Spare Tire Trunk 1971 C3
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: CR Iowa
Spare Tire Trunk 1971 C3
Has anyone made a trunk / storage in the spare tire carrier on a 71 C3? I removed the spare and I see a large space for storage. I had a dream about it and I think I can make it happen. LOL
With Cell Phones, AAA and Insurance now a days, I believe you really don't need a spare anymore.
With Cell Phones, AAA and Insurance now a days, I believe you really don't need a spare anymore.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,589
From: los altos hills california
Steel wheel and tire is massively heavy, about 50#'s wanting to swing the car around at the rear. Ditched that and lined the carrier with foam to hold a tire air compressor and some fix a flat stuff. I keep a low profile jack in the jack compartment.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 34
Likes: 55
From: Laura, Ohio
Has anyone made a trunk / storage in the spare tire carrier on a 71 C3? I removed the spare and I see a large space for storage. I had a dream about it and I think I can make it happen. LOL
With Cell Phones, AAA and Insurance now a days, I believe you really don't need a spare anymore.
With Cell Phones, AAA and Insurance now a days, I believe you really don't need a spare anymore.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 337
From: "ɹǝpunuʍop", Adelaide, South Australia
My 72 still carries the spare underneath.
But when I go on road trips i fill the spares rim with a couple of tool rolls with basic tools, spanner set, shifters, pliers, screwdrivers, zip ties, electrical test light or multimeter etc.
It's amazing how much will fit in the hollow of the rim when packed right.
Carry an ground sheet in the drop down windrow tray to lay on the ground when needed to get the tools out.
Frees up room in back for bags and personal items.
If I take the roof off, it goes out the back on the luggage rack.
But when I go on road trips i fill the spares rim with a couple of tool rolls with basic tools, spanner set, shifters, pliers, screwdrivers, zip ties, electrical test light or multimeter etc.
It's amazing how much will fit in the hollow of the rim when packed right.
Carry an ground sheet in the drop down windrow tray to lay on the ground when needed to get the tools out.
Frees up room in back for bags and personal items.
If I take the roof off, it goes out the back on the luggage rack.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 832
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
None of mine have the spare tire or jacks. I have Hagerty's roadside assistance. Never considered storing anything in spare tire carrier because it's not sealed from water and dirt.
In 1970 I was changing a flat on my 66 and the threads stripped on the jack causing the vehicle to fall on the unattached tire causing fender damage. I also have some interesting stories (stupid) about attempting changing flats on a hills.
I agree with the OP- don't need the spare. If Im not in my garage with my floor jack, jack stands , impact wrench and tire plug kit, Im calling roadside assistance.
In 1970 I was changing a flat on my 66 and the threads stripped on the jack causing the vehicle to fall on the unattached tire causing fender damage. I also have some interesting stories (stupid) about attempting changing flats on a hills.
I agree with the OP- don't need the spare. If Im not in my garage with my floor jack, jack stands , impact wrench and tire plug kit, Im calling roadside assistance.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,589
From: los altos hills california
At which point you will need a flat bed and you will get a guy who doesn't give a damn about your car and minimally will hook a chain to whatever looks handy. My opinion is a flat is usually a puncture which you can fix with the right tool and reinflate. That's the stuff in my spare tire carrier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 838
From: New York
2017 C3 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '20- '21
I remember when the subject came up before. There was a theory that the spare tire actually had a safety purpose in a rear end collision to, in theory absorb some of the impact and to also protect the fuel tank.
True or not I can tell you, but I am simply repeating some information stated in the past. Proverbial food for thought.
Ike
True or not I can tell you, but I am simply repeating some information stated in the past. Proverbial food for thought.
Ike