Help! Tire carrier has cracked right rear corner

[houstonheights77]

I am new to this forum and am very excited about my newly purchased 1977 uncut early Ford Bronco. My first Bronco! And I know I should have asked this question BEFORE I actually purchased the truck...but I couldn't help myself. Here's my issue: the tire carrier has caused a small but very visible crack in the right rear corner of the truck. Has anyone else had or seen this problem? Is it easy to fix? How? I appreciate any thoughts, comments, help...etc.! Thanks in advance.

PS---Sorry for the double posting...I initially posted this on Tech Support forum, but re-posted here because it looks like this forum may get more action.

 

[Bronc76]

I am new to this forum and am very excited about my newly purchased 1977 uncut early Ford Bronco. My first Bronco! And I know I should have asked this question BEFORE I actually purchased the truck...but I couldn't help myself. Here's my issue: the tire carrier has caused a small but very visible crack in the right rear corner of the truck. Has anyone else had or seen this problem? Is it easy to fix? How? I appreciate any thoughts, comments, help...etc.! Thanks in advance.
PS---Sorry for the double posting...I initially posted this on Tech Support forum, but re-posted here because it looks like this forum may get more action.

I posted one in tech support

 

[Bully Bob]

Modernization did that...

That rack was meant to hold a small tire...now days we haul huge tire/wheels & gas cans hanging on the rack.

The rear quarter panel gets locked to the tail-gate & limits the frame/body flex--equals-- crack in sheetmetal.

Mine was cracked prob. when I bought it..! It's still cracked...but no further.

My rack has two vertical bolts that serve as a hinges. (yrs. ago) I put 3 home-made teflon 1/8" washers on ea. hinge point & left the lock-nuts a bit loose. this allows for quiet movement as the rig flexes.

Your rack prob. has the large hinge/knuckle so that won't work for you.

There are aft. mkt. racks out there that rest only on the bumper.

If the crack bothers you..., body-shop it.., or you can repl. that whole corner.

BTW.., there's a large backing plate behind the sheetmetal...or should be.

Best to fill-in your sig. & info pages to receive more accurate help.

HTH

B