81 vette original spare
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Temple TX
81 vette original spare
Hey all. I am almost finished with my new tranny install. Just have to run my fluid cooling lines to the radiator. Anyways, was curious while the car was up in the air and took down the spare tire rack because I had been eye balling it. I knew there was a tire in it. It was flat so I figured I would see if it held any air. Got it out and it is the original spare from 1981. I aired it up and it is just fine. The nipples are even on the tread still. I am gonna clean it up and get some pics of it tomorrow (its raining right now). But I am wondering if this is something worth any money or just neat to have? Thanks!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
'81 original spare
My spare is the original emergency tire, too. Looks like it had never been used (and hope to be so lucky myself). Had it resealed but wouldn't hold air for more than 2-3 weeks. Put in a tube, and it's holding steady pressure the last couple of months. I keep it for originality and (hopefully never) an emergency. Another owner who likes originality might want to buy it if you don't want to keep it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
The problem is that the "rubber" is old and putting car's load on it might cause it to blow. It's best to sell it or wrap that "baby" up and put it in storage....or sell it on eBay while it still 'looks' good.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
your vette is no longer pure stock anyways with 450hp and your tranny upgrade.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
There are still folks who DO consider their '80-'82 cars as "classics" and who work hard to accomplish the 'factory original' thing. Those folks give good money to have an original spare tire in the can. Then they drop the can [during a show] to display their car's originality. I would say that given the described condition of that spare, it should be worth something in the $100-$200 range on eBay.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
An 82CE spare tire, now that's worth some money.
Given that you've got adequate documentation to PROVE its a CE spare!
A spare tire from the standard version is only worth half as much.
But then if you put an 82CE spare in an 81,
it wouldn't be numbers matching now would it?
(Stated with tongue planted firmly in cheek)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
As much as I like my 76, I'd have a hard time getting 10K for the whole car.
Forget about getting $200 for the spare tire.
An 81 is in the same category.
Nice car! Just hasn't attracted much interest (and $) ... yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Anyone know what size tire would mount on the original spare tire
wheel and fit in the spare tire compartment on a 1980?
Regular tires are P255/60/15 so would like the spare to provide as
close of a ride height as possible.
wheel and fit in the spare tire compartment on a 1980?
Regular tires are P255/60/15 so would like the spare to provide as
close of a ride height as possible.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: san antonio Texas
had my 79 spare out today..it shows p195 80D15..see the pic
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
I have previously checked a few stores and was not able to purchase
the original spare size. That is why I asked if there is a size
that is available that will give a comparable ride height as the
regular tires, while still being able to fit in the spare tire
compartment. Any one know?
Thanks
the original spare size. That is why I asked if there is a size
that is available that will give a comparable ride height as the
regular tires, while still being able to fit in the spare tire
compartment. Any one know?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
I have previously checked a few stores and was not able to purchase
the original spare size. That is why I asked if there is a size
that is available that will give a comparable ride height as the
regular tires, while still being able to fit in the spare tire
compartment. Any one know?
Thanks
the original spare size. That is why I asked if there is a size
that is available that will give a comparable ride height as the
regular tires, while still being able to fit in the spare tire
compartment. Any one know?
Thanks
Very seldom does a tire actually "blow out". 9 times out of 10 a flat is from a puncture, and a can of fix a flat will do just fine there.
