hi, when i bought my defender 90, it came with an unfitted second hand mantec spare wheel carrier. i have the arm bolted on now and it fits the holes fine, but the piston housing (clamp thing) seems to have an extra steel block welded on to it that doesn't look like it belongs. it seems like the added depth will mean the piston is too far away from the door. perhaps it was modified to fit a different vehicle?
if i could draw a decent picture....it might look a bit like this from an end-view.
_O_ < piston container thingy |___| < hollow steel block/box welded on, about 2 inches thick.
am i right in saying the piston housing should be bolted flush against the door? without the big 2 inch gap from the block? i want to get the angle grinder at it to cut off the box, but would appreciate an experienced opinion in case i ruin it.
many thanks tim p.s. do you need to use the 2 bolt holes in the upper hinge? there was a hole already for the one on the right which i have securely bolted on, but the one on the left doesn't have a matching hole (yet) and it looks like it would be hard to fit a nut on it from the inside. i tried swinging off the carrier and it held my weight very solidly so i'm guessing it might be enough!