BladeRunnerZero6 TireGate Build

Pinmonkey05

Pinmonkey05

New member
Goals
1)relocate full-size spare
2)Not spend 2Grand$
3)Maintain factory receiver hitch for camper
4)Not bumper a replacement
5)Minimize amount of bumper cover cut off

Goals reached so far:
*Haven’t spent 2Grand
*Maintained the factory receiver

Hurtles so far:
Stitches from losing to my hand grinder.
Cut off more than I wanted (bumper cover/not appendages)



Measure 50 times, Cut 3 times. Words to live by!

44879624011_c9c85bb9fa_k.jpg
[/url]IMG_0802 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr[/IMG]

Cut finally:
IMG_0805 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

The rear crossmember bumper is not straight. I added two mounting points that were inline with the center of the crossmember. The Tire Swing "Plate" is 3/16" thick sheet that I had a local metal shop "break"/bend. (6" top / 6" back / 3") bottom.

I welded a Grade 8 Nut on a washer inside of the channel.(not pictured) It works pretty good.
IMG_1359 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

My plate cut and mocked up.
I liked the bent/broke sheet metal over some other options because it matched the body lines. IMG_1358 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

Holes drilled/First of many test fits. IMG_1360 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

The toyota Factory spacer/receiver hitch bracket made for a nice reusable bracket. I ended up cutting about 2" off the top and welded it to my Swing Plate.

IMG_1363 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr
welded
IMG_1364 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

I Was cleaning up the factory paint on the receiver metal w/a hand grinder. It caught and jumped hard and fast out of my hands. Ended up biting my finger pretty good. Had a short intermission to the ER. Stitches and return to conquer.


Finished ER visit and Boxed in the end with 1/8" metal
IMG_1362 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

Remounted for the next step. (Trying to cram 50lbs of S in a 10lb bag)Or tire placement. I used a 4X4innovations hinge for the swing. (I actually was inspired by: Inv4drZm's build.) A standard Tire swing spindle only works if you can have it to the right or left of the tailgate/rear hatch... I did not want to cut that much out of my bumper cover. I will also add on that note that the strength of the cover at this point is still very nice.

Back to the 4x4innovations mount. Its better for my application b/c my swing starts inside and below my rear hatch.
IMG_1371 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

Removed again. And spent a while trying to decide the proper height of the entire swing arm. It went well/ Just time consuming. IMG_1372 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr
 
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Main plate back on to start working on the swing.
I just tacked everything at this point.
IMG_1376 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

Since my swing hinge is not underneath the pass.brake light that puts the tire out away from the hinge a lot further then I like. But it'll work until it doesn't. After opening and closing and readjusting I finally just committed.

I lucked out and used a left over spare tire mount off our PJ trailer that we cut off. The lugs actually lined up to the toyota pattern.

So far I am liking the height of the tire. Not too high and not to low. I think the bottom of the tire is 28-30" off the floor.
IMG_1378 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr

First time side view. I just leveled it with the world. I know that a lot of people angle the tire in some and I like that also... but I hope to add a HighLift jack behind the spare. Time will tell.
IMG_1379 by Derek dhodgee, on Flickr
 
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Are you going to include the cost of the ER visit as part of your build...that kind of sucks. Guess anything can happen when we're working on our builds. I always feel like I have to be super careful when cutting anything off my cars. I'm always scared to use power cutting tools but still have to other wise I'm sitting there forever with a hacksaw.
 
That'll look nice once its painted. Better than mine.

As for fabrication power tools, always wear thick leather gloves that go up to your elbows, safety glasses/goggles that reach around your face and a full face shield where possible. I have used regular safety glasses when cutting/grinding and I have had sparks hit my eye. I went to the ER because it hurt to blink for hours, and the doctor brushed my eye with a needle to make sure there wasn't a bit of metal lodged in the crater the hot spark left in my eye. I won't soon forget that.
 
tv4184 said:
Are you going to include the cost of the ER visit as part of your build...that kind of sucks. Guess anything can happen when we're working on our builds. I always feel like I have to be super careful when cutting anything off my cars. I'm always scared to use power cutting tools but still have to other wise I'm sitting there forever with a hacksaw.
Click to expand...

I have pretty killer ins. So it wasn’t much.
I’ve always worked with my hands, farm work, and work a fairly dangerous job... and this is my first “real” (it’s pretty minor) “injury”.
 
I actually had a sliver of metal lodged in my eye for several days before going to the ER. My eyes are dark brown and the sliver was in that area so I couldn’t see it until it started to rust. The Dr. used a small reamer to cut it out. That was memorable for sure.

Carrier looks good so far. Interested to see how it turns out.
 
awesome - having been into mostly cars in the past, i wish i knew id get into this scene and take up welding...never too late to start i guess.
 
I love this one. May have to attempt it. That long piece that covers the end of the frame and looks bumper-ish is the key. I hope I still have welding skills...
 
gfluff said:
I love this one. May have to attempt it. That long piece that covers the end of the frame and looks bumper-ish is the key. I hope I still have welding skills...
Click to expand...

Thanks. The body lines matched up nicely.
I understand why guys just weld to the factory crossmember. But I can have it off in a short amount of time. And if I ever Nut up and try a full replacement, I can just tie it all in!

So far I’m loving it. It is Rock solid. There is no noise or vibration at this point.

I wish I would have added my own receiver hitch. But that can be added fairly easy. But then I would need to switch up my factory exhaust as well.




I have a couple things to add to the swing... I will hopefully jump on that soon.
Plus I’m going to make a roof rack hopefully before summer.
 
Pinmonkey05 said:
Thanks. The body lines matched up nicely.
I understand why guys just weld to the factory crossmember. But I can have it off in a short amount of time. And if I ever Nut up and try a full replacement, I can just tie it all in!

So far I’m loving it. It is Rock solid. There is no noise or vibration at this point.

I wish I would have added my own receiver hitch. But that can be added fairly easy. But then I would need to switch up my factory exhaust as well.




I have a couple things to add to the swing... I will hopefully jump on that soon.
Plus I’m going to make a roof rack hopefully before summer.
Click to expand...

Just clarifying-6 bolts hold the frame cover piece to the frame? 4 in the middle, 2 on the outside edges on the spacers?
 
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