Tdi Tyre bonnet on TD5 Defender

[Indiana Jones]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've been on here but I thought I'd share something that I'm sure a lot of TD5 owners would be interested it.

How do you mount a tyre on the bonnet of TD5 Defender?

Some say that it can't be done because of the engine being too high in the bay and that the support struts won't fit, that's why they are not on the (admittedly lighter) TD5 bonnet.

The funny thing is that none of this is true. The option of putting a tyre on the bonnet was removed in 1998 because of UK legislation and has nothing to do with whether it can be done.

I have wanted 2 spare tyres for some time, but stuff having to lift a mud terrain onto the roof, so I decided to go and get a mount for the bonnet.

Turns out I had to buy a Tdi bonnet 2nd hand, as one thing the Td5 equivalent is missing is support underneath for the extra weight.

I managed to get one with all the genuine mounting kit sent from Truimph Rover Spares in S.A. - I would recommend them to anyone needing parts.

I will admit that fitting the bonnet wasn't exactly straight forward. when it first shut, it jammed. The catch was too far over to the right and had to be moved about a cm to allow it to open. At the same time, the bonnet cable, which was on its last legs, died and was a pain to get out. I also took the plastic "soundproof" engine cover off in case that it caused any problems but I think it probably could go back on.

I went to panel beater that I've used in the past and he matched and mixed up a litre of paint for only $40. I was amazed as this is the price of Killrust these days.

I sprayed it myself and it was spot on. When next to the car, you can't see any difference in colour. I think it gives it a much neater look to the car and makes the modification harder to spot.

Now I have 2 spare tyres and none of them are taking up any boot space or roof rack space. It really is the best spot for the tyre, providing you can see over it!

Here's a link to the photos:

Message - AULRO Photo Gallery (http://www.aulro.com/app/showgallery.php?cat=1004)

I'm happy to answer any questions.

Thanks for reading.

__________________________________________________ ______________


1949 Series 1 80" Soft-top
1954 Series 1 86" Soft-top
1958 Series 1 107" Ute
1965 Series 2A 88" Hard-top
1971 Series 2A 109" Tray back
1975 Series 3 109" Tray back
1975 Series 3 109" Hard-top
1981 Series 3 Stage 1 V8 109" Station Wagon
1994 Range Rover LSE Vogue
1999 Defender Td5 110 Xtreme aka "The Tank"

[Tusker]

This is worth a repost

Difflock.com: Defender TD5 spare wheel mount (http://www.difflock.com/magazine/4x4_Gear/TD5_spare_wheel_mount.shtml)

Also I've wondered whether simply fitting the pressed steel rear carrier to the bonnet would work, with checkerplate or other reinforcing underneath. The load would be spread quite widely. The wheel would sit proud by a tad, & might be a little more awkward to get on & off as well. But it'd work, wouldn't it?

Regards
Max P

[dobbo]

If it will clear an Isuzu I cannot see how it wouldn't clear a TD5. Might be time for a practical test. Max when are you up this way again?

[scott oz]

The kit from Opposite Lock which I have but yet to install, is

a pressed metal “bracket” designed to raise the wheel off the bonnet
four rubber stops which stops the wheel wobbling should it work loose
A threaded “screw” clamp to secure the wheal to the threaded hole in the “bracket”
About 18 nuts bolts and washers.
In addition you need to purchase their bonnet reinforcing plate which is aluminium checker plate which is riveted/bolted to the top of the bonnet first

There is no other reinforcing under the bonnet other than the bolts rivet washers.

I spoke to the manufacture in WA before I purchased mine and he insisted that they have fitted them to 110 TD5’s with no problems. And that they have done extensive off-roading over long distances and had no cause for concern.

I’m thinking of putting a two mm sheet under the bonnet just “in case” but this may be over kill?

Anyhow, the bonnet-mount for those long off road trips sounds like a good idea to me.

[Blknight.aus]

it can be done on all the defers bar a puma. But its not legal after (from memory) about 98. the spare tyre when mounted a, fails the obstruction test, b, for most people fails the 11m vision rule.