JohnDeere2640

I've just purchased a 1994 Convertible and will put on a new set of tires. While I'm at it I'd like to replace the spare. It's twenty years old and flat.

Does anyone know how to solve this problem other than buying a new Continental for $155++? Are there other newer makes/models that might have the same bolt pattern to fit the 1994 C4? If so, how old a donut would you trust? Five years?

I think the spare is a 155/70-17. (Right?) Will other sizes fit in the spare carrier?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

c4cruiser

The last few years of the GTO had spares that would bolt on. But finding a tire could be the same sort of problem.

Is your spare showing all sorts of dry rot? If not, you might try removing the tire from the rim and clean up the rim mounting bead, then re-install the tire. Pretty easy for corrosion to form in that area so that could be a leak source.

You might want to consider having a tube installed. That may help with keeping air pressure. Remember the tire is designed for a short trip and at fairly low speeds.

The other thing to do is to carry a can of "fix-a-flat" or similar and a small 12v compressor. And a AAA membership and cell phone.

SJW

Yes, other cars came equipped with the same size spare. I have one that's on a rim with a different bolt pattern. I don't know anything about the car it came on originally -- it was given to me after being abandoned by a former tenant in a friend's rental garage. The rim's useless to me, but I've kept it in case I ever need the tire.

If you sniff around (think: E-Bay, CL or junkyard), I'll bet you can find a replacement -- possibly even one on a wheel that'll bolt right onto your car.

Did you try to reinflate the one you have? If it holds air, and doesn't look bad, it's probably still serviceable for its intended limited use.

Live well,

SJW

Cliff Harris

The center hole on the GTO spare is too small to fit over the Corvette hub. It's a very small difference in size and a little filing will fix that. I'm REALLY glad I did a test fit before throwing it into the spare tire carrier.

I have heard that the GTO bolt circle diameter is not exactly the same as the Corvette bolt circle, but it was close enough for me.

70ZZ3 96LT4

I tried installing the small spare tire from my 1985 Corvette on my 1996. It would not fit because of the difference in the brake calipers.

trivette

Finding a replacement spare tire is a challenge. My original 30 year old temp. spare ('84) gave out after less than a mile when I was forced to use it. Fortunately the flat tire was repairable or I'd have been hosed and stranded out of town. Replacement (non-spare) tires in the standard '84 size are limited in choices as well. I did locate an unused temp. spare/wheel for an '84 off the internet so now I have a nice one for NCRS judging but I would not use it on the car due to age. I carry some fix-a-flat and plan to source another used spare/wheel and go the tube route and keep it in the tire tub. As far as I know there are no tire mfgrs. currently making 'new' temporary spares for Corvettes or any other cars. These temp. tires were used on LOTS of GM cars but the problem is they're all getting old/unsafe. Many vehicles don't have the option for using a full-size tire due to no room in the tire carrier/trunk depending in the model.

JohnDeere2640

Thanks to all that have replied. I purchased a new spare tire, the same size as the original, and had it installed on the original wheel. They aren't cheap but then neither is a tow.

RollaMo-LT4

What size tire?
Where were you able to find one?

trackbird

My car didn't have a wheel or tire. So I'm in need of both to fit a '91. I was going to check the usual suppliers, but I don't remember seeing replacement wheels in my travels around the various websites. Has anybody bought one recently?

JohnDeere2640

Discount Tire

WVZR-1

What is the date code of your purchase?

DGXR

I found a spare tire in good condition for my 1995 by calling a number of wrecking yards. $100 total shipped to my door (150-mile shipping distance). It wasn't in great condition but certainly good enough, I'm comfortable carrying it for a useable spare and it holds air just fine.

I would be willing to spend $55 more ($155 total) in your situation to have a *new* tire mounted on the old rim, if you can find a shop that can get a new tire in the correct size. Obviously this setup would last much longer than an original 20+ year old spare.

Either way, once you get a spare that works, I suggest you spray the tire with dressing/conditioner and wrap it in a garbage bag before stuffing it up in the tray. This will keep the dust out and keep the rubber in good condition for the long haul.

maddogwyatt

I bought a Continental 155/70-17, but I used Google Shopping and found it for £66 brand new ($104). Had it fitted locally by a friend who runs a tyre place. He says to use tyres for 7 yrs maximum - so, if your car is low mileage, check the age of your road tyres too.

RollaMo-LT4

That is the issue. I don't think anybody manufacturers this size any longer.
You might find some old stock still in a warehouse somewhere.
But not any recently manufactured tires in that size.

Are you sure it was a "new" tire? Or just one that was sitting on the shelf for the last 10 years?

JohnDeere2640

A fair question and one everyone should be mindful of.

Unfortunately (and perhaps not unexpectedly for you Corvette veterans), the car and tire receipt are in the mechanic shop just now. (Please hold the laughter.)

I'll pick it up on Monday and then return to the Discount Tire shop where we will verify the exact date of manufacture. I'm ok with a year or two. I'm sure these don't sell like "donuts" (to coin a phrase). I just didn't want to put my hopes on a twenty year old spare.

Details to follow....

maddogwyatt

"Are you sure it was a "new" tire? Or just one that was sitting on the shelf for the last 10 years?"


It was manufactured 6 months before I bought it. I'm in the UK. I don't know if that makes a difference to available sizes?

auggy

I carry a small air compressor for slow leaks and a repair kit to plug a tire. If the problem is in the the tread the repair is permanent. Plug the side wall just to home. Not a huge fan of fix a flat but maybe worth a try.

JohnDeere2640

OK. Here are the details of my recent purchase:
Discount Tire
Continental
155/70R17
$161.00++
Date Code 2113 (twenty-first week of 2113)
I'm comfortable with that date.

Rob790

[QUOTE=JohnDeere2640;1588394101]I've just purchased a 1994 Convertible and will put on a new set of tires. While I'm at it I'd like to replace the spare. It's twenty years old and flat.

Does anyone know how to solve this problem other than buying a new Continental for $155++? Are there other newer makes/models that might have the same bolt pattern to fit the 1994 C4? If so, how old a donut would you trust? Five years?

I think the spare is a 155/70-17. (Right?) Will other sizes fit in the spare carrier?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks.[/QUOTe

Many Corvettes are using Camaro wheels so these spares will fit. I owned a G8 and it was the same. Lot pattern as well.

TommyFox

[QUOTE=Rob790;1600861463]Spend the money on a new one for piece of mind or carry a can of fix-o-flat and a mini- air compressor. Just looking on tire rack $188 or so if you can get one cheaper do so so. We are not talking that much money here but I get it. You could probably put a tube in your old one for pennies on the dollar but if it is dry rotted get a new one and be done with it....