Well Gents, another hurdle has been accomplished. After soaking the spare tire carrier in an electrolysis bath for about 7 days, it was time to bend it back into shape and do some work. Here are the photos of the exercise.
I had taken the entire assembly to a shop to have it straightened. It wasn't too badly bent, but I don't have an Oxy./Acet. torch assembly so I was at the mercy of a speed shop in town. They got it straight but something just wasn't right. The Carrier was 2 inches from the mount and catch.
This is after a week in the electrolysis bath, before being straightened.
Here is where I discovered the discrepancy and cut the carrier from the mount.
I removed the mount and catch from the frame section. Then freed both catch lever and mount hinge so they would turn.
I then re-mounted the entire assembly back onto the frame section for fitment and welding.
Ready to begin welding. I ran beads along the sides and across the chamfered edges.
After welding the plate into place, I ran a nice bead into the area above the hinge, under the plate I added then cut the excess off and ground the area smooth..
Now with everything welded back together, it operates as it should.
When I recovered the carrier from the scrap yard, I had several other items that I wanted to purchase. The entire haul cost me $45.00. So, that and about 6 hours of very satisfying labor produced a functioning Spare Tire Carrier. Tomorrow I will attempt fitment on the chassis, weather permitting. Thanks for lookin'. More progress on the way.