Chimaera spare wheel bracket and strap
Discussion
On my 1996 car, the brackets are just screwed into the bodyshell in the right hand corner.
The rubber strap on mine gave up and split so for now, I've replaced it with a cut down ratchet strap using the original hooks. Without the 'give' in the rubber, it's awkward though:
The rubber strap on mine gave up and split so for now, I've replaced it with a cut down ratchet strap using the original hooks. Without the 'give' in the rubber, it's awkward though:
Edited by ianwayne on Saturday 11th November 11:03
Yes I've left the clips where they are. The spare is actually far too small, a 16" spacesaver from a Focus ST would be better but then it wouldn't fit where it is stowed!
It may be why they are stored centrally in later cars (from about 1998 on?) My previous Chimaera was a 2000 reg and it didn't even have a spare.
It may be why they are stored centrally in later cars (from about 1998 on?) My previous Chimaera was a 2000 reg and it didn't even have a spare.
My space saver spare is in the off side well, but often think about relocating it central against the tank. Would make dropping the targa top in easier I suspect. Is it fairly straight forward or is there a catch. Might have a go after sorting the central locking and fitting a "headlights left on" buzzer....
Mine is in the centre - my car didn’t initially come with a spare. I used the fuel tank bolts at the bottom of the boot to hold some cam buckle luggage straps and the other end I took the panel out and drilled some holes with nuts, bolts and spreader plates to hold the other end of the strap. Two straps in total diagonally across the wheel holds it securely.
The wheel then sits in the void behind the roof quite happily.
The wheel then sits in the void behind the roof quite happily.
Trevor450 said:
Mine is in the centre - my car didn’t initially come with a spare. I used the fuel tank bolts at the bottom of the boot to hold some cam buckle luggage straps and the other end I took the panel out and drilled some holes with nuts, bolts and spreader plates to hold the other end of the strap. Two straps in total diagonally across the wheel holds it securely.
The wheel then sits in the void behind the roof quite happily.
Thanks, any pics?The wheel then sits in the void behind the roof quite happily.
Skyedriver said:
That looks neat, you have an additional piece of trim on top of the tank under which the straps fix I think.
Do the bolts go through to the interior?
Best source for the straps?
Cheers
Yes, that is a storage bag I’ve attached to the trim on top of the tank - it’s got the jack, tyre foam, inflator etc in it. The bolts go through the trim only and nowhere near the interior. From recollection, I used the existing CD changer bolts. I removed the CD changer years ago. Do the bolts go through to the interior?
Best source for the straps?
Cheers
Ideally it needs a cover on it to tidy it up, but I am reluctant to pay £20-£30 for one. Straps were eBay or Amazon - can’t remember. I cut them to length and sealed the ends. They are doubled over where the bolts go through to stop them fraying.
Thanks Trevor
Excellent
Have seen some 15" Chinese covers on fleabay for £10.89 that may work
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=...
Excellent
Have seen some 15" Chinese covers on fleabay for £10.89 that may work
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=...
Thanks Trevor, straight forward looking project that I should have done ages ago.
Over the last couple of weeks I've sorted the heater blower, the central locking and fitted a warning buzzer on the headlights (after leaving them on all day!)
Have to do most work in the driveway as the garage isn't wide enough but the spare wheel job could be done indoors...
Over the last couple of weeks I've sorted the heater blower, the central locking and fitted a warning buzzer on the headlights (after leaving them on all day!)
Have to do most work in the driveway as the garage isn't wide enough but the spare wheel job could be done indoors...
There were two types originally. the early chims had the spare stowed to one side of the fuel tank. Mine is a later car so it is strapped to the middle. To me it looks like the metal bracket is bolted behind the fuel tank and then rubber straps are hooked on to this over the wheel.
The early way makes it difficult to stow the roof I believe. Mine is quite easy, but I also have the later boot struts so the boot lid opens almost vertical.
Hope this is of help.
The early way makes it difficult to stow the roof I believe. Mine is quite easy, but I also have the later boot struts so the boot lid opens almost vertical.
Hope this is of help.
My last one was a 2000 reg and there was no spare. I accept it may have been lost, or just taken out along with the jack, but there were no residual mark in the boot carpet where retaining rings or lugs were secured.
My point is that I believe there was a 3rd option, no spare at all!
My point is that I believe there was a 3rd option, no spare at all!
ianwayne said:
My last one was a 2000 reg and there was no spare. I accept it may have been lost, or just taken out along with the jack, but there were no residual mark in the boot carpet where retaining rings or lugs were secured.
My point is that I believe there was a 3rd option, no spare at all!
Think you are right. No spare in mine but 2 of these:My point is that I believe there was a 3rd option, no spare at all!
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