Thinking about removing the spare wheel...
Discussion
My 98 roadsport currently has a spare wheel and carrier.
Pros:
It gives that classic Caterham look.
I have a spare if a puncture occurred.
Cons:
I prefer the superlight racer look
It traps dirt
Makes getting into the boot a faff
Weight
Is it an easy removal? Anyone done it?
Appreciate that there is a hole which will need filling, but I'm planning some stickers so should be able to make good.
Finally, to those of you who run wheel-less, would you tour to the alps / ring with nothing but a can if tyre weld?
Pros:
It gives that classic Caterham look.
I have a spare if a puncture occurred.
Cons:
I prefer the superlight racer look
It traps dirt
Makes getting into the boot a faff
Weight
Is it an easy removal? Anyone done it?
Appreciate that there is a hole which will need filling, but I'm planning some stickers so should be able to make good.
Finally, to those of you who run wheel-less, would you tour to the alps / ring with nothing but a can if tyre weld?
Did it when I first got mine (98 supersport)
carefully saw the carrier off with a hacksaw (32 teeth blade so its neat), use a jubilee clip as a cutting guide and the cut will be nice and square. leave a bit of stub, say 40-50mm and that way you can use two peices of bar at a later date to make a removable carrier for touring. Use a plastic bicycle handle bar end bung from halfords to plug the 2 stubs. Use a wheel centre cap badge to neatly stick over the spare wheel hole. Stick the number plate to the tail using velcro pads. Get the number plate light and bracket from Caterham and you are done.
regards
Mark
carefully saw the carrier off with a hacksaw (32 teeth blade so its neat), use a jubilee clip as a cutting guide and the cut will be nice and square. leave a bit of stub, say 40-50mm and that way you can use two peices of bar at a later date to make a removable carrier for touring. Use a plastic bicycle handle bar end bung from halfords to plug the 2 stubs. Use a wheel centre cap badge to neatly stick over the spare wheel hole. Stick the number plate to the tail using velcro pads. Get the number plate light and bracket from Caterham and you are done.
regards
Mark
I have to say although my Nissan has no spare just a can of tyre weld and mini compressor it makes me feel uneasy.
My experience with leak stop liquids is not good, and if they are succesful in stopping the leak this encourages you to drive on until you can get it fixed, I am not sure how the insurance company will view that and I will bet my last pound that the leak stop manufacturers wont accept any responsibility for subsequent loss or damageif you put it in a drive on.
My experience with leak stop liquids is not good, and if they are succesful in stopping the leak this encourages you to drive on until you can get it fixed, I am not sure how the insurance company will view that and I will bet my last pound that the leak stop manufacturers wont accept any responsibility for subsequent loss or damageif you put it in a drive on.
I've done something similar to Elan fan, but I borrowed a decent pipe cutter to ensure a decent cut.
My inspiration came from this set of instructions.
I also found out the an old bit of cycle wing stay fitted perfectly inside the wheel carrier tube and was suitable for joining the 2 bits back together again. Although I spot-welded the 'cycle-stay' bit into the wheel carrier to ensure a clean 'join' when re-fitting.
As I run with 185/70/13 Yoko 21s (doubt they're common on the Continent) I always carry a spare wheel abroad for our annual tour/trip. At home in UK the spare wheel carrier is seldom used. I just use a blind grommet to put in the hole in the rear skin.
My inspiration came from this set of instructions.
I also found out the an old bit of cycle wing stay fitted perfectly inside the wheel carrier tube and was suitable for joining the 2 bits back together again. Although I spot-welded the 'cycle-stay' bit into the wheel carrier to ensure a clean 'join' when re-fitting.
As I run with 185/70/13 Yoko 21s (doubt they're common on the Continent) I always carry a spare wheel abroad for our annual tour/trip. At home in UK the spare wheel carrier is seldom used. I just use a blind grommet to put in the hole in the rear skin.
My Superlight came with a spare wheel carrier and wheel too. I hated it, so took it off immediately and put 2x cans of tyre weld in the boot, velcroed to the ali where it bends round the uprights. Never needed them in nearly 3 years of ownership. Even if it all goes completely base over apex, I've got my RAC card!
I removed my spare wheel carrier a few years ago. I used a plumbers pipe cutter to get a nice straight cut. It's nice and easy to do.
You'll have to relocate the number plate light, I attached mine with self tappers to the bodywork tubing running along the underside of the body. Worth getting a bracket from Caterham as it just makes the job a lot easier.
Leave a bit of the bracket left as one of the other chaps suggested, and cap it off with plastic caps for walking sticks/furniture feet. That stops water getting in.
Someone on BC once suggested drilling a hole through the pipes, then using large split pins to reattach for carrying extra luggage.
I just run with a can of tyreweld in the boot, but touch wood, never needed it.
Oh and use decent numberplate tape, mine fell off in scotland
You'll have to relocate the number plate light, I attached mine with self tappers to the bodywork tubing running along the underside of the body. Worth getting a bracket from Caterham as it just makes the job a lot easier.
Leave a bit of the bracket left as one of the other chaps suggested, and cap it off with plastic caps for walking sticks/furniture feet. That stops water getting in.
Someone on BC once suggested drilling a hole through the pipes, then using large split pins to reattach for carrying extra luggage.
I just run with a can of tyreweld in the boot, but touch wood, never needed it.
Oh and use decent numberplate tape, mine fell off in scotland
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