what do I do with the four holes in the tailgate?

ddonaho · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:19 pm

I wanted to get the spare tire off the tailgate so I built a roof rack and put the tire up there. I removed the spare tire bracket, stiffing bars and bolts that held the tire to the tailgate. Now I am wondering what to do with the 4 holes that are left.

I'm leaning towards fabricating a toolbox to mount using the existing holes. I would like to add a bracket for jerry a can also. Anybody done this?

FWIW the factory spare tire that came with my 06 limited crd weighs 42.5 lbs. The spare tire bracket weighs about 7.5lbs. I figure I can easily hang at least 50lbs of stuff there. In fact I think I can go higher because I think my toolbox will hug the tailgate closer and be more compact. I'm trying to avoid hanging over the bumper and interfering with the hitch. (that's why I moved the tire in the first place.)

I've toyed with simply bolting a couple of ammo boxes back there (waterproof would be nice)
I've toyed with a "basket" design made out of expanded steel. I thought about making it round (at least the bottom) so the spare tire cutout in the bumper doesn't look so stupid. (must not buy nice steel bumper...must not buy nice steel bumper...must not buy nice steel bumper...)

Any ideas would be apreciated.

Doss

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:23 pm

Buy the nice steel bumper :twisted:

I like the jerry can idea myself. And post up some pics of your stuff if you havn't already.

Gris · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:01 pm

some of the Libbys I've seen have gotten a large JEEP vinyl that takes up most of the tailgate. a little paint and silicon to prevent rust and keep water out under a big vinyl JEEP would work.

Or just bondo them closed and try to match the paint.

PS Post some pics of the tire in the rack. I'd love to see how it looks up there.

ddonaho · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 8:19 pm

Nice Tral Rated badge.
You got any more?

JMLoughrey · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 8:21 pm

i'd say put in some of those back up sensors to take up the holes

ddonaho · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 8:24 pm

Whatsa behind me is not important.

Gris · **Posted:** Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:03 pm

This one...?

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=12025

you missed it by like a week

JMLoughrey · **Posted:** Thu Nov 30, 2006 12:51 am

ddonaho wrote:

Whatsa behind me is not important.

It is when it gets hit

Milner · **Posted:** Thu Nov 30, 2006 11:35 am

Gris wrote:

some of the Libbys I've seen have gotten a large JEEP vinyl that takes up most of the tailgate. a little paint and silicon to prevent rust and keep water out under a big vinyl JEEP would work.

Or just bondo them closed and try to match the paint.

PS Post some pics of the tire in the rack. I'd love to see how it looks up there.

Don't use silicone....Paint will NOT stick to silicone. Go to an auto body supply and get some seem sealer....sandable and paintable.

what do I do with the four holes in the tailgate?

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