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Mike, looks like you have a great collection there. I'm sure the '58 will be in good hands, and you certainly have the right mindset about driving them IMHO. As for room, I'm only a couple years behind you and think my body would break in half if I tried to do the things I used to do in my '59.
I plan on installing the size tire that was meant to go in there. I guess I will be looking for a 6.70 X 15 bias ply tire. Wife wants a spare...........you know how that goes, "a happy wife, is a happy life"..................................L OL
I'm not sure that even a reproduction 6.70-15 tire will fit in the tub. I seem to recall JohnZ explaining that modern DOT-compliant tires are slightly wider than the OE tires.
What some have used is a compact spare from an S10 pickup or Chevy Blazer. I believe those are 4" rims, and have the 5x4.75 lug circle, matching the C1/C2 pattern. A tire for that rim may be able to be selected to closely match the diameter of the tires you're driving on. Check the section width of the tire you select, but it should fit in the tub with the cover flush.
I know some don't care for the compact spare idea, but the purpose would just be to get you home and save a tow.
Here is a thread--there are probably more if you search around.
I'm not sure that even a reproduction 6.70-15 tire will fit in the tub. I seem to recall JohnZ explaining that modern DOT-compliant tires are slightly wider than the OE tires.
What some have used is a compact spare from an S10 pickup or Chevy Blazer. I believe those are 4" rims, and have the 5x4.75 lug circle, matching the C1/C2 pattern. A tire for that rim may be able to be selected to closely match the diameter of the tires you're driving on. Check the section width of the tire you select, but it should fit in the tub with the cover flush.
I know some don't care for the compact spare idea, but the purpose would just be to get you home and save a tow.
Here is a thread--there are probably more if you search around.
Thanks, GREAT info..................
I will measure the depth of the tub and go to my tire guy and see what he suggests. The tire I currently have on the spare wheel is one of the ones he replaced when I purchased four new tires. While I'm there, I will see if he can just sell me a used one that will fit.
Mike, Please let me know how you make out. I'm in the same situation.
Will do. I'm about to tackle replacing the broken glass on the driver's door. Then I will address the HOOD GAP. I just posted a 'HELP CALL' on the hood adjustment.....................LOL
The compact spare fits well (no pun...) and leaves room for extra parts, tools, etc.
COMPACT SPARE?
Do not know the meaning of this word...............I know what compact means and know what spare means. Just don't know if you are referring to those NON stock wheels with those little tiny tires......................LOL
I'm assuming you are NOT using the STOCK wheel.....................My goal is to use the STOCK wheel that matches the rest of the wheels and car. I just need a small enough tire to fit inside the bucket so the wood carpeted cover will fit correctly.
Yes, using the wheel that comes with the compact spare. Has same bolt spacing as stock wheel.
Please tell us what compact spare. What it is designed for (year,make and model of car). If you had a photo that we could see would be helpful also. Basically I'm asking for all the information I need, so I can go to a junk yard and tell the man what I want.
It's the compact spare wheel/tire that was shipped with countless Chevy S-10 pickups and Blazers, and their various corporate cousins. It should be T155/90D16, which should be 27 inches in outer diameter. Five stud holes on a 4.75 inch bolt circle.
It's the compact spare wheel/tire that was shipped with countless Chevy S-10 pickups and Blazers, and their various corporate cousins. It should be T155/90D16, which should be 27 inches in outer diameter. Five stud holes on a 4.75 inch bolt circle.
Live well, That's a great helpand I thank you for that info.
I'm late to the dance, but just for the record, the trunk emblem can be removed without damaging fiberglass. It's a little delicate but it can be done. I had the stuck trunk latch problem with our '60. The attached PDF outlines a method for removing the emblem and getting access to the latch through the hole.
Great solution. I would NOT bash in the emblem under no circumstance. Might as well just drill a big hole in the center and destroy it enough to get to the speed nuts.
I like your method much better.
I was lucky that I was able to get my latch loose. MOTTO OF THE STORY is to KEEP THE LATCH AREA FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS. In my case it was the raised wood carpeted cover that jammed my latch. My forcing the trunk to close did NOT help either.
Thanks again for the info and the pictures. Sometimes the easiest approach is the best...............great tool.
I'm late to the dance, but just for the record, the trunk emblem can be removed without damaging fiberglass. It's a little delicate but it can be done. I had the stuck trunk latch problem with our '60. The attached PDF outlines a method for removing the emblem and getting access to the latch through the hole.
My 59 didn’t have a spare when I first got it, don’t like not having one. Finally found a tire that would fit stock wheel and trunk cavity with board flush. BSW 165/80R-15 (dia. 25.4"). It’s much smaller than stock but makes a great spare, and there is room to store things like extra fan belts, etc.
Hello Mike.
To satisfy my curiosity, and get educated, can you tell us how the '56-'57 trunk emblem mounting might be different?
I went through a pdf copy of a '57 AIM and found the trunk emblem in Sect. E Sht 1 (excerpt below). Is that "nut assembly" different than the speed nuts and thus more difficult to pry loose? Note 17 indicates it used to be a "clip".
Thanks for any insights you might share!
Dave Z
My 1957 was an 8 1/2 year project. I did the entire assembly and mechanical work. The body and paint were professionally done and I finished it April 2008 and sold it Nov. 2009.
I don't remember much about the trunk emblem other than I'm pretty sure it is NOT as large as the one on my 1958.
Dan Dempsey did NOT use the hole to adjust the trunk latch. He climbed inside the trunk and I closed the door and that is how he adjusted the latch.
Dan concentrated more on making sure the car had perfect gaps and refurbished the trunk springs.
From the drawing above it pretty much looks like it installs like the 1957.
