Cool cool... didn't realize you required clearance. Your idea to build another wedge sounds pretty good and you'll get above and below space... you might even be able to make the lower section securable. Maybe do some expanded to keep the weight down.

 

So,,, I spent yesterday with my fab guy with 2 goals. 1) make a new tie rod to replace the one I folded last week 2) Make a storage shelf for the rear tub area, above the tire. This was an idea spurned by Abendix's suggestion. Thx man

I did not re work the spare carrier because I like how it sits/looks. Since the shelf will only be in the jeep during overnight wheeling trips, when camping equipment is needed, Im not concerned with the weight which will be on the shelf. Plus, raising the tire 10" to create a shelf below would have the same effect of raised center gravity.

So we reworked the high-lift jack mount. It actually sits lower than it did before, and now the bolts holding it are straight up rather than angled down like before (It made it difficult to mount in the prior configuration). The shelf is 30"x40" and sits on two forward posts welded onto the front, lower rim of the shelf. The posts are on top of tabs that sit in the channel of the hi-lift and held down with 1/2" wing nuts. The rear of the shelf rests on the lip of the spare, and I will use a tie down attached to the spare rack to secure it against the spare.
All thats left is to decide on what i will end up using as a floor for the shelf.

All I can say is its nice to have a friend with a bender and plasma table!!

 

I like the tray.. about how much weight does this add?.

 

I'd estimate 10-12 lbs.

 

I prefer the custom job.. but at one time we did have the Highrock version and I can't recall how heavy it was.. I just know that the frame and brackets were extremely heavy and nearly rusted away. I was making amends to this by adding lacrosse poles instead of steel..

 

Ya,, the 2" flat stock was actually overkill,, weight was the whole reason we cut out the ovals.

 

What the planned method of coating or painting there after?

 

Well, I actually like the bluing the welds caused,, so I may clear coat it,, if not it will most likely be black. Either way,, since it is a shelf and will see abuse,, I will shell out the $ to powder coat it.

 

Agreed.. great work.. Wife has actually said she wants to take up welding.. 40 years of soldiering.. she wants to move to the next level. Could this be something that you'd make a template for?

 

Not really,, I already forget the measurements for where we started some of the bends. However, I can say it is fairly simple. Just make 2 identical rectangles then separate them by either flat stock like I did,, or you could use the same tubing. Cut the tubes, or buy whatever size flat stock you want the depth of your shelf to be. Then cut and notch the tubes for the floor grid. Just make sure you have a flat work table to clamp the structure flat as you weld it,, otherwise it will warp.