Hey everyone, I decided to make a "plug" for my rear hatch after removing the spare tire & holder. It costs about $20 in supplies (12"x24" aluminum diamond plate & a roll of carpet tape).

Hopefully this resource can be of support to anyone interesting in going this route! I am also working on making a bike rack which mounts to the original spare tire bolt holes (still in the works).

 

I am glad you like it.

However, an H3 without a rear spare tire looks like a bald street chicken.

You must have too much time on your hands, they make bike racks that attach via the trailer hitch receiver.

 

I see too many H3's with 4 aftermarket rims and the original full size spare, and I am not going to be a culprit. I prefer it looking like a bald chicken than mismatched If I had a matching full-size spare on the hatch, it would add over a hundred pounds of un-needed weight (un-needed unless I shred a tire or side-wall, in which case it would be needed).

I have a lot of scrap aluminum and can construct a more functional bike rack much lighter than the hitch-mount style racks. Also, the hitch mount racks are constantly in the way. I prefer less steps in daily life (not having to add and remove the hitch-mount rack or tilt it up and down to access the hatch). My design utilizes the hatch as the mounting point, so I can have full use of the rear hatch even with bikes mounted. I would rather have fun designing something functional than spending $600 on a pre-made item.

 

It you insist on using tape to hold the diamond plate on I would suggest 3M VHB. This is about the strongest tape you can get. O.E.M.'s use it for body components. After you've been parked in the hot sun and that aluminum heats up I don't think carpet tape is going to do the trick. Also, have you considered painting the diamond plate body color?

 

I appreciate your insight on the 3M VHB I'll keep an eye on it! The stronger, the better! I considered painting the diamond plate black but didn't think about painting it the same color as the body. I figured the color was comparable to all the fake chrome lol. I think paint matching it to the body color is a great idea, though! Thank you I might end up buying a can of paint-matched spray paint to do so.

 

I like my H3 with the rear spare tire.

 

Good I like the look of the spare, too.

 

I never understood the need for a rear wiper?

 

I was just busting your chops. I admire your creativity and enthusiasm. Keep it up.

 

in dead, but I love and prefer my H3 with the spare.