Maintenance & Restoration

Robert Johans · 11-14-2009, 03:47 PM

As I believe most are, my 13' 1988 Scamp came stock with 13" wheels. The spare tire was mounted directly to the shell via two long bolts that are embedded into the fiberglass.

When I upgraded my axle to accommodate brakes and 15" wheels, I was left with a few issues to resolve. The position of the original 13" spare tire carrier bolts do not fit the lug nut hole pattern of the new 15" wheels. Plus, the new wheel/tire combo were significantly heavier than the original set-up. I needed to design a custom tire carrier.

Instead of yanking the original 13" spare tire carrier bolts out and risking damage to the shell or requiring patches to the holes, I chose to use these as a "third" anchoring point for a new custom bumper. (I chose tubular steel to match the style of bumpers on my vintage Bronco). With the new bumper anchored to the frame rails AND to the shell bolts I now have a solid tire mount that carries the weight of the spare on the bumper rather than the original shell bolts.

Here's a few pix. (You can check out my new LED tail lights too!)

Robert Johans · 11-14-2009, 03:53 PM

To illuminate the license plate I found these cool "bolt" lights on eBay.

floyd · 11-14-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

As I believe most are, my 13' 1988 Scamp came stock with 13" wheels. The spare tire was mounted directly to the shell via two long bolts that are embedded into the fiberglass.

When I upgraded my axle to accommodate brakes and 15" wheels, I was left with a few issues to resolve. The position of the original 13" spare tire carrier bolts do not fit the lug nut hole pattern of the new 15" wheels. Plus, the new wheel/tire combo were significantly heavier than the original set-up. I needed to design a custom tire carrier.

Instead of yanking the original 13" spare tire carrier bolts out and risking damage to the shell or requiring patches to the holes, I chose to use these as a "third" anchoring point for a new custom bumper. (I chose tubular steel to match the style of bumpers on my vintage Bronco). With the new bumper anchored to the frame rails AND to the shell bolts I now have a solid tire mount that carries the weight of the spare on the bumper rather than the original shell bolts.

Here's a few pix. (You can check out my new LED tail lights too!)

LOVE the bumper! but I want to know what you used for the gorgeous paint job!

Robert Johans · 11-14-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

LOVE the bumper! but I want to know what you used for the gorgeous paint job!

Hey Floyd!

Gotta admit that I don't know the specific paint code details... Had my '77 Bronco professionally hammered out and repainted earlier this year. When I realized my trailer's gelcoat was shot, I took it to the same guys and had it painted to match.

Robert Johans · 11-20-2009, 01:58 PM

Here's the new bumper powdered-coated and installed.

james kent · 11-20-2009, 09:39 PM

I like the look. That new bumper is a nice touch.
And the glare..... WOW!

Robert Johans · 11-21-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

I like the look. That new bumper is a nice touch.
And the glare..... WOW!

Thanks, James. Gotta admit that the shine is due to the new paint job. The original gelcoat was way beyond recovery, so I had the trailer painted to match my vintage Bronco. In fact, the new bumper is styled to match those I have on the Bronco.