The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Opinions wanted for spare tire

I would like opinions on two things:
I want to change my 57 3100 to a spare tire mount on the side instead of underneath as originally designed. I think I can get a new fender with the cut out at the Truck Shop in California. Or I might be able to get one used. I am putting this truck back to orginal so I am torn about this. It will be an original change but not original to THIS truck. What is your opinions on doing this?
Also, I have found a used hanger bracket for the spare in Wisconsin for $30.00 plus shipping. Is this a good price? Are there new ones available? I like the look of this setup but I want do the right thing. I value your views on this. Thank you.

I think that some of the guys have been unhappy with the noise that comes from the side mount, but I don't have experience with it. You might try a search of the archives if no one answers.

Kevs57: I'm considering the same change for my 57. I bought a used bracket for about the same price as you. I have heard that some of the larger truck parts distributors have new units but they're pricey. I don't remember which ones. I bought a fender off e-Bay. It's repairable but I haven't tackled it yet.

Baldy: I'd be curious to know more about the noise issue. What's it from?

I would imagine that the noise comes from the tire rubbing on the fender and squeaking. I would think that some kind of material could be placed in between to eliminate that.

Personally, I like the side mount if it is on the driver's side. That way it isn't blocking much view. It is much handier when you do have a flat and don't have to crawl under the truck and get quite as dirty.

The biggest problem I have with the side mounted tire is that it seems so many people never have a matching tire/rim. That makes them look bad. Many people use old tires for a spare also. Bald tires don't look so good when it's in view either.

I've got a side mount on my 58 Fleetside. I can't imagine having the spare tire mounted under the bed; it would be darned inconvenient when you had to change a flat. I also like the look of the spare mounted in the bed on the drivers side. My spare is mounted on an original rim the same as the other four rims on the truck. It's basically the same tire as the ones on the truck only with more tread as the current one has never been used to date. I suppose that when it comes time to get four new tires, I'll just get three and use one of the not so good tires as the spare and use the curent spare (with all of its wonderfull tread ) on the ground.

There was a genuine stock side mount fender in our local wrecking yard when I went there last month for a small part. I was not shopping for one, but the fender seemed to have normal rust for a No. Calif. truck and no major dents. If it's still there and you're still interested, the yard's phone no. is (707) 463-1891. Ask for Wayne; he handles the vintage parts. Those clutch head fender screws are usually rusted solid and he would have to torch them off. I could lend a hand if you need help with shipment.

Well, well, a '57, eh? Better scratch that last post. This fender was on about a '53. Won't help, will it? Sorry. If anyone with a '47-'55 is interested, the rest of what I said is ok.