Custom tiregate design/build

After building my roof basket, I have had the itch to start another project. So I finally broke down and got a welder so I could work at home.

This time, I designed a tiregate that would replace the existing tailgate. It will be a utility based tailgate once I'm finished with it. I'm still coming up with ideas of useful things to add to the gate without overloading my bushings. So far, I'll be adding a jerry can and a hi-lift jack to it. Also I want to fabricate a folding table that will deploy when the gate is opened for use when camping/tailgating.

Here's some preliminary design renderings of how it is proposed to look. I'm sure some aesthetic aspects will be altered once I start the fabrication but overall it will look similar.








Fabrication will start this weekend. I'll update this thread as it's being built.

Let me know what you guys think!

 

Nice, what program(s) did you use for the renderings?

 

Damn that's cool.

 

Thanks! I use Solidworks. Awesome software.

Saw your pics. Looks good! I would be doing something similar if I had a steel bumper. I will probably move to that later on. thanks for the input!

 

Looks good! I wish we had solidworks! We have Inventor here. Its ok I just think that solidworks has alot easier interface.

 

Any updates?

 

Unfortunately not too much, the end of this year has been very busy. I'm hoping to get a lot done on it before the new year, in which case I will post some pics.

So far I have cut the mounting brackets and welded the support bar across the bottom. Look for an update in the next few days though.

 

i like this how much as i seriously need a solution for mounting and carrying my spare tire.

 

Here's a couple of teaser pics:

I machined the bushings out of delrin, and cut the hinge tubes out of steel. I faced the hinge tubes off to provide flat surfaces for the bushings. The holes in the tubes are tapped for zerk fittings.





The shoulder bolts above are the hinge bolts. They are 314SS and beefy.

 

sub'd. keep the pics comin.

 

Subscribed

 

Little update:






Here's the hinge tubes, my welding is slowly getting better!

 

Got a little more work done today. I think it's coming along nicely. I've got a lot of cleaning up to do on it because I'm using flux core and it's real messy. But here's some more progress pictures:





Added some gussets to the hinge brackets:










I've still got a ways to go but atleast it swings now!

 

Add a tab for a cb antenna or u can put tabs on for backup lights/bed lights.

 

looks promising

 

Ooh I want!

 

very nice cant wait for the finished product

 

me likey one of thems...

 

hows the tire gate going?