Recently I bought back my 69 coupe, that I originally bought new in late 1968. I'm getting it road ready for a trip in April, and I was checking on the spare tire. I'm not sure how long the spare tire had
been in the compartment, but it was a Goodyear "Wide Tread" F70 X 15. When I sold the car, I was running F60 X 15's and the spare time was what every came with the car new.

At the moment, I'm running BF Goodrich 245/60/15's and I want to get a similar tire for the spare...BUT because of the size of the compartment, you can only put so big of a tire in there. The big problem is width. Right now..the old F70 sits about an inch higher
then my 245/60...so no problem on diameter. I thought about going
to maybe a 215, 205 or maybe a 195/60 for the spare, but I'm still not sure if that will fit in the carrier. Another possible problem..if I do get one of those tires for a spare...and it fits inside the compartment,
what happens if I get a flat, put the spare on...and the 245's won't
fit in the compartment? Looks like the passenger would have to ride with a big tire in their lap, until I could stop and get it fixed.

On the C4's which have a similar tire compartment...they had a double
hinged on the front of the carrier...for when you had to change your ZR1 tires. Apparently it would drop down in a lower slot, in order to fit the larger tire in there.

I'm also thinking..if diameter is no problem...only width...perhaps I could use a longer bolt on the rear of the carrier..and not raise the bottom of the carrier as far up in the compartment. It could hang down several inches in the back without being noticeable.

Anyone had any experience with this problem...or suggestions?
Thanks

Jeff

 

On my '77 there is no way to adjust the front spare tub hanger bolts in order to fit a flat 255-60-15. I tried it with a tire that had the valve stem removed so it was as soft as possible. Some have suggested to lengthen the front bolts but my exhaust is in the way and I did not want to have the tub hanging that low. I now run five 225-70-15. mike...



http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-question.html

 

in my 69 I carry a 235/60/15 0n a 8'' wheel, we tried to put a 245 in no go even after lowering the tub as far as possible. Question, what is the width on your spare wheel?

 

On my 69 I can put a 245-60-15 in the spare tub. The front two bolts that hold the tub and are the pivots that allow the tub to lower, are quite long and can be lowered and then lock nutted to hold the position. The lock nut should be there already, if not I think they are 7/16-14 threads. The rear bolt is also adjustable and does not use a lock nut.

 

Many folks put the lock-nuts on the 'top-side' of that long rod/bolt. It should be on the bottom and used as a jamb-nut when you lower that rod. I would be surprised if you couldn't fit a 255R60 tire in there. You just have to lower it as much as possible on the forward rod/bolts and the rear attachment bolt.