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Alternate spare tire location on 712 AMB?

Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 1:10 pm
by AZ_Mike
I have 33" tires on Transit wheels on my 712 AMB-S and love them. I like the wider stance from the transit wheels and the additional highway speed (I can maintain 62mph on a 2+% grade at 93 kmph on the spedo and can hit the 4500 limit at about 67mph on level ground). The conversion goes from 1.609 km/mi to 1.500 km/mi which is really easy to do in my head.

Unfortunately they do not fit in the spare tire compartment both with respect to diameter and width. A carrier on a modified bumper is one option unfortunately due to the location of the license plate this would have to be on the right side which is the main entry door. I would prefer not to have to open two things to look get in quickly (it would also trap passengers inside which is a major safety issue).

I am thinking about putting a metal plate on both sides of the door for reinforcement and mounting the spare tire on the door. However there would be a vertical support going from the spare tire mount downward just past the door which would interface with a striker plate mounted on the frame such that the load of the tire would not be carried by the hinges while the vehicle is in motion. I might also put on beefier staples on the locking rod so thise don't get beat up during acceleration (not that the Pinz has much acceleration.

Any feedback on that idea or alternatives?

Thanks, Mike

Re: Alternate spare tire location on 712 AMB?

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 10:31 am
by audiocontr
Above the cab? Always loved the look of a roof rack over the cab of an amb. Might be able to get away with a three point mounting system from antenna mast forward, to window frame bolts. I'm squirly if those two window frame bolts are strong enough. Others can weigh in

Re: Alternate spare tire location on 712 AMB?

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 10:18 pm
by AZ_Mike
Roof rack was my very first thought but then I started thinking about how I would get it down and up!

The screws above the windows are in thin metal with little screw engagement but I think they would be much stronger with rivnuts. Might even be able to step up screw size a bit.

Ideal is to come down to the winshield hinge.

Edit: those four bolts at the top of the windshield are pretty far apart you could add two more in between them and have four on each side for more strength especially with rivnuts.

Mike