The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed 1953 Chevrolet Truck spare tire side mount

So I’ve been looking for a forum here that would show illustrations on how to install the side mount spare tire bracket on the bed of my 1953.

Figured I’d give this section a shot (beds) if anyone has exact location or a template from the factory to show mount hole locations.
I know the side mount was first offered in 1953 but haven’t had any luck finding any info.

If you have this info or know where I could find it, please let me know.

Also, is there a forum here that would have illustrations/templates of factory mounting locations.

Such as the front bumper picket fence support bracket hole location, fog light hole location, passenger side exterior rear view mirror, side mount spare tire bracket &, well you get the point.

I have a couple of these already, but would be nice to find a on stop shop here for all that is needed to assure everyone building/restoring a Stovebolt, does it the correct way.
Meaning, drilling holes in the correct spot the first time.


Thanks in advance to any replies in this.
Make it a great day!

RaNfLas,

The only resource I have/know about for the side mount carrier installation is in the 1947-54 Factory Assembly Manuals (FAM). I have a reproduction which I refer to regularly.

I snapped a pic and attached it below to try and answer your question on the side mount install info.

Please make note that this picture/diagram shows the unit being mounted to a 1954-55.1 bed side panel, which is different from the 1953 and earlier beds (flat top rail VS angled top rail). Positioning of the mount to your '53 bed should be doable, with some adjustment for the differences in top rail angles.

Do you have an actual '53 side mount to install??? If you do, please post some pictures of the mount, as well as the installation process you use/finished project as I am sure many would appreciate seeing it.

Dan

PS - The FAM is probably the main source for all the various accessory installation instructions and diagrams. They are readily available from various vendors at fairly reasonable costs.

Thanks Dan.
Yes, this is the only diagram that I’ve found for the wheel carrier.
Kinda scratching my head on this one bevaothe spare tire side mount was first offered in 53, but the illustrations only show 54-55?
Very true, this book is the go to for all of us stovebolters.
And side by side with the GMC version, they both cover a few things that one or the other don’t have.

After I did this post, I went out to the garage & actually put the tire mount up against the bed side.
In comparison to pictures & diagrams that I’ve been looking at, it is pretty self-explanatory, where the side mount should go.
I’ll take some pictures as I go along & share them here.

GM aftermarket products for the A.D. came with individual instructions & templates for installation.
If my memory is correct? the FAM does not cover some of these.
Spotlight, foglights, exterior passenger side rear view mirror, passenger side interior visor, bumper & grill guards & windshield washer kit, hood ornament….



Thanks Dan for your time.

Notice that the date on that drawing that Dan posted is mid-year 53 (meaning 54 Model Year), as is everything else in the FAM. The side mount spare bracket may have been offered in 53 but would have been slightly different to account for the sloped top bedside.
Other than that side mount, the FAM doesn't have anything on the bed, as well as some of the accessories you mentioned. There is an accessory catalog floating around somewhere (one of the old guard stovebolters has posted pics from it) which might show some of the accessories. Not published to buy though.