New install of old stock tire rack

[Docmace]

I just bought a used stock spare tire carrier (swing out) for my '73. My rig never had a spare swing so this will be a new install. I'm pretty sure I can handle all the mounting except for the tailgate latch mounting plate. I cannot see any way that I'm getting inside of the tailgate cavity.

What harm would it do if I simply drilled my holes completely through the tailgate, used longer screws, and mounted the backing plate on the inner wall of the tailgate itself instead of trying to find a way into the cavity. It seems to me that this would be even stronger than the original mounting set-up. Any thoughts?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Take the tailgate handle out. The original inner backing plate fit inside there and had nuts welded to it.

 

[Docmace]

Ok. I'll try that. Thanks

 

[scrapman1971]

vw is there anything you don't know?;D

 

[Viperwolf1]

vw is there anything you don't know?;D

I dont know how I'm going to pay for my next stop at the gas station.

 

[scrapman1971]

no worries obummer will pay for it

 

[patterdale]

The reason you would not want to drill all the way through is there is nothing to keep the tailgate from collapsing as you tighten the bolts up.