Spare tire action.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 42
Spare tire action.
Hey, newbie here again. 
Just want to ask about the spare tire looking holder between the mufflers. How does it work? I assume it swings down some how. Like a trap door. Can't see any picks of the latch mechanism to unlock it, or how it looks in the down position. Do you guys have any picks of this thing in action. And any thing I should be looking at under it ( when open ) when looking at a car that I am thinking of buying? Thanx.
Just want to ask about the spare tire looking holder between the mufflers. How does it work? I assume it swings down some how. Like a trap door. Can't see any picks of the latch mechanism to unlock it, or how it looks in the down position. Do you guys have any picks of this thing in action. And any thing I should be looking at under it ( when open ) when looking at a car that I am thinking of buying? Thanx.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,690
Likes: 2,572
There is a single bolt in the center towards the back which is unscrewed and then pivots over to let the spare tire carrier drop down. The wheel lug wrench is used to loosen it and act as a lever to drop it. There are a long list of things you should be looking at before you start looking at the spare tire carrier.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 789
Likes: 129
From: Los Banos CA
Make sure you read thru the '10 rules for buying your first c3' thread (it's a 'sticky' thread at the top of this forum) if you haven't already. I bought mine before reading it, but got lucky that mine didn't have any of the hidden problems....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 42
OK, got it. I did read the 10 things to check. And removing the S/S strip on top of the windshield sounds difficult. Is that piece held in with screws, or those cheesy plastic clips that brake as soon as you pry on them. But that would be the area that I would want to check out the most.
The reason I was asking about that spare tire area is because I was thinking there is something up under there that you can see once the tire is out. Another pint of inspection. I guess it would be just the bottom of the tank.
P.S, thanx for all your patience and great info, this is how not to get ripped off.
I am torn between 2 cars. A 72 LS5 4 speed coup Ontario Orange that's a driver but needs a bit of work for $22,000 Or a stunning 71 LS5 4 speed rag top for $36 to $38 grand. The expensive one needs nothing, and its a rag top. And its War Bonnet Yellow !!!!!!
I am thinking that the less expensive option will cost the same as the pricy one once the work is all done. So might as well drop the $$ and get a sweet ride from the get go? Lots to consider. Just waiting to see what will happen in the next few weeks. Mean while I am like a sponge, edumakating my self over here.
The reason I was asking about that spare tire area is because I was thinking there is something up under there that you can see once the tire is out. Another pint of inspection. I guess it would be just the bottom of the tank.
P.S, thanx for all your patience and great info, this is how not to get ripped off.
I am torn between 2 cars. A 72 LS5 4 speed coup Ontario Orange that's a driver but needs a bit of work for $22,000 Or a stunning 71 LS5 4 speed rag top for $36 to $38 grand. The expensive one needs nothing, and its a rag top. And its War Bonnet Yellow !!!!!!
I am thinking that the less expensive option will cost the same as the pricy one once the work is all done. So might as well drop the $$ and get a sweet ride from the get go? Lots to consider. Just waiting to see what will happen in the next few weeks. Mean while I am like a sponge, edumakating my self over here.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you feel like the 'driver' car would need a complete paint job after you purchased it, I would suggest the convertible would be the better choice OF THOSE TWO CARS. But, I think there are LOTS of C3's out there to choose from.
If you are planning on the car being a 'driver', maybe it would be best to purchase the less expensive car and take it to a good paint/polish guy to make it look as good as it can. At least, then you wouldn't get as upset when you get the next paint 'ding' on the body.
If you are planning on the car being a 'driver', maybe it would be best to purchase the less expensive car and take it to a good paint/polish guy to make it look as good as it can. At least, then you wouldn't get as upset when you get the next paint 'ding' on the body.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 695
Likes: 55
From: Palm Desert California
Just went through the spare tire carrier thing with my ,73 . Dropped it out just to get a good look at things underneath and it made it easier to get a look at the numbers on the diff. The top part is a piece of plastic and was shot , all vendors had it listed so I tossed it. Went to buy one and they are discontinued. Luckily I found one a used one in excellent condition on E- Bay and bought it . Lesson learned don't throw anything away and don't assume the vendors have what they advertise.
Good luck with your purchase.
Good luck with your purchase.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer