Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1984 Chevy K10 Blazer with 140,000 miles on it. I would like to build or buy a spare tire mount for the front end of the vehicle. I have been thinking about purchasing one of those heavy steel grill guards designed to protect the front end from tree damage in off-road driving. Into the grill guard, I would weld in cross-bracing to accomodate the spare tire. My concern centers around the needed air flow for the radiator. Will a spare tire mounted in the front block the air needed for the cooling system and cause damage? Tommy

Ray: Yes. And I'd advise against it. It WILL get in the way of the cooling system, and that WILL cause engine damage.

Tom: Plus, with a spare tire in the way, it's going to be hard to see where you're going. Although with that "tree guard" I guess that's not so important.

Ray: If you're considering a project like this, you obviously have too much time on your hands, Tommy. You need a hobby, and given the mileage on this Blazer, I'd suggest you take up "engine rebuilding." 1049

It's amazing how many bad driving habits and wacko theories have been passed down from generation to generation! Tom and Ray set the record straight in their booklet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1994 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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