are self-locking class 10.
Two stainless roll pins will need to be driven into the rod ends at the front hinge as cotters won't clear the plate when it rotates. Stainless cotters in the rear hinge.

FWIW, total weight is about 5 lbs. The stock pan weighs 12.6 which is more than I thought.

I have drawings out for quote to cut the parts= profiles. The brake-work, welding and other stuff I will do here using fixtures.
I also sent out files to see what galvanizing the bits might cost. VW galvanized the original and I believe it was for good reason.

Once I get the quotes back, I should be able to firm up the price.

Thanks for your patience.

Jim
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[E1]

Wow Jim, that's a ton of R&D improvements in a very short time. Very impressive.

Happy to hear it's lighter, too, and hope you sell a ton of them!
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[Gizmoman]

E1, thanks for keeping this alive.
Plenty of the ideas were from members contributing to this post and I believe we may have another great upgrade to our machines. Adjustable, fold-able, ship-able, non-rust-able, and hopefully affordable to everyone who needs one.

I hope to hear back from the galvanizing outfits tomorrow, and that's all I'm waiting for to get this turned from software to steel.

BTW E1, I doubt the AZ meetup is going to work out for my wife and I as I won't have any units to bring that soon. Hopefully, I'll be bending, welding and shipping around that time.

Cheers!
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[E1]

True enough, my bad for not including others' creative input here!

Turns out we may not be done at the dentist's by then, either. No worries, next time, we'll look forward to that -- and for your product release! -- and for whatever else might be rolling around up there...

I get a sense there's no end to how our vans can be improved with thoughts and actions like yours, and the collective input from the community.

All the Best.
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[Gizmoman]

For those that are/were interested, the oversize tire rack design is complete, Steel, coating and hardware is ordered, and parts are being cut for 20 units.

I plan to build it as designed and test it on my Westy - replacing the welded one I already made. Once I'm confident in it, I'll let everyone know.
I found out galvanizing is way too expensive and would fill the hols in the rods - even the bores of the welded tubes on the front bracket!

I found a grey polyurethane coating that has stainless steel in it. Says it protects from salt water.
Price delivered will be in the 170 range.

I'll keep you posted.
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[jimf909]

Nice work! I may have missed it but I believe this will NOT accommodate a GW 16 x 7.5 wheel. Is that correct? If it does accommodate it I’ll likely buy one and have a 14” steel wheel with 1 yr old spare tire for sale.
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- Jim

[Gizmoman]

[E1]

Sign me up.
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[GreggK]

Hi Gizmoman,
I like this! How are you taking orders? I'd like to get a hold of one of these.
Thanks GreggK

[Gizmoman]

[baltik]

Any thoughts on developing a steering shaft protector as part of this solution?

[Jon_slider]

Gizmoman, I really like how your spare carrier design has evolved to include depth adjustment to solve the 7.5" GW alloy need. Really like your animated gif too. I hope you get rich and retire early.. lol

[Gizmoman]

[BoiseBusBoy]

Gizoman, I think I may be interested as well.

I just finished upgrades to the shift lever and went to put my spare back in the clam shell. Noticed the spare was about 1/2 inflated, so added air. Then quickly realized why it was deflated as I can no longer get it closed.

What I don't know is the size of my spare and rim so I need to look into those details. I have the GoWesty wheel upgrade, but I don't think the spare is on the same rim. I never looked at it before (thankfully!).

I would be more interested if I didn't have to spend more money on a steering shaft protector.

Just wanted to let you know I just read the entire thread and think this may be an upgrade I need! Thanks for your work.
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'87 Westfalia 2.1

[Gizmoman]

[jimf909]