Thread: Simpson in a III- Spare Tyre Carriage

That is t the best idea. It does hamper your vision of the front left corner though, is only really a problem in the tight stuff. It does add a bit of weight, but I have always found it manageable to lift no problems.

CC

That is what I would do. Provided that the tyre and wheels are standard it is not a problem to lift if you are in reasonable shape. I have frequently used a bonnet mounted spare, including when I was working in the Simpson in the sixties.

A couple of points to note. There are basically three types of bonnet -
a) standard, with a sharp front edge, Fitted as standard to Series 2 and most 2a 88s, military 2a 109
b) "deluxe" with a rounded front edge, what you probably have, as it was fitted as standard to 2a/3 109s and both 88 and 109 Series 3
c) same as (b) but with a well for the tyre. Rarest, fitted to 109 wagons as standard, I believe.

Spare tyre mount can be fitted to any, best on (a) and (c), as the driver's view is slightly better.

Worth noting that all bonnets from Series 2,2a and 3 are interchangeable (So you could currently have any of them!). Early 2/2a had four bolt hinges, but three of the holes are in the right place for the later 3 bolt hinges or the quite different Series 3/90/110/Defender hinges.

Bonnets should be widely available as they are rarely damaged, although the steel framework can rust (I have several here, but am a bit far away) and most of the ones I have seen have a spare wheel mount. Make sure you get the bolts and clips for the spare - they are BSF thread, and a bit hard to find. There are two different size heads, to match the 9/16"BSF wheel nuts used up to late 2a or the 27mm used from then on. There are also two different clips, designed for the different offsets used on swb and lwb, but these can be modified. The post for a padlock was optional, but is easy to make and fit - one I saw was simply a suitable shackle pin and a stack of washers (pipe would have been better).

John

Thanks John and Col. That's what I'll do. I have a source of bonnets here in SA. I don't use the Landy in the City so visibility won't be much of an issue.
I've got the "a" bonnet, so must have been replaced at some time. I'll see if I can get one with the well, seems like the best design.
Regards

Coop

you can mount 4 tyres onto a LWB series without too much hassle.

1 on the bonnet, where it belongs
2 in the tray on the RHS or LHS sponson with the brace that mounts it to the side of the tub
3 same place on the other side
4. on the back of the seat bulkhead sitting on the floor.

Of course Since space is likely to be at a premium Id suggest putting a false floor in and sliding spares up under there.

its also easy enough to make up a rear mount that hangs on the rear door or the drop down of the tailgate version.

My record is 6 tyres, one in front of the radiator tied to the roo bar, the 4 above and a 6th laying down in the back under the false floor.

Another way, especially if you are not a tall person is to find another wheel dish for the back and put it on the opposite side to the spare in the back. I used to have a bonnet mounted spare and didn't mind it, but my wife who is 5'3" found it difficult to see over.

If you are not sleeping in the back of the vehicle it shouldn't be too much trouble, unless you pack lots of stuff behind it and need to use it.

I found the clamps for the bonnet mounted spare not too good and have had them vibrate off on rough roads and the tyre would slide off the bonnet. Luckily you can see it all happening, and I soon fitted a lock. Tyre also fills with water and at a certain speed it sprays all over the windscreen.

Jeff

Mine has the dished deluxe bonnet fitted and I have no visibility problems even in heavy rain Lifting the bonnet isn't too bad either

Name the red camper

On road is never a problem.

It's holes, ruts and trees on the left hand side when off it is the visibility problem, but you eventually get used to it.

You should have said name the road. The camper is WAY too easy. Even from the first photo

CC

Originally Posted by C00P

Thanks John and Col. That's what I'll do. I have a source of bonnets here in SA. I don't use the Landy in the City so visibility won't be much of an issue.
I've got the "a" bonnet, so must have been replaced at some time. I'll see if I can get one with the well, seems like the best design.
Regards

Coop

Where the visibility may be a concern is coming over the crest of a dune, but this is live withable.

Best of luck finding a dished bonnet - but I do not think that the actual level of the tyre is any lower than the standard bonnet (just lower than the deluxe), and it has the drawback of accumulating water.

John