ooh yeah

so I wish just once something would be easy to do? I went to install my spare tire carrier today and for some reason the cover won't fit flush with the tire in it. My tire size is 205 /70R 15 is this to large for the carrier?

JohnZ

That's quite typical - it's not going to close flush with either a 205/75, 205/70, or 215/70 tire.

Bluestripe67

I think it is. Although you can buy the longer bolts which drop it some, I don't know how much. Also, some, including myself have gone to the space saver temp spare from a Chevy S-10 pickup. It clears the calipers and fits in the tub. Dennis

ooh yeah

205 /75 won't fit either? I can get it to sit in by lowering the front bolts and adding another nut so they don't back out but the back section won't closeup if I do that. Is everyone riding around with the carrier partly open?

krf

Agree....S10 spare fits nicely.....easy in and out!

Tampa Jerry

I got the S-10 spare from a bone yard for $50. That included the tire and rim, Mine was brand new, it was never used, Jerry

vt65

so what do you do with the flat tire you removed?

62Jeff

If it's flat, it should fit.

The gospel of JohnZ tells us that tires are hot-inflated immediately after manufacture, giving them a wider cross-section. For radial tires, this makes them even more difficult to fit into the spare tire carrier.

For bias ply reproduction tires, this means the spare tire board in a C1 won't sit flush.

vt65

well its worth a try but I'm running 205/65s on 7" TT2's, tried the longer bolt trick last month but that didn't work! Was wondering if anyone has ever used a C3 tub, will it work or is it too ugly?

JohnZ

The C3 tub won't even come close to fitting - completely different shape. The reproduction tub is slightly larger in diameter than the original (about 1/4") and will accept a 205/75 radial on a 6" rim with the long 10-1/4" front support bolts, but it won't quite close at the rear - leaves about a 3/4" gap. With an original tub, the gap will be slightly more.

The only way to have the tub close as original is to use an S-10 T155/90 D16 compact spare.

GUSTO14

John, do you know by chance if a 775-15 (reproduction) tire on a 6" DC rally will fit in the C2 tub and close all of the way?

Thanks, GUSTO

vetsvette2002

I does on my 67. 7.75-15 redstripes.

vt65

I tried a 7.75 x 15 repro goldline with a stock black rim and the tire's OD is to big to fit into my tub, guess I'll go for the S-10 spare

karguy

Hey Guys, So did we ever resolve this one? I was about to post the same question. I am putting together a nice 67 drvier and like things correct where and when reasonable. I would prefer not to use an S10 spare as I have a nice DG rim all prep'd and ready to accept a tire. There has got to be a number of 67 guys out there that have a spare tire fitted in thier spare tire tub. What are you guys using, what is the recommended tire size and brand (diamondback, coker, repro bias or radial). Thanks. Steve

ricks327

Steve,
I have a 67 with 3 year old Michelin X redlines from DiamondBack, size 215/70/15 on Rallye wheels. The tire fits in my original tub with the longer bolts but the lid does not close tight. I have not had any issues with excess dirt and I do drive my car a lot in the summer, 2-3k. I try to avoid driving in inclement weather but have been caught in many storms.
Works for me.
Rick

CORRECTION: I just remembered that I left my junk Coker redline tire in the tub and not sure of its size but believe it is a 205/70/15.

maggiesadie8525

How are the diamondbacks compare to the other tires out there?

62Jeff

What specifically would you like to know?

Coker makes bias-ply and radial tires using many of the original molds. There have been unhappy forum members with the quality or appearance of those tires.

Diamondback does not, to my knowledge, make any tire. They apply custom sidewalls to brand name radial tires. The "Diamondback" redline radial tires on my 65, purchased 6 years ago, are Firestone Indy 500 tires. The "Diamondback" whitewall radial tires on my 62 purchased about 3 years ago, are Cooper tires.

karguy

Rick, Thank you for the feedback on the tub and the Diamondback tires. I have been looking at the Diamondback brand tires and now with your comments, it is a done deal. they are are little more money but I am guessing worth it. I have both the original and the long and short tub lid bolts so there shouldn't be an issue. I was going to use the 205-75-15 redlines as I've always understood they are the best cross reference tires to the original size. Thanks again. Steve