The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop bed side spare tire mount?

It seems like I read that 53 was the first year for the side mount spare. My 52 has holes in the bed side for the mount. I was wondering if it was an option before 53. Does anyone know if the braces that mount to the outside front of the bed and go into the top bed roll are for sale anywhere?

Thanks
Neil

Neil,

1953 was the first year for this factory option (it was installed at the factory on the driver's side).

Hand-made, after-market braces were sold for a while but are no longer available. Sets show up every so often on eBay. You might also try Jim Carter and Bowtie Bits for a used assembly. A fellow named MotherTrucker mothertruckeraz@aol.com sold me a real nice 1954 assembly (you want a 53 assembly for a 47-53 bed). If you have a short bed, you'll need a special (or adapted) rear fender.

Tim

That is what I thought. I was curious why my 52 bed had the holes on both sides where the mount should go. Thanks for the info.

Neil