As most I didn't like the placement of the license plate, so this weekend my bro-in-law and myself finally got around to relocating it (after we installed the 1" MORE body lift- Thanks for the write up WOL- and the 1" bumper gap elimination -Thanks for the write-up SHORTBUS!!)

Went to Lowe's and bought an 12" x 18" metal plate. Make a template to cut the plate the fit over the existing "bump" in the tailgate where the spare tire mounts. Used existing tag holder to keep some sort of "factory feel and look". Basically just used a grinder and cut the odd shape holder down to a flat piece. We used power from the passenger side tail light, ran it along the existing cables that go to the tail gate. Drilled four hold to mount the tag holder to the plate and that's it. Since it was custom "sort of on the fly" it took us about 4-5 hours. But I really like the way it turned out.

Obviously I don't keep my spare tire on, but if I needed to, I could remove the plate and throw it on the spare if need be.

Here are some pics.... needs to be cleaned up...but it was late last night when we finished

 

I like the clean look and the centered plate! The only concern I have is you covered the vent on the gate. That is there to keep the buffetting of the windows and air in teh cabin down when you have the top on and a window down or cracked. Have you had any issues with pressure or buffetting in the cabin now that th vent is covered?

 

Consider using some pipe or crush sleeves to get it out a few inches from the cabin vent. I was planning the same setup, but might go to a tire carrier in a bit.

 

Haven't had top on yet as it is summertime But will let you know about the venting when I put the top on! We knew that was back there (from reading the forum) but I don't think it will make that big of a difference. If I experience any problems I will post!

 

No spare tire???

 

Looks good, I was wondering the same thing though

 

Im running the same setup on my gate right now. IMO the rear sheet metal and hinges are far too weak for even a stock bridgestone. Its either tire carrier bumper or toss it in the back for road trips or wheelin.

 

The way I look at it...I drive 12 miles to and from work all on freeways....chances of me haveing a flat are very slim, and if I do I have an emergency repait kit (and after today I will have an ARB compressor under the hood ) so if I do get a flat I can quickly plug it and air it back up. chances of having a blowout and needing a spare are very slim to none... and if it happens ...call the wife to bring me the spare

I think by not carring the extra 100-120 pounds, I could be saving maybe .5 miles per gallon....with me using a minimum 1500 gallons per year...that is getting me an extra 750 miles per year or nearaly 4 tanks of gas, at $50 per tank that is saving me $200 per year....and I use this logic to confuse myself into thinking that removing the spare tire lets me afford all the other mods

And when I have the top on, I have a custom made rooftop carrier that will support the tire up there, so when wheeling or road tripping the spare will ride on the top.