Aluminess bumper parts question

[Matto-SMB]

I have an 2003 econoline EB with Aluminess rear bumper with tire and box swing outs. The metal strap that mounts the upper part of swing out to upper rear door hinge cracked on tire side. Looks to be part number short 350175 and long 350175.1. I can't find the difference online between the two. Aluminess email was answered with only the short strap in stock and no explanation on the difference. Long story is I'm on an extended road trip and need to get it shipped somewhere and can't wait for a back order. Other option would be a fab shop around south AZ. Thanks

 

[arctictraveller]

You could measure them both to determine which one you need, or fabricate a new one. It should be pretty simple to buy a piece of metal (Ace hardware?), bend it slightly in a vice and drill a couple holes. Hopefully you could find a shop to help if you dont have a drill.

 

[1der]

Matto, look for my PM please.

 

[1der]

Short strap = 3-7/16" between hole centerlines, approx 4.5" overall.
Long Strap = 4-1/16th between hole centerlines, approx 5-1/8" overall.

Holes are 3/8" diam.

I have one of each here.

 

[Matto-SMB]

Thanks! Talk soon

 

[Matto-SMB]

Rays the man part in the mail thank you so much!!

 

[dallagr]

Avid reader but don't post as much as I should. Lots of mods to my rig. Funny this came through today as I just finished rebuilding the bracket for my Aluminuss tire carrier. I believe the carriers and bumpers use a similar post and hinge system. I got sick of it drooping from the weight of the tire and abnormally wearing all the parts. That flimsy strap is a joke. I get why they did it but here's few pics of the new bracket using both bolts and the rear door hinge pin. Now the thing doesn't move from the weight of the tire and closes like a dream.

Good luck

GD

 

[Twoxentrix]

Well done! I simply called Aluminess for a replacement set a couple years ago...I just don't possess the tools or skills like some of you.

 

[Matto-SMB]

Did you fab the brackets?

 

[geoffff]

Avid reader but don't post as much as I should. Lots of mods to my rig. Funny this came through today as I just finished rebuilding the bracket for my Aluminuss tire carrier. I believe the carriers and bumpers use a similar post and hinge system. I got sick of it drooping from the weight of the tire and abnormally wearing all the parts. That flimsy strap is a joke. I get why they did it but here's few pics of the new bracket using both bolts and the rear door hinge pin. Now the thing doesn't move from the weight of the tire and closes like a dream.

Nice job! I ended up doing the very same thing when my van was only 1 year old. The rear tire carrier was already sagging and shaking/rattling. I replaced my two-bolt bracket from Aluminess with my custom 3-bolt one that would no longer rotate like a 2-bolt one can.

Your new bracket looks a bit thin to me. I also made myself a similarly thin bracket, but after 6 years of use it snapped -- so I had to re-make a much thicker one.

Original repair, 2005:









Thicker replacement, 2012, after my original bracket snapped:

 

[geoffff]

Also, check out this extra top-support bracket fabricated by Flux some years ago:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/f...ier-installation-issues-16187.html#post202251

 

[1der]

Also, check out this extra top-support bracket fabricated by Flux some years ago:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/f...ier-installation-issues-16187.html#post202251

I would be VERY careful about doing the Flux bracket on a 4x4 or rig that was headed off road. The flex between body and frame (read bumper) is going to stress that bracket a crazy amount and a lot of that is going into the five mounting bolts.

 

[geoffff]

Wow, good point!!