58 Cj5 Spare Wheel Mount Needs Some Help

I've got a spare wheel mount that has been pushed, hammered or other wise bent away from the bolt holes it protrudes through. I have been able to pull it back through a little bit but not enough to be useful.

Any ideas on how to "bend" the bracket back out without removing it from the wheel well without destroying the sheet metal in the process?

 

Are you talking about the original side mount bracket? They are easy to take off and replace.

Spare Tire Carrier Mounting Bracket (Imported) Fits 46-71 CJ-2A, 3A, 3B, 5

Spare Tire Carrier Generic CJ Models 1945-1971-982009

 

The usual accident involves running the spare into an object like a tree or lamppost on the passenger side. Yeah, I'd think you could use the bracket to your advantage and pull on it to try and straighten the fender. The backside of the fender is reinforced to support the tire and wheel. The fender steel will have some memory of its original shape and will tend to go back to its original form. Pull in the reverse direction of the impact. If it's the bracket that's bent, scrap it and get an aftermarket replacement.

 

Yes the original Bracket and support brace. I think I am going ot try what Tim suggested and try to pull it slowly to see if it can regain some of it's shape. It is not in horrible condition and maybe I am just expecting perfection sometimes. This might not be one of those times if it is too much.