My tire and rim were damaged a few months ago. I'm holding out on replacing the spare Sahara 18" in hopes of picking up a full set of Rubicon 17". ANYONE? Until then I came up with this idea.





Started with 14 ga. sheet metal cut to 15 1/4" x 11 5/8"



Rounded the corners and drilled 4 of the holes for the spare tire bolts. I left half the bolts in to keep some space between the metal plate and the painted Jeep.



Then drilled the 4 holes for the third brake light and drilled a hole for the wiring to connect to the light and painted it black.



Here it is with light mounted to the plate.



And on the Jeep.



I covered the holes where the spare tire bumper things were located with some small black vinyl stickers I had laying around. <not pictured>
I like the new visibility and the lighter weight of the gate. The best thing is when I get a new set wheels everything can be put back to stock.

 

Nice mod and well done. I've got a set of Rubi wheels and tires in my basement but I can't convince myself to let them go for what most people are selling them for.

AEV has neat little plugs to go in the holes from your tire bumpers in the tailgate too. Of course they are $1800 but they come with the new rear bumper.

 

Love this mod. You can always go back to stock anytime. Sweet.