D4 Spare wheel winch access - SOLVED

[hiker]

Became so exasperated after last trip, I started web research and serious thinking about the future of wheel changing with a full rear cargo space.

With a little inspiration from disco3.uk I visited Whitworths in Newcastle and purchased a M10 Turnbuckle with Fork

Stainless Steel Turnbuckle Fork & Fork, $13.95 | Whitworths Marine

Cut off screw thread - welded nut and a 3/8 socket to the fork , so that I could reach through the seat gap with socket extender bar (180mm) to start winding - however when upright the socket jams up against the seat brackets - easy!

Removed the plastic covers, Dremelled an access hole in the brackets and BINGO!

Dropped and raised spare wheel without touching the seats!

Still scratch my head at the stupidity of this design - the winder does not even line up evenly between the seats - LR FAIL !!

Here's a pic before I paint in auto black.

Job Done!

Digby April 19.jpg