Storage space under front bash plate?

[syncropatrick]

While fitting my bling SA grille I was reminded of the cavernous space above the front bash plate, where the spare wheel goes on the 14" models. Does anyone use it for storage space? Got any tips? Security? I realise it's 'outside' so things will get wet and muddy.

[syncrowjoker]

Would be a good stash for non essentials, spare parts etc, suitably protected of course.

[syncropaddy]

Yes I was routing around in there over the weekend, thinking the same thing. With a bit of re-engineering it could be a useful spot.

[syncroand101]

Yep, I have the drop down spare wheel carrier. Cut the bar out for holding the tyre, you can fit a few well wrapped driveshafts and a box of good spares as well.

[ridealghp]

That is where my spare wheel sits - i was surprised that it's just resting in the bash plate (was major hassle re-fitting it all after checking the tyre pressure). Should there be a mechanism for lifting and securing it?

[syncropaddy]

That is where my spare wheel sits - i was surprised that it's just resting in the bash plate (was major hassle re-fitting it all after checking the tyre pressure). Should there be a mechanism for lifting and securing it?

Emmm there is .....

[ridealghp]

I'll have to look again, I've got a mate with a 2wd type 25 and there's definitlely nothing like the hingeing pan that he's got and I don't think his mechanism will fit inside the bash plate....... I'd better go and actually measure his, something on mine has to be missing

[John Potter]

No lowering mechanism on mine - just lots of bolts and a heavy old bit of metal bashplate........takes a fair while to shift it and more strength than I've got to lift it back so the space can remain unused as far as I'm concerned

[Mudlark]

Some syncros have the bash plate and some have the wheel carrier. The wheel carrier has a single bolt and a latch just behind the bumper to lower the plate which is hinged at the rear. The bash plate is held on with a whole bunch of bolts all round and is not something that was designed to be taken off/put back in a hurry. There is lots of space in either version though; well wrapped spares would probably be the best use of it.

[ridealghp]

Thanks all, mine has to be the same specification as Johns, now that I know the spare doesn't lose pressure, it'll be checked every 6 months and if I have a roadside puncture, carry the bash plate and wheel home inside the van.

[syncropaddy]

Its odd if your spare wheel is in a bash plate and not a carrier

[toomanytoys]

someones just whacked it in there I guess.. really you want the proper carrier.. its a darn sight easier than trying to remove the bash plate..

[ridealghp]

Thanks - now that mine's working ok, I will eventually get to one of the South West meets, see some other vehicles and work out what's best......(does the carrier work effectively as a bash plate (without wrecking anything), or will the bash plate fit over the carrier?)

[neilharris1]

Some people use this space for water storage, although not too much of an issue here in the UK

[Mudlark]

....(does the carrier work effectively as a bash plate (without wrecking anything), or will the bash plate fit over the carrier?)

The wheel carrier works as a bash plate up to a point, but its not as strong as the proper plate; and no the bash plate wont fit over the wheel carrier.