Spare tire delete for 24/25 FE

[jeepguru]

Artec has the LED lights as an option. I did not need them but they're ~$24.00. They mount in the same two upper mounting holes of the license plate itself, or you can mount them in the two holes near the upper left & right of the Artec panel.

License Plate LED Lights and Harness Kit

ARTEC License Plate LED Lights and Harness KitAdd LED lights to your spare tire delete for your license plate.Artec Industries has pieced together this light and harness kit to allow you to easily wire up license plate lights on your new spare tire delete. Includes: Qty: 2 Miniature Dual...

artecindustries.com

This video shows with the lights installed.

I would stray away from this style as if you need to remove the plate, it's kind of a pain to unhook, even with quick disconencts of some sort. We use this style that slips between the plate and the bracket.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/led-license-plate-light-jeep-wrangler-jl

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Here are some pics. What I recall is that I left one extra layer of the OEM spare tire mount spacers on the left side, to make it flush with the right side. The last pic shows the upper-right mounting bolt with one spacer.

You may also notice that I added some black door-edge trim around the outer edge, just to give it a cleaner look. The finish on the Artec matches perfectly to the OEM hinge bracket.

You really did a nice clean job on that, really looks factory, thank's for the pic's and the heads up on what is necessary!

 

[Ten4Jeep]

I would stray away from this style as if you need to remove the plate, it's kind of a pain to unhook, even with quick disconencts of some sort. We use this style that slips between the plate and the bracket.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/led-license-plate-light-jeep-wrangler-jl

View attachment 48862

Hmmm, I do not like the way that quadratec looks at all. Especially with that silver neck that sticks out and the fact that the license/vanity plate will not sit completely flush along the top edge. Looks like it was rigged up with scraps lying around, lol. Much prefer the look of the Artec product.

FYI, the Artec lights have a quick disconnect behind the plate as well and look much better. Doesn’t really matter as I don’t plan to switch back and forth. My spare is mounted to my garage wall and only gets touched when I do 5-tire rotation.

 

[Huckle Monster]

I used Artec as well but removed the reinforcement. After lots of searching it checked all the boxes.View attachment 48837

What did you use to plug the holes from the tire spacer/bumper? A while ago I saw a vendor selling aluminum plugs for the holes but can't seem to find them now.

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

What did you use to plug the holes from the tire spacer/bumper? A while ago I saw a vendor selling aluminum plugs for the holes but can't seem to find them now.

@WhiteBronze392 Build

Half doors are going on for the summer this weekend and also thinking of finally installing the Artec spare delete I have had for about 6 months and was looking for feedback from anyone who has done this with the XR and what was under the tailgate reinforcement? I have seen some who leave it so...

www.jeep392.com

I used Vector Off-road UFO plugs. They look much better than the standard rubber plugs from others IMHO

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Looks like the Artec kit in power coated black is going to be the best for my use, From what I can see from Ten4Jeeps post is looks like you only remove the factory brackets behind the rim mount and a replacement plate goes in its place then you move the 3rd light and camera into it. I really dont want to touch the hinges re-enforcements.

Anyone have any suggestions on an Artec source they would recommend?

 

[OldVetteGuy]

@WhiteBronze392 Build

Half doors are going on for the summer this weekend and also thinking of finally installing the Artec spare delete I have had for about 6 months and was looking for feedback from anyone who has done this with the XR and what was under the tailgate reinforcement? I have seen some who leave it so...

www.jeep392.com

I used Vector Off-road UFO plugs. They look much better than the standard rubber plugs from others IMHO

I had those same holes, In the state my 392 came from a front tag is manditory so the dealership install the tag cover plate which requires them to drill 4 holes to attach it. My state doesn't require front plates so it was first to go.

If you want an easy an inexpensive fix for the holes just grab a couple of carriage bolts and nuts, paint them black and put them in the holes. Granted a metal plate would be better but for me the carriage bolts look fine. Quick, easy and cheap!

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Looks like the Artec kit in power coated black is going to be the best for my use, From what I can see from Ten4Jeeps post is looks like you only remove the factory brackets behind the rim mount and a replacement plate goes in its place then you move the 3rd light and camera into it. I really dont want to touch the hinges re-enforcements.

Anyone have any suggestions on an Artec source they would recommend?

I think I am going to go with the black power coat Artec

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Here are some pics. What I recall is that I left one extra layer of the OEM spare tire mount spacers on the left side, to make it flush with the right side. The last pic shows the upper-right mounting bolt with one spacer.

You may also notice that I added some black door-edge trim around the outer edge, just to give it a cleaner look. The finish on the Artec matches perfectly to the OEM hinge bracket.

Ten4Jeep, what did you use on the edges for fillers?

 

[Ten4Jeep]

Ten4Jeep, what did you use on the edges for fillers?

I used rubber door edge trim with the adhesive strip built in. I’ll see if I can find the link where I bought it. I used a heat gun to conform it around the turns.

Edit: Trim

 

[OldVetteGuy]

I used rubber door edge trim with the adhesive strip built in. I’ll see if I can find the link where I bought it. I used a heat gun to conform it around the turns.

Edit: Trim

Thanks for that, its on the way!

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Well, this project is finished. I originally installed everything but really was not pleased and thought it might be look better if I pulled off the re-enforcement hinge Jeep added for the heaver 35" tire. My original concern was the paint condition underneath the extra hinge.
I rolled the dice thinking I could always put it back on and found the paint on the tailgate and the original hinges perfect.

So, other I bolted the Artec plate directly to the tailgate. I wanted to add some info in case someone else takes this on.

1. The camera is built into a separate cone unit that in my case was not only bolted but glued on, see pictures.
2. I ran the camera and 3rd tail light wiring behind the plate and blocked off all the holes, I hate to see wiring outside a vehicle, (anal I guess) Made my own plugs out of Delrin (on my lathe) copying the UFO design and used a couple of spare rubber ones to fill the other holes. I also added a knock off Diode dynamics 3rd brake light to be a little more stealth.
3.Ordered 4 original Jeep tailgate torx bolts as they look much better then the other that were really to big for the factory hinges.
4. Jeep decal on the rear, 4 quarter inch plugs to fill the tag holes and done.

About the only regret I had is I wished I had ordered the aluminum version and painted it gloss black it would have been a better match. All in all it was worth it, I am so totally amazed how much easier it is to open an close the rear tailgate, besides, wifey likes it!

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

Well, this project is finished. I originally installed everything but really was not pleased and thought it might be look better if I pulled off the re-enforcement hinge Jeep added for the heaver 35" tire. My original concern was the paint condition underneath the extra hinge.
I rolled the dice thinking I could always put it back on and found the paint on the tailgate and the original hinges perfect.

So, other I bolted the Artec plate directly to the tailgate. I wanted to add some info in case someone else takes this on.

1. The camera is built into a separate cone unit that in my case was not only bolted but glued on, see pictures.
2. I ran the camera and 3rd tail light wiring behind the plate and blocked off all the holes, I hate to see wiring outside a vehicle, (anal I guess) Made my own plugs out of Delrin (on my lathe) copying the UFO design and used a couple of spare rubber ones to fill the other holes. I also added a knock off Diode dynamics 3rd brake light to be a little more stealth.
3.Ordered 4 original Jeep tailgate torx bolts as they look much better then the other that were really to big for the factory hinges.
4. Jeep decal on the rear, 4 quarter inch plugs to fill the tag holes and done.

About the only regret I had is I wished I had ordered the aluminum version and painted it gloss black it would have been a better match. All in all it was worth it, I am so totally amazed how much easier it is to open a close the rear tailgate, besides, wifey likes it!View attachment 50593

Looks great!

 

[Ten4Jeep]

Looks good. The gold pinstripe looks good against the black paint too.

 

[OldVetteGuy]

Thanks all to those who offered their suggestions and pictures, it really helped out in making it turn out good!