Spare Tire Under the Bed - 1956 3100

[lts70]

I am wanting to stow a spare tire under the bed on a 1956 3100. Is there a good downer vehicle to get the mechanism from. I thought I read somewhere that an s-10 may work. Any help would be appreciated.
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[Highsider]

I don't know much about a pu and my panel came with one, but here is an idea.
Back when I was twenty, I had a '69 Ford Econoline that I cut the inside spare mount, which has a curved end, welded a gate hinge to it, with an appropriate ready-rod, nut and large washer...
Bingo...easy to use under body tire carrier.

[Divine 59]

On my 59 the spare is held exactly where you are talking about. I think it is a factory location. Essentially, all you need is a piece of all thread either 7/16" or 1/2" diameter, the large "arm" that cradles the tire and a flat piece of metal to act as a block to prevent the all thread from spinning. Here is a picture of my (as far as I know) original set up. At least it was this way when I acquired the truck.

[Daze57]

yes sir that is the same et up i have on my 57

[lts70]

Are the originals reproduced by anyone?
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[mark '87 930]

you can generally get one used. I purchased mine used up here in Canada from a place called Bill's Trucks (http://www.billstruckshop.com/). Bill's a great guy and will get you what you need, that said, you're in the US and should be able to source one more locally (there are tons of Chevy's in the US).

I think i paid $75 for EVERYTHING (Shipped to my door). Sure it was used, but i got the support member, threaded rod, bolt and securing nut. I've since installed it and there are factory bolt holes for it in the frame. I hated having my spare in the bed all the time so this was great (and cheap).

[mark '87 930]

You can actually still purchase one from LMC i believe.
Take a look at http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=24
i know it's listed under a different year truck, but they are all the same I'm told.

[_Ogre]

those stock ones are a pain to get the tire up or down from.
if you're truck isn't 100% stock, i'd get a winch from any newer vehicle with an under mounted spare.
while new tires don't get flats like they did in the 70s, when a tire goes flat it's always at the worst time.

[OrrieG]

That is what my 59 had. First time I had to drop it I pulled the hardware and tossed the spare in the bed. Since it was a work truck I drilled a hole in the wood and chained it around the frame to keep it from walking away. New time I go into the attic inventory I will look and see if I still have the original bracket. I remember my wifes mid 90's Caravan having a winch to lower the spare. Handle hole is hidden under the carpet at the back door sill.