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."