re: Fit a 215 75 R15 wheel underneath ... mod part

Gday All,

Ok, finally found it. Here's what I think Sam has imported from the USA
to enable the placement underneath of the above size inflated tyre.

Goto: http://tinyurl.com/5s6dk5

Depending upon where you want to take your syncro, you may first want
to consider whether or not you can live without the protection the
steel clamshell does provide.

Cheers.

Ken
Ken,

This is a good find.

Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing clamshell to fit the 215/75/15 ?


Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model below deal with the steering column issues as well?

Regards
Mark.

On Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 5:23 PM, Ken <unclekenz@yahoo.com> wrote:

Gday All,

Ok, finally found it. Here's what I think Sam has imported from the USA
to enable the placement underneath of the above size inflated tyre.

Goto: http://tinyurl.com/5s6dk5

Depending upon where you want to take your syncro, you may first want
to consider whether or not you can live without the protection the
steel clamshell does provide.

Cheers.

Ken




--
Mark Kofahl
Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
Main: 1300 33 1000
Direct: 02 9375 2747
Mobile: 0419 275 259
Skype: markkofahl

www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
www.siteflex.com.au

16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570




=======================================
This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or privileged. Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received it in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.


Gday Mark,

Based on what I've gleaned, my view is that it's not possible to modify
an existing clamshell to fit an inflated 215 75 15 wheel and still
retain the all important and already limited clearance approach angle
underneath. So in short ........ no.

This would need to be subject to confirmation, but as part of Van Cafe's
R&D, it makes sense to me that part of their brief to successfully
solve the problem of the 215 75 15 accommodation underneath would have
to include resolution of the steering shaft clearance. So I would say
.... yes. Sending them an email query though would confirm one way or
the other eh.

Cheers.

Ken


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Kofahl"
<markkofahl@...> wrote:
>
> Ken,
>
> This is a good find.
>
> Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing clamshell
to fit
> the 215/75/15 ?
>
>
> Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model
below deal
> with the steering column issues as well?
>
> Regards
> Mark.
>
> On Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 5:23 PM, Ken unclekenz@... wrote:
>
> > Gday All,
> >
> > Ok, finally found it. Here's what I think Sam has imported from the
USA
> > to enable the placement underneath of the above size inflated tyre.
> >
> > Goto: http://tinyurl.com/5s6dk5
> >
> > Depending upon where you want to take your syncro, you may first
want
> > to consider whether or not you can live without the protection the
> > steel clamshell does provide.
> >
> > Cheers.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Mark Kofahl
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
> Main: 1300 33 1000
> Direct: 02 9375 2747
> Mobile: 0419 275 259
> Skype: markkofahl
>
> www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
> www.siteflex.com.au
>
> 16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
> PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570
>
>
>
>
> =======================================
> This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or
privileged.
> Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email
has
> been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any
use,
> disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have
received it
> in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and
destroy all
> copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and
> indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby
> disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions
presented
> are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those
of
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.
>
> Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing clamshell to
> fit
> the 215/75/15 ?

It has been done.




>
>
> Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model below
> deal
> with the steering column issues as well?


It may not fit a RHD.
Phil - can you advise or  indeed recommend someone in Sydney who would properly modify the clamshell to comfortably fit the BFG 275/75/15 (inflated) ? This would be helpful for our forthcoming Christmas trip.

Thanks
Mark.

On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 7:26 AM, <plander@optusnet.com.au> wrote:

> Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing clamshell to
> fit
> the 215/75/15 ?

It has been done.


>
>
> Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model below
> deal
> with the steering column issues as well?

It may not fit a RHD.




--
Mark Kofahl
Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
Main: 1300 33 1000
Direct: 02 9375 2747
Mobile: 0419 275 259
Skype: markkofahl

www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
www.siteflex.com.au

16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570




=======================================
This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or privileged. Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received it in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.


There are instructions on the internet somewhere. Probably a US site. Start with Derek Drew's site.

Phill



> Mark Kofahl <markkofahl@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Phil - can you advise or indeed recommend someone in Sydney who would
> properly modify the clamshell to comfortably fit the BFG 275/75/15
> (inflated) ? This would be helpful for our forthcoming Christmas trip.
>
> Thanks
> Mark.
>
> On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 7:26 AM, <plander@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
>
> > > Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing
> clamshell
> > to
> > > fit
> > > the 215/75/15 ?
> >
> > It has been done.
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model
> below
> > > deal
> > > with the steering column issues as well?
> >
> > It may not fit a RHD.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Mark Kofahl
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
> Main: 1300 33 1000
> Direct: 02 9375 2747
> Mobile: 0419 275 259
> Skype: markkofahl
>
> www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
> www.siteflex.com.au
>
> 16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
> PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570
>
>
>
>
> =======================================
> This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or
> privileged.
> Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email
> has
> been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any
> use,
> disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received
> it
> in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy
> all
> copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and
> indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby
> disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions
> presented
> are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.
Early Australian syncros had the spare in the back.



> Les Harris <leslieharris@optushome.com.au> wrote:
>
> Mark,
>
> The word clamshell refers to a wheel carrier that indeed looks like a
> clamshell. It is pressed out of a sheet of steel, has no reinforcement
> and hinges the same as the Syncro wheel carrier. The Syncro wheel
> carrier was, as far as I know, fitted to all Australian delivered
> Syncros. This is constructed from heavy steel square tube.
>
> Give me a couple of days and I will get back to you on what is needed to
> modify it for the 215/75/15 tyre. I am running that size but I am
> carrying a 14" as a spare until I can modify the carrier. I have a
> decoupler, so I can run one 14" wheel if needed.
>
> Les
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: plander@optusnet.com.au
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 7:43 AM
> Subject: Re: Re: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] re: Fit a 215 75 R15 wheel
> underneath ... mod part
>
>
> There are instructions on the internet somewhere. Probably a US site.
> Start with Derek Drew's site.
>
> Phill
>
> > Mark Kofahl <markkofahl@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Phil - can you advise or indeed recommend someone in Sydney who
> would
> > properly modify the clamshell to comfortably fit the BFG 275/75/15
> > (inflated) ? This would be helpful for our forthcoming Christmas
> trip.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Mark.
> >
> > On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 7:26 AM, <plander@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
> >
> > > > Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing
> > clamshell
> > > to
> > > > fit
> > > > the 215/75/15 ?
> > >
> > > It has been done.
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe
> model
> > below
> > > > deal
> > > > with the steering column issues as well?
> > >
> > > It may not fit a RHD.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Mark Kofahl
> > Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
> > Main: 1300 33 1000
> > Direct: 02 9375 2747
> > Mobile: 0419 275 259
> > Skype: markkofahl
> >
> > www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
> > www.siteflex.com.au
> >
> > 16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
> > PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > =======================================
> > This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or
> > privileged.
> > Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this
> email
> > has
> > been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient,
> any
> > use,
> > disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have
> received
> > it
> > in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and
> destroy
> > all
> > copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct
> and
> > indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby
> > disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions
> > presented
> > are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
> those of
> > Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.
>
>
>

Gday Mark,

Here's another solution for $4.

Goto: http://tinyurl.com/5oyl7j

Cheers.

Ken


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Kofahl" <markkofahl@...> wrote:
>
> Phil - can you advise or indeed recommend someone in Sydney who would
> properly modify the clamshell to comfortably fit the BFG 275/75/15
> (inflated) ? This would be helpful for our forthcoming Christmas trip.
>
> Thanks
> Mark.
>
> On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 7:26 AM, plander@... wrote:
>
> > > Does one think it would be possible to modify the existing clamshell
> > to
> > > fit
> > > the 215/75/15 ?
> >
> > It has been done.
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Not having examined it closely, however, would the Van Cafe model below
> > > deal
> > > with the steering column issues as well?
> >
> > It may not fit a RHD.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Mark Kofahl
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
> Main: 1300 33 1000
> Direct: 02 9375 2747
> Mobile: 0419 275 259
> Skype: markkofahl
>
> www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
> www.siteflex.com.au
>
> 16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
> PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570
>
>
>
>
> =======================================
> This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or privileged.
> Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has
> been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
> disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received it
> in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy all
> copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and
> indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby
> disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions presented
> are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.
>

> Ken <unclekenz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Gday Mark,
>
> Here's another solution for $4.
>
> Goto: http://tinyurl.com/5oyl7j <http://tinyurl.com/5oyl7j>
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>

What?
Hi all,

I run a tyre carrier from van cafe. You still need to deflate a 215/75/15 to avoid steering column problems. In fact you can still run the original clamshell with a 215/75/15 deflated.
You need a spacer to drop it by about 15mm, and a plate to prevent the tyre rubbing the
steering column. And don't forget the compressor.
I prefer it because it's lighter. Less protection is the downside. Having no tyre up front and
one hanging off the back seems to throw out the syncro's balance at speed.

Has anyone else experienced removing the centrifugal air filter provides a noticeable power
increase ?

regards

Mark


Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com
Gday Mark,

In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, mark hallett <m.mullet@...>
wrote:
>
> Has anyone else experienced removing the centrifugal air filter
provides a noticeable power
> increase ?

Not here Mark.

Would you please elaborate, not sure exactly what you mean, what's
involved etc. TIA.

Cheers.

Ken
Hi Ken,

referring to the snorkel system that extends from the air filter to the side vent ( on an 89 syncro ). The last fitting before the main air filter is a centrifugal air filter. Remove this and there is a noticeable improvement in air flow and throttle response.
I've replaced mine with a paper style filter . If I'm ever going underwater I guess I'll put it back on.. I've heard that removing the cat converter also improves power by 10%.
But who would do that ?!
Re clamshell I meant the Aussie style spare tyre holder.

Cheers

Mark



Search 1000's of available singles in your area at the new Yahoo!7 Dating. Get Started.
.. I've heard that removing the
> cat converter also improves power by 10%.

Makes no difference whatsoever.

If anyone wishes to try it, I can lend them a pipe from a DJ engine.
Gday syncronauts,

A revelation, I think.

Re: .............
""""""--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Gday Mark,
>
> Based on what I've gleaned, my view is that it's not possible to
modify
> an existing clamshell to fit an inflated 215 75 15 wheel and still
> retain the all important and already limited clearance approach angle
> underneath. So in short ........ no.""""""

UPDATE:

Given all the interest and posts on this topic, I decided to get down
and dirty today (it was raining outside anyway) and eyeball the spare
wheel holder vicinity. As they say, if you want a job done properly, do
it yourself. So now it seems to me, most of the info I've previously
"gleaned" online is in fact a load of old cobblers.

What I'm about to say may not be as momentous as when Les revealed here
recently about the availability of an Oz manufactured and sourced ring
and pinion gear but heh ... I reckon it's up there somewhere!

Firstly, let me be clear on this. I'm referring to the Australian
square-ish clamshell/skidplate, not the lightweight USA circular
clamshell.

So what I'm saying here is that .... yes, merely with the aid of a 100mm
electric grinder and several hours hard yakka, some but not all 15"
deflated tyres on rims WILL fit in the clamshell. This is with no
modifications nor adjustments to it nor clearance issues with the
steering rod nor loss of approach angle. All good, as long as you've
selected the right profile 15" tyre that will fit or perhaps even a
lower profile tyre on a 16" rim.

Good news I think for syncro owners generally, not good news for
manufacturers and retailers of rear wheel carriers nor those who've
already paid top dollars buying one, especially from overseas. Then
again, if you do have a rear wheel carrier, means now there is the
option to carry a second matching spare wheel or tyre for outback
touring.

The two critical criteria for this to work is the overall diameter and
width of the deflated tyre. Diameter size determines whether or not the
tyre can fit between the two fore/aft structural beams which, if you
take a look, have already been factory trimmed to allow room for the
tyre diameter. This is where I used the grinder to trim off more
material and on a more even curve, this is what's needed for this
project to be successful. More on that later. Now the width of the tyre
determines whether or not it can actually fit in the storage space
height and crucially, achieve clearance off the steering rod.

So now to the 3 tyres tested. For those interested, if your tyre isn't
mentioned here, you'll need to check your own to see if you are "in with
a chance" of similar success. May I suggest you report back here your
findings for the benefit of us all.

Best fit (easiest) was BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A LT215/75 R15. This
should please lots of Oz syncro owners.

Next best fit (larger diameter but still ok) was Dunlop Adventurer
GR78-15LT (8 ply). Probably rare these days.

Failed to fit (my present tyres) was Goodyear Wrangler AT/R 215/75 R15.
Tyre is too wide to clear steering rod.

For those wanting to check their tyre dimensions first, lay the tyre
flat on a level surface, a rough rule of thumb guide for success would
be a deflated tyre diameter no more than 704mm and not more than 208mm
overall width to clear the steering rod. Expect that different brand
tyres have different profiles in the 215 75 15 size, so at the end of
the day, the real acid test after checking the tyre is to then eyeball
the project and depending what you decide, tackle the grinding, refit
the tyre a few times as you go to see how things are progressing until
you are satisfied with the fit.

A tip is, after each time you do some more grinding and you then want to
check progress, reinsert the tyre, juggle it around for best fit, push
the clamshell up and see if you can get the clamshell onto the catch. If
so, there is room to grab the steering rod on the side and juggle it
back and forth to check for clearance. If it's clear, screw the bolt
home in stages, check a few times to see if clearance is still ok. If
you find there is a small amount of drag on the steering rod you think
you can live with, just apply a smear of rubber grease to the steering
rod where the tyre sidewall is touching and check again. A case of suck
it and see. If you decide their is some tyre drag but not a lot, try
lowering the clamshell on the fixing bolt using a few steel packing
washers, maybe 5-10 mm total will do, this may be enough to get
clearance. In which case, you should also add equivalent packing to the
clamshells left and right bump upstands.

If all else fails, plan to buy a set of 15" BFG All Terrains or
equivalents.

To get an idea of the area I'm referring to that needs additional
grinding, go to the photos that Bill has posted today and look for the
photo called "spare wheel carrier modifications t3 004". On the inside
of the structural beam, you can see where the factory shaping has been
done to accommodate the tyre diameter. That shaping is what needs
grinding back further on both beams and also removing any daggy steel
bits intruding. Finally, check for and round off any sharp metal edges
and paint the exposed bare steel with protective paint. I use POR 15,
the best.

I stress, for the relatively small amount of additional grinding
involved, this in no way compromises the structural integrity of the
beams.

Hope this is of some assistance. Any queries, please fire away.

Cheers.

Ken
Ken,

thanks for the comprehensive report.

2 items:

1) Do you have the clamshell or the heavy steel tube Syncro bash plate style carrier? (latter I assume)
2) Can you post some pics of what you have done / achieved?

Thanks for your efforts on this.

Regards
mark.

On Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 10:21 PM, Ken <unclekenz@yahoo.com> wrote:


Gday syncronauts,

A revelation, I think.

Re: .............
""""""--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Gday Mark,
>
> Based on what I've gleaned, my view is that it's not possible to
modify
> an existing clamshell to fit an inflated 215 75 15 wheel and still
> retain the all important and already limited clearance approach angle
> underneath. So in short ........ no.""""""

UPDATE:

Given all the interest and posts on this topic, I decided to get down
and dirty today (it was raining outside anyway) and eyeball the spare
wheel holder vicinity. As they say, if you want a job done properly, do
it yourself. So now it seems to me, most of the info I've previously
"gleaned" online is in fact a load of old cobblers.

What I'm about to say may not be as momentous as when Les revealed here
recently about the availability of an Oz manufactured and sourced ring
and pinion gear but heh ... I reckon it's up there somewhere!

Firstly, let me be clear on this. I'm referring to the Australian
square-ish clamshell/skidplate, not the lightweight USA circular
clamshell.

So what I'm saying here is that .... yes, merely with the aid of a 100mm
electric grinder and several hours hard yakka, some but not all 15"
deflated tyres on rims WILL fit in the clamshell. This is with no
modifications nor adjustments to it nor clearance issues with the
steering rod nor loss of approach angle. All good, as long as you've
selected the right profile 15" tyre that will fit or perhaps even a
lower profile tyre on a 16" rim.

Good news I think for syncro owners generally, not good news for
manufacturers and retailers of rear wheel carriers nor those who've
already paid top dollars buying one, especially from overseas. Then
again, if you do have a rear wheel carrier, means now there is the
option to carry a second matching spare wheel or tyre for outback
touring.

The two critical criteria for this to work is the overall diameter and
width of the deflated tyre. Diameter size determines whether or not the
tyre can fit between the two fore/aft structural beams which, if you
take a look, have already been factory trimmed to allow room for the
tyre diameter. This is where I used the grinder to trim off more
material and on a more even curve, this is what's needed for this
project to be successful. More on that later. Now the width of the tyre
determines whether or not it can actually fit in the storage space
height and crucially, achieve clearance off the steering rod.

So now to the 3 tyres tested. For those interested, if your tyre isn't
mentioned here, you'll need to check your own to see if you are "in with
a chance" of similar success. May I suggest you report back here your
findings for the benefit of us all.

Best fit (easiest) was BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A LT215/75 R15. This
should please lots of Oz syncro owners.

Next best fit (larger diameter but still ok) was Dunlop Adventurer
GR78-15LT (8 ply). Probably rare these days.

Failed to fit (my present tyres) was Goodyear Wrangler AT/R 215/75 R15.
Tyre is too wide to clear steering rod.

For those wanting to check their tyre dimensions first, lay the tyre
flat on a level surface, a rough rule of thumb guide for success would
be a deflated tyre diameter no more than 704mm and not more than 208mm
overall width to clear the steering rod. Expect that different brand
tyres have different profiles in the 215 75 15 size, so at the end of
the day, the real acid test after checking the tyre is to then eyeball
the project and depending what you decide, tackle the grinding, refit
the tyre a few times as you go to see how things are progressing until
you are satisfied with the fit.

A tip is, after each time you do some more grinding and you then want to
check progress, reinsert the tyre, juggle it around for best fit, push
the clamshell up and see if you can get the clamshell onto the catch. If
so, there is room to grab the steering rod on the side and juggle it
back and forth to check for clearance. If it's clear, screw the bolt
home in stages, check a few times to see if clearance is still ok. If
you find there is a small amount of drag on the steering rod you think
you can live with, just apply a smear of rubber grease to the steering
rod where the tyre sidewall is touching and check again. A case of suck
it and see. If you decide their is some tyre drag but not a lot, try
lowering the clamshell on the fixing bolt using a few steel packing
washers, maybe 5-10 mm total will do, this may be enough to get
clearance. In which case, you should also add equivalent packing to the
clamshells left and right bump upstands.

If all else fails, plan to buy a set of 15" BFG All Terrains or
equivalents.

To get an idea of the area I'm referring to that needs additional
grinding, go to the photos that Bill has posted today and look for the
photo called "spare wheel carrier modifications t3 004". On the inside
of the structural beam, you can see where the factory shaping has been
done to accommodate the tyre diameter. That shaping is what needs
grinding back further on both beams and also removing any daggy steel
bits intruding. Finally, check for and round off any sharp metal edges
and paint the exposed bare steel with protective paint. I use POR 15,
the best.

I stress, for the relatively small amount of additional grinding
involved, this in no way compromises the structural integrity of the
beams.

Hope this is of some assistance. Any queries, please fire away.

Cheers.

Ken




--
Mark Kofahl
Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
Main: 1300 33 1000
Direct: 02 9375 2747
Mobile: 0419 275 259
Skype: markkofahl

www.solutionsoutsourced.com.au
www.siteflex.com.au

16 View Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
PO Box 658, Camden, NSW, 2570




=======================================
This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or privileged. Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this email has been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this email is prohibited. If you have received it in error please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of this email and any attachments. All liability for direct and indirect loss arising from this email and any attachments is hereby disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd.


Mark, I feel both your queries are adequately covered in my update.

Answer to Q1 is paragraph 3, Q2 is in paragraph 13. Just follow the
instructions.

Short of others actually doing it, the only other suggestion I can think
of is a field day where anyone can check the fit of their deflated tyre
in my clamshell and also check for steering rod clearance. Probably be
simpler to just do it, suck it and see.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Kofahl"
<markkofahl@...> wrote:
>
> Ken,
>
> thanks for the comprehensive report.
>
> 2 items:
>
> 1) Do you have the clamshell or the heavy steel tube Syncro bash plate
style
> carrier? (latter I assume)
> 2) Can you post some pics of what you have done / achieved?
>
> Thanks for your efforts on this.
>
> Regards
> mark.
>
> On Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 10:21 PM, Ken unclekenz@... wrote:
>
> >
> > Gday syncronauts,
> >
> > A revelation, I think.
> >
> > Re: .............
> > """"""--- In
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com<Syncro_T3_Australia%40yahoogroups.co\
m>,
> > "Ken" unclekenz@
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Gday Mark,
> > >
> > > Based on what I've gleaned, my view is that it's not possible to
> > modify
> > > an existing clamshell to fit an inflated 215 75 15 wheel and still
> > > retain the all important and already limited clearance approach
angle
> > > underneath. So in short ........ no.""""""
> >
> > UPDATE:
> >
> > Given all the interest and posts on this topic, I decided to get
down
> > and dirty today (it was raining outside anyway) and eyeball the
spare
> > wheel holder vicinity. As they say, if you want a job done properly,
do
> > it yourself. So now it seems to me, most of the info I've previously
> > "gleaned" online is in fact a load of old cobblers.
> >
> > What I'm about to say may not be as momentous as when Les revealed
here
> > recently about the availability of an Oz manufactured and sourced
ring
> > and pinion gear but heh ... I reckon it's up there somewhere!
> >
> > Firstly, let me be clear on this. I'm referring to the Australian
> > square-ish clamshell/skidplate, not the lightweight USA circular
> > clamshell.
> >
> > So what I'm saying here is that .... yes, merely with the aid of a
100mm
> > electric grinder and several hours hard yakka, some but not all 15"
> > deflated tyres on rims WILL fit in the clamshell. This is with no
> > modifications nor adjustments to it nor clearance issues with the
> > steering rod nor loss of approach angle. All good, as long as you've
> > selected the right profile 15" tyre that will fit or perhaps even a
> > lower profile tyre on a 16" rim.
> >
> > Good news I think for syncro owners generally, not good news for
> > manufacturers and retailers of rear wheel carriers nor those who've
> > already paid top dollars buying one, especially from overseas. Then
> > again, if you do have a rear wheel carrier, means now there is the
> > option to carry a second matching spare wheel or tyre for outback
> > touring.
> >
> > The two critical criteria for this to work is the overall diameter
and
> > width of the deflated tyre. Diameter size determines whether or not
the
> > tyre can fit between the two fore/aft structural beams which, if you
> > take a look, have already been factory trimmed to allow room for the
> > tyre diameter. This is where I used the grinder to trim off more
> > material and on a more even curve, this is what's needed for this
> > project to be successful. More on that later. Now the width of the
tyre
> > determines whether or not it can actually fit in the storage space
> > height and crucially, achieve clearance off the steering rod.
> >
> > So now to the 3 tyres tested. For those interested, if your tyre
isn't
> > mentioned here, you'll need to check your own to see if you are "in
with
> > a chance" of similar success. May I suggest you report back here
your
> > findings for the benefit of us all.
> >
> > Best fit (easiest) was BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A LT215/75 R15.
This
> > should please lots of Oz syncro owners.
> >
> > Next best fit (larger diameter but still ok) was Dunlop Adventurer
> > GR78-15LT (8 ply). Probably rare these days.
> >
> > Failed to fit (my present tyres) was Goodyear Wrangler AT/R 215/75
R15.
> > Tyre is too wide to clear steering rod.
> >
> > For those wanting to check their tyre dimensions first, lay the tyre
> > flat on a level surface, a rough rule of thumb guide for success
would
> > be a deflated tyre diameter no more than 704mm and not more than
208mm
> > overall width to clear the steering rod. Expect that different brand
> > tyres have different profiles in the 215 75 15 size, so at the end
of
> > the day, the real acid test after checking the tyre is to then
eyeball
> > the project and depending what you decide, tackle the grinding,
refit
> > the tyre a few times as you go to see how things are progressing
until
> > you are satisfied with the fit.
> >
> > A tip is, after each time you do some more grinding and you then
want to
> > check progress, reinsert the tyre, juggle it around for best fit,
push
> > the clamshell up and see if you can get the clamshell onto the
catch. If
> > so, there is room to grab the steering rod on the side and juggle it
> > back and forth to check for clearance. If it's clear, screw the bolt
> > home in stages, check a few times to see if clearance is still ok.
If
> > you find there is a small amount of drag on the steering rod you
think
> > you can live with, just apply a smear of rubber grease to the
steering
> > rod where the tyre sidewall is touching and check again. A case of
suck
> > it and see. If you decide their is some tyre drag but not a lot, try
> > lowering the clamshell on the fixing bolt using a few steel packing
> > washers, maybe 5-10 mm total will do, this may be enough to get
> > clearance. In which case, you should also add equivalent packing to
the
> > clamshells left and right bump upstands.
> >
> > If all else fails, plan to buy a set of 15" BFG All Terrains or
> > equivalents.
> >
> > To get an idea of the area I'm referring to that needs additional
> > grinding, go to the photos that Bill has posted today and look for
the
> > photo called "spare wheel carrier modifications t3 004". On the
inside
> > of the structural beam, you can see where the factory shaping has
been
> > done to accommodate the tyre diameter. That shaping is what needs
> > grinding back further on both beams and also removing any daggy
steel
> > bits intruding. Finally, check for and round off any sharp metal
edges
> > and paint the exposed bare steel with protective paint. I use POR
15,
> > the best.
> >
> > I stress, for the relatively small amount of additional grinding
> > involved, this in no way compromises the structural integrity of the
> > beams.
> >
> > Hope this is of some assistance. Any queries, please fire away.
> >
> > Cheers.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Mark Kofahl
> Solutions Outsourced Pty Ltd
> Main: 1300 33 1000
> Direct: 02 9375 2747
> Mobile: 0419 275 259
> Skype: markkofahl
>
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>
>
>
>
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