Under-bed spare tire mounting questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dsy1 · 08-28-2010, 12:40 AM

I just got a '71 longbed fleetside with the mount under the bed for the spare. It didn't have a spare, so I picked up a used 16 inch rim and tire, but I'm not sure how it fits in the mount. The cross-strap has two brackets riveted onto it, but they don't seem to line up with the size of the spare (they are closer together than the inner diameter of the spare wheel). Do I grind off the rivets and move the brackets? How are the brackets supposed to fit inside the wheel rim? Pics would be great, or an explanation of how the spare is supposed to be secured in this mount.

Thanks.

Zeke · 08-28-2010, 06:13 AM

Its been awhile but if I remember the brackets don't really hold the tire, install the tire with the outside of the rim down, push the cross strap up ajusting position of tire so it is somewhat centered until it catches the bolt and tighten with a tire iron until it is snug between the cross strap and bed cross rails. The reason for having the outside of the rim face down is so you can check the tire pressure without removing the spare. if it goes flat the brackets should keep the spare from falling out.
Unlike newer truck with the winch type carrier these trucks require you to crawl under the truck to get to the spare. If you have my luck the only time you get a flat is when its cold, raining and dark, always carry something to lay on.

68gmsee · 08-28-2010, 10:12 AM

Yeah, it's a pain to get to the tire. Not sure about your truck or if it makes any difference but most I've seen have 15 in. tires. Did yours come with 16 in. tires?

As Zeke mentioned and as I also recall: What you have to do to remove tire.

Crawl under the bed and with a large scew driver or tire tool, loosen the long retainer bolt. Lift tire slightly to disengage long bolt while insuring tire doesn't come down on you.

Lower to the ground (it will be at an angle) and slide out.

Reverse the procedure to install.

Sinister · 08-28-2010, 10:46 AM

I have the repop tire carrier that LMC sells. IIRC, There were 2 different positions to mount the brackets. I chose the wider for my 16" rims. I mount the spare with the backside of the rim face down.

08-28-2010, 12:40 AM	#1
dsy1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 128	Under-bed spare tire mounting questions I just got a '71 longbed fleetside with the mount under the bed for the spare. It didn't have a spare, so I picked up a used 16 inch rim and tire, but I'm not sure how it fits in the mount. The cross-strap has two brackets riveted onto it, but they don't seem to line up with the size of the spare (they are closer together than the inner diameter of the spare wheel). Do I grind off the rivets and move the brackets? How are the brackets supposed to fit inside the wheel rim? Pics would be great, or an explanation of how the spare is supposed to be secured in this mount. Thanks.

08-28-2010, 06:13 AM	#2
Zeke Active Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: L.A. Lower Alabama Posts: 453	Re: Under-bed spare tire mounting questions Its been awhile but if I remember the brackets don't really hold the tire, install the tire with the outside of the rim down, push the cross strap up ajusting position of tire so it is somewhat centered until it catches the bolt and tighten with a tire iron until it is snug between the cross strap and bed cross rails. The reason for having the outside of the rim face down is so you can check the tire pressure without removing the spare. if it goes flat the brackets should keep the spare from falling out. Unlike newer truck with the winch type carrier these trucks require you to crawl under the truck to get to the spare. If you have my luck the only time you get a flat is when its cold, raining and dark, always carry something to lay on. __________________ 1969 C10 350 3spd 1995 GMC 3500 XC 350 dually When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent. George Carlin

08-28-2010, 10:12 AM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Under-bed spare tire mounting questions Yeah, it's a pain to get to the tire. Not sure about your truck or if it makes any difference but most I've seen have 15 in. tires. Did yours come with 16 in. tires? As Zeke mentioned and as I also recall: What you have to do to remove tire. Crawl under the bed and with a large scew driver or tire tool, loosen the long retainer bolt. Lift tire slightly to disengage long bolt while insuring tire doesn't come down on you. Lower to the ground (it will be at an angle) and slide out. Reverse the procedure to install.

08-28-2010, 10:46 AM	#4
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Under-bed spare tire mounting questions I have the repop tire carrier that LMC sells. IIRC, There were 2 different positions to mount the brackets. I chose the wider for my 16" rims. I mount the spare with the backside of the rim face down. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...



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