78 Spare Tire
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Hot AZ
The road tires you have now have the following specs:
(inches)
Sidewall Height: 6.20
Section Width: 8.86
Overall Diameter: 27.4
Circumference: 86.08
Revs per mile: 759.12
There is pleanty of room in the spare tire carrier for almost any replacement tire. I would suggest you just get a 15" tire close to the above overall diameter on a replacement steel rim. The rest of the specs don't really matter for a spare.
If you don't want the original spare and rim put up on eBay to off-set the cost of the new spare.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Hot AZ
Lyle, your right GM did change to the doughnut spare in 78. But they didn't change the tub. How do I know...I've had my 78 since new and the doughnut spare bounces around in the tub. I've even on one occasion had one of my 255R60s in there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Thanks for the tub size but I got it half right. I never had a 78 but seen a 78 with the yellow doughnut wheel and thought it was a joke not factory.
I think Mikep3 is trying to buy a doughnut tire.
I think Mikep3 is trying to buy a doughnut tire.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I actually have one of those school but yellow rims so don't make fun.
Even wrote an article that was published in NCRS Restorer. Yellow Spare
Best bet may be to keep an eye out at swap meets. Last year a Pace Car guy picked up one in great shape for 100 bucks.
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Mar 22, 2007 at 04:21 AM. Reason: added note
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Since we got Lyle on our 78 thread...
While we are on topic of spares and tubs...restoring the tub and frame. What size rivets are used to secure the metal frame back to the tube? And are they standard rivets or special configurations?