Swing style spare tire carrier for K5

[gchemist]

Ok, I've not seen this one but I know a guy, who knows a guy that has a K5. He is looking for swing style spare tire carrier for a K5. From the description it must be mounted on rear fender or bumber, not really sure. So far no catalogue I have even lists this type of carrier. I wonder if it's aftermarket. Anyone know? Anyone have one they want to pass on?

[GARMCo]

Hi-- these were a aftermarket dealer-installed option. I have seen two of them on Ebay in the last 6 weeks -- one was NOS. They made them for roughly 5-7 years and seem relatively easy to come by. However, you have to drill some pretty nasty holes in your truck to install the rack: six holes in the right rear quarter panel, and two in the taligate. Mine had the option, and I removed it. It puts an extra 125 lbs on your rear end, and tends to rattle a lot. But perhaps if you found an NOS unit or one in excellent shape you could eliminate the rattles. Good Luck-- Tommy

[gchemist]

Tommy,
The guy already has the holes in the fenders. That's why he is looking for a "stock" replacement. The guys for the 73-87 trucks posted a nice link to aftermarket stuff.
What did you search under ebay for the mounts?

[Grim Reaper]

What year was the K5? In the early to mid 70's there had a carrier with Cast aluminum brackets. By late 70's the cast brakets were replaced with a Steel bracket and being Supplied by Valley. Those are still available. That's the carrier JC Whitney sells. I installed on on my 79 and they are ok. Not the greatest but fron 33 or smaller they will do the job.

[gchemist]

The K5 is an 86. Thanks for the info on JCWhitney.

[gchemist]

Ttt.........