Geoff Dixon Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 I am about to remove the spare wheel carrier, using the search facility I have found a number of postings describing the best way to carry out this. Before I start hacking away at the metal tubing of the carrier is there any magical tool that will cut through this tubing giving a perfectly straight cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying kiwi Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 Try a hacksaw Kiwi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony isherwood Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 FWIWorth, My spare wheel carrier has been cut in such a way that the "other bit" takes metal rod and clevis pin so that the carrier can be put back when required. The tube is left on the car (approx 1 inch and can be used with slight mods to take the number plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjwb Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 Pipe cutter as used by the plumbing fraternity. This then leaves a perfectly square stub for reconnection and blanking plugs. Steve B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynicolson Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 Geoff I have Andy Murphy's photo's and text proceedure available if you e.mail me off line I'll send them through... Andy once again I hope this is OK with you! Tricks Y57 CDS "Mutley" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 Geoff, I'll go with sjwb on this one. A pipe cutter is the best tool. Zetec Rich knows where to get some nice rubber feet whih fit over the stump of the tubes and makes the finished job look fab. Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 Are there any legal issues with having two stubs of piping sticking out proud of the car? James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 They only stick out about 15mm!!! Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre Gillet Posted January 7, 2002 Share Posted January 7, 2002 With Andy's method (which I used), 4 bolts are used to secure a steel rod into the two chopped tube ends.These bolts ( in my case M7 galvanised carbon steel from a DIY supermarket!) withstand "shearing" constraints under acceleration and braking. Question: what would a better material spec: Stainless Steel, Titanium? Pierre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Checkley Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 Geoff, you can by a set of rubber feet in grey or black from B&Q or Homebase for a few quid which do a nice job of covering the stubs. I used the 19mm/ 3/4 inch ones. I also made a small plate which I hung from the spare wheel holder bush, (10mm bolt from memory). I then stuck another number plate to the it, so it made the change quick and neat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murph7355 Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 No problem distributing that stuff. If you think people can understand my descriptions! And a quiet word with Chelspeed will let you know where to get some superb bungs from that fit the ends just smart and make the job look finished (he might still have a few if you send him an SAE). When I can be bothered I'm going to look for some r-clips (the split pin type things with a round end to hold onto) to make it properly quick release. That said, I've only put it on once in 18mths or so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Dixon Posted January 9, 2002 Author Share Posted January 9, 2002 Here goes, about to cut the carrier off using pipe cutting tool then to decide where to mount the number plate.!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjwb Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 Geoff you have mail Steve B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxy Smith Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 Making the spare wheel carrier removable is a great idea. One issue that nobody has addressed is what do you do about illuminating the reg plate which presumably now stuck to the bodywork. If a lamp is fastened above the plate surely this will obstructe the wheel when you put the wheel carrier back on. Am I right, is it not a legal requirement to illuminate the rear plate?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murph7355 Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 I've used one the same as on the rack but fixed it to the hole that the spare wheel bolt goes into. It then removes when the carrier is in place and a spade connector sorts the connection out. It doesn't look as good as a clean rear panel, but unless you have it reskinned you're going to have to contend with that anyway. One plan still on the list is to find a really small but bright light that would be less obtrusive on the rear panel. But I never seem to get round to it. Pictures are on the 7gallery. Page 8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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