Spare wheel on Puma bonnet

[rijidij]

I had a request from a customer to build a spare wheel bonnet mount to suit the Puma, similar to these ones available in Europe.............

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/12/853.jpg

The manufacturers were'nt able to supply one as they need to be custom made depending what bullbar you have. The weight of the frame and spare is shared between the bullbar and the bonnet hinge points on the firewall.

Now before anyone pipes up about the 'legitimacy' of a spare on the bonnet of a Puma, the owner is ok with this as it's most likely only going to be used for outback touring etc, where an extra spare is important, and the vehicle is a 90, so space is at a premium.

Anyway, this is what we came up with...............

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/241.jpg

More pictures here...........Puma Bonnet Mount (http://s204.photobucket.com/albums/bb102/rijidij/Wheel%20Carriers/Puma%20Bonnet%20Wheel%20Mount/?albumview=slideshow)

The tyres are 235's, and I must admit, when I first saw how high the tyre sat, I didn't think it was the best spot for it, but, after driving the car into Geelong to deliver it, it was actually not to bad. I could have the tyre there for touring type trips no problem, but for track work where wheel placement is important, it does resrict the view at the L/H side quite a bit.

It does make it look like a 'real' Landy though :D:D

Cheers, Murray

[goingbush]

Excellent work, how many people do you need to open the bonnet ?

I hope he takes the wheel of on Jan 28 and flys the Australian flag from the Parliament house inspired flagpole.

(couldn't you talk him out of that ugly looking bulbar ) :wasntme:

[rijidij]

Excellent work, how many people do you need to open the bonnet ?................


I allowed just enough clearance for the bonnet to 'pop' and except for the extra weight, it's relatively easy for one person to open it. The new framwork gives you something easy to grab on to also.

Cheers, Murray

[mox]

Something to consider is the advantage or disadvantage of having this frame from the top of the bullbar to the top of the firewall. Should make the bullbar much less inclined to bend backwards if something hits it high up. Hopefully the tyre carrying frame will buckle before it bends the firewall though.

[oztruckdriver]

I can remember when "REAL" landrovers came out with a dished bonnet and a 2 bolt tie down system to hold the tyre in place.
The bonnet was a real effort to open and you spent the day looking at a tyre, like drivibg a Mack Truck and looking at the rear end of a dog all day and night,......and now people want to put they back on the bonnet again, they say history repeats itself.

[Scallops]

Hats off - that is superb....I've actually always wanted an extra spare here on my Puma ....and strictly for outback tours, same. But what I'm really reminded of here, is my Series 1, parked next to my Puma. A spare wheel has been mounted on Rover bonnets (since the 1950's.) stock, without fuss...funny we have to go to these lengths to make it work on a new one....:blink:

[Sleepy]

Neat job.

Wouldn't a twin rear carrier be a simpler option?

[JayBoRover]

Neat job.

Wouldn't a twin rear carrier be a simpler option?
Simpler? Not sure about that - there's a lot that goes into designing a good twin rear carrier. Of course rijidij caters for those too, but that's so ... Nissan/Toyota;). A spare on the bonnet just shouts "Land Rover"!:cool:

[Collins]

Many moons ago I was the proud owner of a 2A Safari wagon, spare on tailgate & spare mounted on bonnet. Contrary to one of the comments about weight & opening bonnet, it was not a drama. 7.50 x 16 on split rim, much heavier than alloy rim & tyre.
The carrier you have fabricated looks great.

[Sleepy]

Simpler? Not sure about that - there's a lot that goes into designing a good twin rear carrier. Of course rijidij caters for those too, but that's so ... Nissan/Toyota;). A spare on the bonnet just shouts "Land Rover"!:cool:

I meant simpler in terms of operation.

You're right though, it does shout land rover. :D

[Marshall]

Something to consider is the advantage or disadvantage of having this frame from the top of the bullbar to the top of the firewall. Should make the bullbar much less inclined to bend backwards if something hits it high up. Hopefully the tyre carrying frame will buckle before it bends the firewall though.

Good point, impact would increase the risk of a write off I would think...
Is the fire wall "structural" in the Puma?

[dullbird]

Murray in relation to someone saying is it still possible for one person to open the bonnet have you thuoght about selling a bonnet strut kit with it?

[Marty110]

This is the bonnet mount I made for my 300Tdi - my point being that even with the lower bonnet height it was a bugger to see over. I would have to take it off and leave it at camp even on non-white knuckle tracks as you just could not make any wheel placement decisions accurately. I know its only for touring and would come off at camp but I think I would go the rear carrier option if you want a full spare (so long as the rear chassis doesn't crack with the extra weight). I now take a tyre carcass on the roof rack with my Puma - a lot lighter than a full spare - with a tube. While the carrier that Murray has done is a triumph (and what the customer wanted) by the time you add up the extra height of the Puma bonnet then the clearance under the mount then the tyre...... I was also worried with mine that the police would pull me over for having restricted vision - my son was pulled over for this for having a windscreen mounted (low as possible) GPS in his Disco. But a big well done to Murray - I can only have admiration for your engineering and build skills

[mox]

Because of the visibility and weight problems involved, many would only resort to the option of carrying a spare wheel on the bonnet when it is more practicable than stowing it elsewhere or not having one. However, there is an advantage of this type with frame over the standard Land Rover design that can simply just hold a wheel by the centre of the rim. Lots of other bulky things could possibly be tied to this frame when there are problems finding places to carry everything. eg Spare wheel could go in the back somewhere while something like large tarp or tent is carried on the bonnet. They could be folded and tied on in ways to mimimise reducing road visibility.

Undoubtedly there is potential to add little bits and pieces so that items other than a spare wheel that may be regularly carried can quickly and easily be properly secured and and also eaily removed from the frame when desired. Maybe rijidij and others can develop this idea.

[carlschmid2002]

I allowed just enough clearance for the bonnet to 'pop' and except for the extra weight, it's relatively easy for one person to open it. The new framwork gives you something easy to grab on to also.

Cheers, Murray

Murray,
From your pictures it looks like it mount on the car structure, not the bulbar, so it would be a standard design. If this is correct, will you manufacture these in kit form for self installation. If so I will send you an email for a quote. Cheers.
Carl

[juddy]

Interesting reading this thread, I posted over 2 years ago about this product, no one was Interested in it then.

A company in France was the first to come up with the idea for a Pompier Defender 130.

[dullbird]

Because of the visibility and weight problems involved, many would only resort to the option of carrying a spare wheel on the bonnet when it is more practicable than stowing it elsewhere or not having one. However, there is an advantage of this type with frame over the standard Land Rover design that can simply just hold a wheel by the centre of the rim. Lots of other bulky things could possibly be tied to this frame when there are problems finding places to carry everything. eg Spare wheel could go in the back somewhere while something like large tarp or tent is carried on the bonnet. They could be folded and tied on in ways to mimimise reducing road visibility.


Undoubtedly there is potential to add little bits and pieces so that items other than a spare wheel that may be regularly carried can quickly and easily be properly secured and and also eaily removed from the frame when desired. Maybe rijidij and others can develop this idea.

yes like shovel holders and axes and pics that sort of thing.
Perhaps have the ability to remove the wheel and but a low lying box in its place to hold other items for off road such as straps etc that way are easily accessible in the event of getting stuck say in a bog/water hole.

my only issue with all of this would be as said above being pulled by the cops for having restricted vision...
and perhaps public safety in the event of mowing someone down

[LARO]

I am super happy with the great work Murray has done for me to get this working! The 90 was handling like a pig coming over dunes with the second spare on the roof rack and i think it was just a matter of time before i rolled.
He previously made some customer spacers to raise my seat. The spare wheel only slightly restricts my view to the centre - I can see both corners of the hood :-) I think the view was better than the army Series 3 I spent a couple of years in. Thanks Home - Rijidij Off Road (http://www.rijidijoffroad.com.au/)

[rijidij]

I am super happy with the great work Murray has done for me to get this working! ..............[/url]


Well, it's always great to get feedback like that. Like all the forum members I've met through the business, Michael is a great guy and a pleasure to deal with.

Cheers, Murray

[rijidij]

Murray,
From your pictures it looks like it mount on the car structure, not the bulbar, so it would be a standard design. If this is correct, will you manufacture these in kit form for self installation. If so I will send you an email for a quote. Cheers.
Carl

G'day Carl,
There are a couple of stainless steel brackets which go from the bullbar to the top of the radiator support rail, these are part of the factory bullbar stup. The wheel carrier frame is supported on these, but I welded a couple of tabs on which stick in under the bonnet to share the load with the steel rail (the one with the bonnet catch in it).
Although the carrier frame is not actually attached to the front of the bonnet, it can't be independant of the bonnet because the frame is bolted to the bonnet hinge holes, so the tabs ensure the frame and bonnet have to both lift together.
Ideally the weight of the frame would be all on the bullbar, but the factory bullbar is one of those soft padded types, so it's very limited as to where you can attach things solidly.
Due to the wide variation of bullbar setups, I would not make these as a 'standard' item, but having said that, if I ever get time, I might investigate the posibility of making them independant of the bullbar by strengthening the rail in the car............repeat, if I ever get time :D Got a lot on at the moment.

Cheers, Murray

[jerryd]

Many moons ago I was the proud owner of a 2A Safari wagon, spare on tailgate & spare mounted on bonnet. Contrary to one of the comments about weight & opening bonnet, it was not a drama. 7.50 x 16 on split rim, much heavier than alloy rim & tyre.
The carrier you have fabricated looks great.

^^ x2

Excellent job Murray :BigThumb: I'd like to see a picture from the driver's seat to compare the height with mine though. I don't have any issues lifting my bonnet or placing the corners of the vehicle when playing off road :)

Only occasionally climbing steep hills it becomes a problem :angel:

[dullbird]

Many moons ago I was the proud owner of a 2A Safari wagon, spare on tailgate & spare mounted on bonnet.
Contrary to one of the comments about weight & opening bonnet, it was not a drama. 7.50 x 16 on split rim, much heavier than alloy rim & tyre.
The carrier you have fabricated looks great.

you obviously haven't felt the weight of the puma bonnet which is all steel, the bonnet is heavy on its own let alone with a wheel and tyre on which is why I think the comment was made.

[Tombie]

While acknowledging the exceptional design and workmanship - and I do.

I cannot help but laugh at how much our traveling members whack onto their vehicles in order to "go bush".

Most of the failures are due to excessive vehicle weights!!!!

We go everywhere, always operating remote in almost bog standard Prados!!!!
Even down to factory rubber on most.

Each vehicle has a compressor, tyre plugs and 1 spare. Vehicles carry water, 1st aid and comms gear.

They pull 400-800km a day in heat up to 46°c so far this year without issue.

Just something to think about!

Ps> I go home occasionally via William Creek or the Original Stuart highway (full corrugations - unsealed) for fun!!!

And the vehicles, including my D4, love it ;)

[carlschmid2002]

G'day Carl,
There are a couple of stainless steel brackets which go from the bullbar to the top of the radiator support rail, these are part of the factory bullbar stup. The wheel carrier frame is supported on these, but I welded a couple of tabs on which stick in under the bonnet to share the load with the steel rail (the one with the bonnet catch in it).
Although the carrier frame is not actually attached to the front of the bonnet, it can't be independant of the bonnet because the frame is bolted to the bonnet hinge holes, so the tabs ensure the frame and bonnet have to both lift together.
Ideally the weight of the frame would be all on the bullbar, but the factory bullbar is one of those soft padded types, so it's very limited as to where you can attach things solidly.
Due to the wide variation of bullbar setups, I would not make these as a 'standard' item, but having said that, if I ever get time, I might investigate the posibility of making them independant of the bullbar by strengthening the rail in the car............repeat, if I ever get time :D Got a lot on at the moment.

Cheers, Murray

Thanks for that. I am thinking of trying to get hold of some ex Army tool mounts and weld them on and then powder coat the whole lot. Cheers Carl

[goingbush]

While acknowledging the exceptional design and workmanship - and I do.

I cannot help but laugh at how much our traveling members whack onto their vehicles in order to "go bush".

Most of the failures are due to excessive vehicle weights!!!!

We go everywhere, always operating remote in almost bog standard Prados!!!!
Even down to factory rubber on most.

Each vehicle has a compressor, tyre plugs and 1 spare. Vehicles carry water, 1st aid and comms gear.

They pull 400-800km a day in heat up to 46°c so far this year without issue.

Just something to think about!

Ps> I go home occasionally via William Creek or the Original Stuart highway (full corrugations - unsealed) for fun!!!

And the vehicles, including my D4, love it ;)

Yes but you dont go away for Three Months + in that trim.

too right tho, Most people just take waaay too much stuff.

[Tombie]

We don't go away that long but we are running services up in under 6 weeks!

The vehicles still cop a hiding!

[LARO]

Well, it's always great to get feedback like that. Like all the forum members I've met through the business, Michael is a great guy and a pleasure to deal with.

Cheers, Murray

Hi Murray,

Been using the 90 with the spare wheel on the bonnet on the dunes and beaches of the west coast of Eyre Peninsula for a week. It is perfect. I have no vision issues and the weight distribution is perfect! Thx again :-)

[rick130]

[snip]

and perhaps public safety in the event of mowing someone down

Naa, a bonnet mounted spare is a safety feature, it's an airbag for pedestrians.
:angel:

[numpty]

Many moons ago I was the proud owner of a 2A Safari wagon, spare on tailgate & spare mounted on bonnet. Contrary to one of the comments about weight & opening bonnet, it was not a drama. 7.50 x 16 on split rim, much heavier than alloy rim & tyre.
The carrier you have fabricated looks great.

They're not you know. ;) Boost alloy wheel on my Defender with 235/16 General Grabber, is near as damn it the same weight as Discovery 1 steel fitted with the same tyre.

Another fine bit of work Murray.

[jimr1]

:)Hi, like some of you old roosters, it takes me back to my first landrover, a 109 2a with spare wheel on the bonnet. Back then there were 2 types of bonnet, one to put wheel on and one without.

Back in the day, the only wheels on a 109 were steel and the tyres were 750x16s. Not being very tall I would lift the bonnet with both arms til the right one was locked, then pull the support with the left arm. Didnt find it hard then, but dunno about now that was 40 years ago. It also had a split screen.

The new carrier looks ok and i think drivers will get used to it.

I think the vision will be a bit less because the wheel sits a bit higher than the old ones. Jim

[Chops]

I think this is the vehicle we spotted at the Vic markets the other week. Mighty fine looking rig.

[rijidij]

I think this is the vehicle we spotted at the Vic markets the other week. Mighty fine looking rig.

Yep, it's a great looking 90. When I've had it in my workshop I like to pretend it's mine :D................then I have to give it back to Michael :(

Cheers, Murray