That's a good idea - I can think of lots of things that could be done the back of the Jeep if the spare weren't in the way. But for me the goal of the spare carrier hood is to carry an extra spare without using the roof rack so the roof rack can be used for the tent.
My #1 goal for the CJ Kit was that it should look like it rolled off the assembly line that way - Jeep "experts" shouldn't be able to tell that it's not factory. I'm constantly surprised by "Jeep people" who ask come up to me and as "What year is your CJ?"
. I had the same goal for the TJ Hurst Commando kit, although I've never used that one an actual Jeep, I've only done mockups with the parts so far. (My goal for the Hurst scoop was that it should be a near-perfect reproduction that doesn't sag in the middle like all the factory ones did
).
And that's the goal for the Retro Rhino kit - I want it to look like it came off the assembly line that way. When I finish it you can let me know if I succeeded
. Right now I'm leaning towards working on the Rhino kit before the spare carrier hood.
I saw an old Series II Land rover around town once that had a spare on the hood and another in front of the grill between the fenders. He put jerrys up there once too. Interesting thought, not sure how he didn't overheat though. I've also seen pictures of Land Cruisers (mostly Australian) with 2 spares on the back. I personally think to run the rooftop tent and 2 spares the spare on the hood idea is golden, and if anyone is gonna pull it off you're gonna nail it. For other people that take inspiration from your designs but don't wish to carry 2 spares it certainly opens up a flood of possibilities for the rear. Either way it's gonna be awesome.
In terms of your CJ kit-That thing is awesome, and you pulled off your goal to make it look factory turned out brilliant. I read through the build on jeepforum, it's amazing that its basically bolt-on. I love how even all the under-hood accessories are in the same places and everything. And blending the cowls, the whole 9 yards. Incredible man. I absolutely love it, and you really have to do a double take. Part of that is because the overall sheet metal dimensions barely changed on Jeeps from the CJ5 to the TJ (they mostly just got longer). But mostly cause you did an outstanding job. You really do have to look. It's pure CJ, and you're like, oh man, that's awesome! Nice CJ dude! And then you're like, wait, are those TJ fenders? Hold on, the windshield wipers are in the wrong spot! But it's all little things; mirrors, bumpers, flares, door handles, different windshield. If I saw you driving down the road I'd be telling my friends about the awesome Scrambler with a hard top I just saw (after I waved of course :wavey
The look on people's faces when you tell them your "CJ" is an '06 must be priceless:xxrotflma I bet people are like, "oh cool, wait what?"
About the Commando front end- that thing is awesome. You definitely accomplished what you set out to do there, it looks great! I think it would be super awesome to design a custom fastback hardtop to go with it like the Jeepsters that wore that front end had. That would be awesome. I gotta know, does the one you designed and built have the tach? Super cool Jeff, and if you ever want to see that one rolling around the streets and the trail I'll be the happiest Jeeeper alive to drive up there and give it a home!
As for the Retro Rhino, I have no doubt you're gonna nail it. And one the JK is wearing it proud your "CJ" might be looking for a little love
Really excited to see these projects come to life!
