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View Full Version : H3 rear tire rack

CrisB
02-26-2007, 05:09 PM
Anybody tried making one of these? Or bought the Amstar one shown? I want to make one, could use pics or ideas on how to mount it to the rear door bolts.
HummBebe
02-26-2007, 09:42 PM
That was my favorite jerry can rack.
CrisB
02-26-2007, 10:44 PM
That was my favorite jerry can rack.

Who's got one, Bebe? I want some close-up pics!
HummBebe
02-26-2007, 10:48 PM
Well, I meant that that WAS my favorite rack, and I did want one....but then my H2O appeared....and now I don't need it. Sorry. But I did like it very much.
f5fstop
02-27-2007, 12:27 AM
that is a nice looking rack. What's Amstar get for it....5K?
CrisB
02-27-2007, 12:47 AM
that is a nice looking rack. What's Amstar get for it....5K?

I'm not even gonna bother finding out, gotta be way overpriced.
evldave
02-27-2007, 01:47 AM
If you are going to keep the spare tire, the only mounting points you have (other than hinges, which are pretty much impossible) will be the 4 bolts going into the door. Dillemma there is clearance to outside the tire (between tire and door), I was thinking 1/4 aluminum flat bar (I don't think 1/2" will fit), but that will flex under load unless the rack itself is resting on the tire, in which case you are gonna get hop off the tire when going over bumps. Maybe AL tubing, but that's gonna half to be tiny too and I don't know if it would help with the hopping off the tire (even with supports like in the picture). I never could figure out a mounting system I thought would hold up under offroad conditions.

Dillemma #2 (and yes, I know I'm spelling dillemma wrong, but I'm too lazy to check in word right now, of course I'm not too lazy to write this entire sentence, but screw it it's monday). Weight - I know that my current bike rack that mounts to the rear gate instead of the tire, holding two bikes approximately 16" off the back of the door at about the same height as the top of the tire DOES make the rear sheet metal flex a little when going over curbs, mall parking lots, rocks, etc. It hasn't caused any problems, but if you have a rack like that, and have the spare tire, and load it with a whole ton of weight (like I always do with every rack I have) I would actually start getting a little concerned. I think there are people w/a single jerry can mounted, but a nice looking rack like that just screams hi-lift, 2 jerry cans, fire extinguisher, and toolbox. And that means $600 for a near rear gate.

So I'm at a loss, and I've been trying to think of something since I bought it. If you come up with something that works, let me know, I'd love to try it out for ya!
evldave
02-27-2007, 01:49 AM
Also, is it me or are the two metal plates at the bottom floor of that rack in the picutre not symetically placed in the floor? It looks like the left plate is closer to the side than the right plate. hmmm, go figure...:confused:
CrisB
02-27-2007, 02:17 AM
It aint you, evldave...I noticed that too.

You bring up good point on the strength of the rear door, maybe I'll consider an additional mounting point at one of the spare tire lugs...but the whole idea was to make it so the tire comes off easy for any flats, without other tools. I can see if I make it too big & strong, it'll be heavy & hang hard on the door. And the way I weld stuff up, it won't be light.

I could maybe figure a way so it sits on the spare tire, but the tire will still come off & on without any trouble...
CrisB
03-02-2007, 09:21 PM
Not too hard to make, nice & sturdy, just what I needed! If you want something done right, do it yourself.
stagger_lee
03-02-2007, 09:51 PM
Just in case you didn't already have enough trouble seeing out the back window, you too can be driving blind. :beerchug:

I think they look great by the way, but...
usetosellhummer
03-02-2007, 10:13 PM
uh is that a car behind you? better have a back up cam if your doing that
CrisB
03-02-2007, 10:26 PM
Had to remove that useless rear wiper to get it to fit, you can't see out the back window anyway! I've always got my back stuffed full on roadtrips, or a trailer on, I'm used to backing up blindly.
Steve - SanJose
03-02-2007, 10:54 PM
The things people do to avoid an "open container" violation. Just kidding. :D

Cool. Looks functional.
evldave
03-02-2007, 11:58 PM
Not too hard to make, nice & sturdy, just what I needed! If you want something done right, do it yourself.

OK, so a little more info buddy. I like the downpiece that mounts to the back of the tire, how did you mount the door side of the rack. Looks like 3/4" steel, what thickness (I'm guessing 0.060 is thick enough). DETAILS DETAILS and PICTURES!!:jump:
wpage
03-03-2007, 12:53 AM
Chris,
Good show. Use your back up cam to see whats gaining on you if you care!:fdance:
Desert Dan
03-03-2007, 01:36 AM
In that weather who needs an ice chest:)
Just kidding
SR1355
03-03-2007, 03:42 PM
As usual Cris... "YOU ROCK" If I'd just get of my lazy ass I'd weld me one up...

Are we having a pre-MOAB meet... I'm packed and ready to go...
CrisB
03-05-2007, 03:19 AM
As usual Cris... "YOU ROCK" If I'd just get of my lazy ass I'd weld me one up...

Are we having a pre-MOAB meet... I'm packed and ready to go...

Dude, I'm sooooo ready. Welded up my UCP a few weeks ago, ordered my RR rails last week. Call me, let's meet up soon for lunch & a trail discussion! :beerchug:
CrisB
03-05-2007, 03:24 AM
OK, so a little more info buddy. I like the downpiece that mounts to the back of the tire, how did you mount the door side of the rack. Looks like 3/4" steel, what thickness (I'm guessing 0.060 is thick enough). DETAILS DETAILS and PICTURES!!:jump:

Dave, I'll get close-ups uploaded soon for you. Yes, it was 3/4 square stock, thick-wall (1/8, I think). Two angled pieces at door mount to the two top bolts on the spare mount, then the rear piece forms the tripod to keep it sturdy. I flattened off a lugnut to hold the bar well at the spare tire, and a wingnut at top to make it removeable without any special tools.
CrisB
03-05-2007, 04:35 AM
Here it is with no tire.
CrisB
03-05-2007, 04:40 AM
Here's the door mount...3/4 steel square tube, tabs welded to the ends & drilled to fit. Top two bolts are exactly 8" apart, but the right-hand bolt sits 3/8" higher than the left one does...go figure, what happened to symmetry?
CrisB
03-05-2007, 04:42 AM
Single rear mount goes to lower lugnut on spare, top is held with a lock washer & wingnut for easy removal. Bolt welded into rack.
CrisB
03-05-2007, 04:48 AM
Side shot of window clearance. I welded the door mount tubes on at a 90 degree angle down, but it sits too close & I had to remove wiper. I think I'll cut 'em back off & re-weld about 15 degrees more angled back, so the rack sits further away & the wiper fits back on....but then I'll have to make a new rear post to adjust for the change. This one's good, but it could be made a litte better!
Hunner
03-05-2007, 06:42 AM
"Not too hard to make, nice & sturdy, just what I needed! If you want something done right, do it yourself." AMEN!
When I pull my H3 on a trailer or pull my enclosed utility trailer I can't see anything in the windshield rearview or pulling sailboats with the truck its strictly side mirrors. 18 wheeler same thang good buddy. Using an icechest in those conditons keeps your beer from freezing. Duh even us Southern Arkys know that. Some of you guys must not get out much. Here hold my beer, watch this.
Great job CB ya wanna trade your final style for some of my skids? Your on the list. I figure you got some labor in there and material and shipping should be about the same. Us fabricator inventors will rule!
Dang the torpedoes full speed ahead who cares about back there when rolling. Use side mirrors. You should get out and look anyway when backing. I think I will get me one of those "if you can't see my mirrors I can't see you" stickers and "keep back 200 feet or I will break your windshield" stickers anyway.
I got to have my back wiper so when I have Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band playing I can fire it up! Driving my life away..........
CrisB
03-05-2007, 01:52 PM
Great idea, PM sent.
H3.007
03-05-2007, 03:15 PM
Awesome idea. I was almost ready to throw cash when I realized it wouldn't work with the cover on. BUT - Would it be possible to create the same rack, except with bottom, curved braces to fit flush on top of the tire? That way those with covers could also use it and it would have the same stability. Also, could it be made to be as long as the entire rear door and perhaps have racks that hang beside the tire as well? You could really be onto something here.... :jump::jump::jump::jump:
BACKNBLACK
03-05-2007, 07:04 PM
Is thier enough clearance for a 35" Spare?
CrisB
03-06-2007, 03:01 AM
Awesome idea. I was almost ready to throw cash when I realized it wouldn't work with the cover on. BUT - Would it be possible to create the same rack, except with bottom, curved braces to fit flush on top of the tire? That way those with covers could also use it and it would have the same stability. Also, could it be made to be as long as the entire rear door and perhaps have racks that hang beside the tire as well? You could really be onto something here.... :jump::jump::jump::jump:

Sure man, you could make it however you want! I'm not making these for sale, just showing off what I thought up. Barter, now that's different...what do you have that I need?
CrisB
03-06-2007, 03:02 AM
Is thier enough clearance for a 35" Spare?

Yup, I'm still planning on putting 35's on, so I added an inch to the top.
H3.007
03-06-2007, 05:54 PM
Sure man, you could make it however you want! I'm not making these for sale, just showing off what I thought up. Barter, now that's different...what do you have that I need?

I have a chrome grill....

Otherwise, I might just be willing to buy a custom made version - I don't have the fabrication tools or I might just attempt it myself :beerchug: