Who else has "The Dent"?

I didn't have one until this morning. I was facing downhill with the tire rack opened straight out, a gust of wind caught it and it swung all the way open with a thump.

 

I removed my tire rack years ago.

 

So where is your spare tire? I don't have room in the back for it.

 

That happens. I have to watch my brother-in-law and other relatives whenever they try to help unload things from the cargo area; he usually swings the carrier open with gusto; also tends to drag stuff throught the open window and scratch the gate upper section.

 

no dent yet, but thatnks for warning me, ill def. be more careful with mine now

 

Mine had the dent when I bought it three years ago. Pretty bad one too. It went in about an inch at least. I removed the tailight, drilled a hole or two and beat most of it out with a sledge hammer and some kind of rod. Slathered it with bondod and repainted. I was repainting the whole truck anyway since it was camo when I bought it. I almost wish I had left it camo now and not bothered fixing the dents, but my intentions with the truck were different when I bought it.

DK

 

i also have the dent. mine is on the bottom though. happened whe i drove away with out the tire rack shut tite. guarentee i wont do it again.

 

This would definitly make a case for the interior tire rck that is in my 96 XL, aside from taking up some space, it'll never swing anywhere.

 

It makes a case for a simple restraining cord with a quick clip to release it. I put one on mine after I rolled it, and I also had a welder install a brace inside the taillight opening to prevent it even if the cord wasn't attached. I can't count how many times I've driven off with it unlatched, and the cord has always saved me. Especially last weekend when the chain I had slung over the tire broke the catch and let the carrier swing out. I just used the cord to tie it up until I got home (to the junkpile) & replaced it.

 

Hey Steve, in your plethora of pictures, do you happen to have a picture of this? It sounds like a great idea; I might like to try it.

 

I'm pretty sure the 83 album has a pic of the cord, but I don't think I snapped one of the internal brace. I'll try to get one sometime...

 

I have a similar dent in mine but at the lower hinge. I have had a theatrical safety cable (24"x 1/8" coated aircraft cable with an eye at each end and a spring clip) performing the task Steve mentioned since I had it happen to me.

 

I have that same dent on my 89. The PO told me that his son slid off the trail and whacked a tree. I always thought of it as badge of honor. Hmm, guess I'll have to go find my own tree.

 

OK There are a couple of pics at the bottom of the 83 Bronco album in my sig link.

 

Thanks for putting those up. I like the reinforcement. What did you attach the restraining cord to on the vehicle end? I can almost see it in one of the pictures.