Best way to fit a full size spare in the boot

[tigger73]

Just added a top layer of 3mm MDF and then double-sided taped everything together.

See edit to post #8 above

[Transporter]

Good job!
Did you take the picture how high was the floor before?
I use the woodworking glue for bonding the polystyrene foam.

[tigger73]

Good job!
Did you take the picture how high was the floor before?
I use the woodworking glue for bonding the polystyrene foam.

I thought I had a photo of the original floor sitting on top of the full size spare but can't seem to find it. The original floor used to sit up from the boot lip and now the new floor is slightly lower which is a big improvement.

All I have on top of the wheel now is some 3mm MDF and auto carpet so it's about as low as you're going to get with a full size spare. I did try without the 3mm MDF but then you got some lumpy bits over the tyre so added the MDF - $7 for a 1200x900 sheet so money well spent.

Also the MDF on top protects the polystyrene so it's probably worth it just for that.

If it comes apart then I'll try using soem PFA glue.

[tigger73]

OK. Here's a few "before" and "after" photos.

Original is just for reference with the space saver (stock):



Now with the full size wheel and the original flooring sitting on top:



After mods:




Here's the boot lip level view with full size wheel and "orginal" floor sitting on top:



And after fitting the new floor, the carpet now sits just under the height of the boot lip:




So it was a bit of effort but for around $300 I've now got a full size spare(second hand) and new boot floor. Certainly a worthwhile addition given that I do a fair bit of country driving and the occasional 100km on dirt.

Though (touch wood) I've never had a flat in 15months / 35,000km of driving.

[MGV]

Good work & thanks for the inspiration!

Got a flat the other day & it was a bit of a worry driving just 1km to have it repaired on the space saver as i was quite loaded up, was being a 'removalist' at the time!

As a side note, from now on, if & when i ever get another flat, i am going to offer the repair shop $10 on top of their repair price to not scratch my rims, as i now have a deepish scrape around each of the 10 spokes on an otherwise 'as new' wheel...

[tigger73]

Good work & thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks. At least someone appreciates my work. My wife couldn't understand why I spent all the time and energy just to drop the boot floor a few centimetres - she said she couldn't even notice the difference

Got a flat the other day & it was a bit of a worry driving just 1km to have it repaired on the space saver as i was quite loaded up, was being a 'removalist' at the time!

Have you ever looked at the load rating of that space saver?

I would worry about putting too much side load on the thing and popping it off the rim if you go around a corner just a little too quick.

As a side note, from now on, if & when i ever get another flat, i am going to offer the repair shop $10 on top of their repair price to not scratch my rims, as i now have a deepish scrape around each of the 10 spokes on an otherwise 'as new' wheel...

Bugger.

[towbar]

Tigger 73,
You have done a good job there retaining the original fit and look to the boot area. Having just done a bush trip, I must say the full size spare does ease some concerns associated with such travel. A question, the standard stubby radio antenna provides poor reception outside the metro area, do you know of any options in that area. Thanks, Alan.

[tigger73]

Tigger 73,
You have done a good job there retaining the original fit and look to the boot area. Having just done a bush trip, I must say the full size spare does ease some concerns associated with such travel.

Yes I see a full-size spare as a bit of an insurance policy when outside metro area.

A question, the standard stubby radio antenna provides poor reception outside the metro area, do you know of any options in that area. Thanks, Alan.

Actually this is the reason I haven't changed antennas from the standard "whip" antenna. I've looked at the various sharkfin and stubby options around, however think that they would be worse in terms of antenna gain/reception so I've stayed "stock".

If you're serious about wanting decent radio reception in remote areas I'd suggest installing a purpose built aftermarket antenna something like: AM/FM Radio Vehicle Mount Mobile Antennas: The largest and best range in Australia - ZCG Scalar

[TobyJ82]

Desvejk,

Could you repost the picture? Doesn't seem to be working and would love to see the setup. I've had my car 6 months and had two flats already, and the space saver is a right royal pain. The speed rating of 80km/h is severe inconvenience when you need to get around and use the freeway.

[JohnoC]

Thanks for sharing the photo's, I'm now on the hunt for a spare full-size tyre for 'the Quan'! It's a lack of a full-size tyre that has played on my mind wheneverwe decide 'not' to venture too far off the beaten track. cheers