John - It turns out I've been neglectful in my research on the spare tire carriers for 1950 and before. Sorry
Below is a screenshot snagged from fellow Bolter
Harold46's reply in another on-topic thread that shows all the parts/pieces for the 1941-46 1/2 ton spare tire carrier.
Looks like you are missing #3 in his picture which sandwiches the spare between the lower strap and it, studs through the center of spare tire wheel opening and secured with the lug nuts.
It's been bugging me for a while that I was missing something.
Finally dawned on me when I did a new Stovebolt search and that thread popped up. Hope I've fixed my oops.
PS - I moved your thread to the GTT as that's the better place for the topic.
