The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Spare tire rack under bed.

My 50 chevy 3100 short bed has the original slide in/out type spare tire holder under the bed. I want to use it but I lost the pin. I want to manufacture a pin and I was hoping someone could tell me the diameter and length of the pin?

I've got a '49 with the spare tire under the bed. I have no idea how original it is, but can take a picture and tell you what I have if nobody else responds.

Sorry but what exactly is "the pin"?

Before I climb under the truck to get your dimensions, I thought I should ensure we're talking about the same spare tire holder. As I reread your original question saying "slide in/out" type I wasn't convinced I have what you're referring to.

Here's a couple pictures. http://1drv.ms/1HknhRf

Is this the same one you're referring to? If so, which pin are you referring to?

...pin...


Couldn't you just measure the receiver rail?

DADS50 - that is what I call the pin on my carrier.

OK, it's the small rod or pin on the brace that the spare is bolted to, which slides up and down the fixed brace. If so, I can measure mine but not 100% certain that all spare tire braces were made the same. I think mine is a repro so all bets are off.

Thus I agree with DADS50 to just measure the ID and width of the fixed brace to see what is the largest diameter pin that could be used.

Thanks guys, I am referring to the pin that slides on the angled portion of the spare tire rack under the bed. I can figure it out and make my measurements from what I have. I was thinking it may be in a book someone has but those details may not exist any place. Thanks you for all your previous help with my project!

Yeah, its a GIGANTIC cotter pin. Ive never seen a cotter pin that big. Good luck on your search. Maybe McMaster-Carr has them?

McMaster-Carr doesnt seem to have any that long, nor Grainger. Check with Bowtie Bits in Wichita, KS. Any vendor that sells used parts may have them. You can always get some 3/16" steel rod from the local hardware store, drill a hole at each end for a cotter hairpin. It would be a more elegant solution than stock.

The cotter Pin you are referring to is 5" long X 1/4"Dia..
They can be ordered from Grainger:
http://www.grainger.com/category/pins/fasteners/ecatalog/N-8lx?redirect=Cotter+Pin
Harold

3/16? 5 inches long? If it is 1/4" and Gus is wrong, even after he deleted his post, I don't see it at Grainger. Can you give us the exact link? I would order a few of them. Mine are always in really poor condition. Thanks!

Did we ever establish exactly which 'pin' the original poster
was asking about????
Gus has pretty much posted great pictures of all the 'pins'
that one of these would have.
The round pin that is at the top leg of the angle is pretty
easy to figure out:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/159630894/large
If.....you're shooting for originality, you could make the Saddle retainer cotter pin:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/159630893/large
If you are missing the hook, that to can be fabricated easily:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/159630923/large
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/121819654/large
dg

It's the cotter pin Denny. I can't seem to locate manufacturers who make them that big anymore. Perhaps that is why you have instruction on how to make them?

Cutting this one off an inch would be a lot easier than making one.
http://www.imperialsupplies.com/item/0707570

Imperial was bought out by WW Grainger a few years ago, and they took a lot of stuff out of the Grainger Book.

http://invest.grainger.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=76754&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1341704

Thats perfect Ken! McMaster-Carr didn't have them, Grainger, and Fastenal either. Thanks for doing the research!

Now when you figure out how to order from Imperial and you get
your package of 25, you can supply the group with monster
cotter pins Deve.
But count me out, next time I need one, I'm just gonna throw a
foot of 1/4" round stock up in the mill and take a couple of
passes, then make a bend around a 3/16 bolt and pinch it in
the vice. A lot faster for me than waiting for my package of
25 to arrive. Plating? Nah, who needs it, the original one on
mine wasn't plated to begin with.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/152675445
dg

Never thought a spare tire rack would get so much attention. LOL

Oh you haven't looked thru the archives Craig. There has been
tons of discussion about the spare tire carriers.
There is a certain group of people that care very much about
'restoration' of these old trucks on the 'bolt. Then there are
those people who's only concern is to keep them them running
and couldn't care less about originality.

dg

Agreed 100% Besides, I was only joking around.

I know you're no a greenie here Craig, but a newbie might not
know that some of us are into those tiny details. And those tiny
details are what keeps the hobby interesting.
I mean....a cotter pin....three pages of discussion???
dg

Well lets shoot for 4 pages. I am still trying to figure out what the purpose is for that cotter pin/slight swivel arrangement.
Carl

My guess would be that they needed it to slide to accommodate
different size tires Carl. The cotter pin was simply a cheap
inexpensive off the shelf way of retaining it. Could very easily
been a long clevis pin but then you would still need a second
part....a cotter pin.


Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Are there any other more modern trucks that have a similar rack that is compatible with our Stovebolts? This is a hidden, utilitarian item that I am not very "picky" about in a restoration to near-stock condition, so I may cut a corner here and look for something more findable at the local boneyard... if possible. Any suggestions?

Not sure what year truck you have but take a look at this

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1095900#Post1095900


I also read on another site a guy used a underbed carrier off a 1979 ford pickup

They sell aftermarket underbed spare tire carrier systems for the AD. At least Jim Carter was doing it for awhile, not sure if he still offers them. Going that route, you wouldn't have alot of fabrication to do. In truth, it wouldnt be that hard to design an underbed spare tire carrier. Rather than all of that sliding crap, you could just put a hinge on the back side. If that isnt your thing, a drawer slide. If I wasnt so busy already, I could draw something up.. so if I can do it, anyone can.

47-50 panel body spare holder

37-50 hook locking nut

37-50 hook

I agree. Even an extra 1" length to spread apart would not hurt anything except at a Concours show.

Harold