Thanks folks for your input. The tire mount is indeed on the driver's bedside - right behind the cab. Is the grommet necessary? Probably not except it does make the whole thing look a little finished. I too considered making my own. I restored a CJ2A a few years ago and had to make a larger grommet smaller with some strategic cutting with an exact-o knife. The grommet suggested above by klhansen looks workable to me! I'll order some up and see what happens. I appreciate your help - you guys always come through. Tim-o