chaadster

Hey Y'all,

I know that many of you, like me, have sacrificed your spare wheel well to audio equipment, like a sub, an amp, crossovers, capacitors, etc. I also figure that many of you like to have the spare in the car for those extended, or out-of-town jaunts. If that's the case, you might be interested in the following.

I've had a seamstress friend of mine stitch up a zippered, spare tire cover! I found a very nice quality vinyl that is a very, very close match to my Mahogany interior, has a leather-like texture, a low-gloss (almost matte) finish, and just a little bit of stretchiness. I also put in some clips to secure the unit to the anchor points in back in order to keep it from sliding around (and to keep it from flying around the cabin and crushing my little head in case of an accident).

These pictures are of the v.1 prototype, but my father-in-law, Bigmac, will have the v.1.2 updated piece for his Marine Blue interior tomorrow. I'll get some pics up of that as soon as I can; the improvements regard the mounting tab locations and mounting hardware, mostly.

I should also mention that the fit is perfect and snug. You can see some pulling on the top of mine here, but only because the stuff inside the wheel--pump, jumper cables, miscellaneous "keep clean" stuff--is not well placed and sticking up above the rim. Otherwise, it would be perfectly smooth and flat across the top.

I've found this material in the aforementioned Mahogany and Marine Blue, but also in colors that very closely match Classic Grey, Linen, and Black.

I'm really pleased with this cover, as I just couldn't stand looking at the naked spare sitting back there (waiting to crush my little head). This definitely looks finished and is far more aesthetically pleasing and safe, and it is easy to pull out when I don't *think* I'll be needing a spare (e.g. short, around town jaunts).

What do you all think?

AO

Friggen awesome!

chaadster

Andrew,

It's the patch that's doin' it!

Champagne

Very well done Chaad,

I remember when we discussed your idea many months ago. Glad to see you were able to see it through

Paul

chaadster

Paul,

Oh I'm still dreaming of ostrich hide, contrasting stitching, and a laser-engraved Porsche crest....!

Joe '87 S4

Excellent idea!

Nicole

That's a clever idea for those who use the spare tire area for a subwoofer.

My main concern would be how it is attached. In an accident with deceleration forces of 20-40g - will it stay, or fly through the cabin and hit you over the head?

V2Rocket

Under the cargo net?

IcemanG17

Chaad
Looks sweet.....

AO

Notice the d-rings near the tool kit. I think that's sufficirnt to keet it down, the rear seat back should keep it from flying forward. Just don't put that rear seat down.

piccardo

Very nice! Looks as if it were stock.

DonT

Looks great. Excellent idea!

aircooler

Nice idea Chad

Jim M.

Chad that looks excellent; but I have to agree with Nicole, the whole assembly won't survive a crash or roll over and will come loose. Can you mount some secure hooks under the wheel portion to strap it down with some of the 1" straps available at most auto parts stores? The straps could be inside the wheel and completly hidden with your cover.

JIm Mayzurk
93 GTS 5-spd

auzivision

I like it, I love it, I want some more of it!

Thanks... great idea... my to do list just got longer.

It's not about the destination, just enjoying the ride!