Tomken rack actually good for sumthin!

[k7mto]

I had a Tomken bumper/tire carrier/rack combo for some time. It was given to me by a friend for some work I'd done. I ran it for awhile until I got tired of it. Anyone who has/had the Tomken unit knows what I'm talking about. I left the bumper on but removed the rest. The rack sat around in my garage for a few years and today I decided to make use of it. I mounted the rack across the wheel wells using 1/2" poly spacers to provide enough room to slide the spare underneath. Then I chopped down the rack's vertical supports and bolted them to the rack to provide a place to mount the Hi-Lift. It actually turned out better than I expected, leaving even more room for additional supplies if/when needed. Here are some pics...

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=841&stc=1
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=842&stc=1
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=843&stc=1
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=844&stc=1
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=845&stc=1

[Wind_Danzer]

That looks really good!!! Nice job!! :)

[jeep4offrd]

Looks good Matt. Are you planning on leaving the tailgate off now.
Bruce

[Marv Miller]

I like that idea Matt. I'm thinking to do something similar with my CJ.

1. How did you mount the spare in the bed, or is it just sliding/flopping around??

2. What kind of poly-spacers to lift the rack; where'd you get'em?

3. Did you just drill holes through the fenderwell to mount the rack?

Thanks for the idea, and any info!

Marv

[Hunter]

Simple and effective. I like it Matt. Best lookin Tompken use I have ever seen. :D :D

[k7mto]

I like that idea Matt. I'm thinking to do something similar with my CJ.

1. How did you mount the spare in the bed, or is it just sliding/flopping around??

It's not mounted - I just use a ratchet strap to secure it. There is less than 1/2" of space betwen the tire and the rack so it doesn't bounce and can't slide out either. I've also got a 6' snake type lock through the wheel and the jack to prevent theft.

2. What kind of poly-spacers to lift the rack; where'd you get'em?

Just simple white poly spacers I picked up at Lowe's

3. Did you just drill holes through the fenderwell to mount the rack?

Originally, yes, but the thin gauge wheel well steel cracked so I ended up sandwiching the wheel well between some flat plate for better stability.

Thanks for the idea, and any info!

The rack is kind of small. I'd like to find/build a larger rack for more mounting space. The TJ racks folks have are nice size and would fit, but I don't have the rear vertical cage sections to mount the way they mount. Still, I could mount it the same way as this, but over time, the stress will surely wear out the wheel wells. I guess I just need John or someone to build me a new cage :D

btw, Thanks, John!

[Devil Man]

LOOKS GREAT MATT ARE YOU READY TO TRY IT OUT :eek:

[k7mto]

LOOKS GREAT MATT ARE YOU READY TO TRY IT OUT :eek:

It's been this way since February (note original post date). Someone just resurected the thread :D

[Devil Man]

It's been this way since February (note original post date). Someone just resurected the thread :D
MY BAD TO MUCH ON MY MIND :D

[Marv Miller]

The rack is kind of small. I'd like to find/build a larger rack for more mounting space.

I found a steel pallet to use. It's previous life was for moving large pieces of granite or tile, built from approx 1" x 1.5" , thin tubing. Freebie! Zero, zilch, nada.

If I turn it upside down, and cut out the "x" bracing, it'll make a nice tray, extends from wheelwell to wheelwell, and from tailgate to rear of seats (almost), in a CJ7.

[k7mto]

I found a steel pallet to use. It's previous life was for moving large pieces of granite or tile, built from approx 1" x 1.5" , thin tubing. Freebie! Zero, zilch, nada.

If I turn it upside down, and cut out the "x" bracing, it'll make a nice tray, extends from wheelwell to wheelwell, and from tailgate to rear of seats (almost), in a CJ7.

So where did you find it and more importantly, can you find another one? :D Got any pics?

[Marv Miller]

I only have one, thanks to a former tenant that did the midnight express outta here. He was a tile & rock guy, I figure the pallet was from that line of work. I don't know where you could find one.

It measures 45 x 34 x 6, in the background is the "X" I had to cut out. It's shown upside down to be a pallet, but rightside up to be a trail rack.
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1405&stc=1