78 pace car question
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
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78 pace car question
Can anyone please tell me what was the correct spare tire size for my 78 pace car? I currently have a Goodyear polyspare (P195 80 D 15) on an old yellow wheel?? I'm sure this is not correct. The tire is dry rotted and flat. I guess this would be called a space saver??
Also, what is the origional color for the spare tire lower storage compartment? This is the fiberglass compartment that lowers down to expose your spare tire and is supported by an A frame.
Thank you, Bill
Also, what is the origional color for the spare tire lower storage compartment? This is the fiberglass compartment that lowers down to expose your spare tire and is supported by an A frame.
Thank you, Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Bill,
All 78 to 82 corvettes used the space saver tire manufactured by Goodyear. P195/80D15. Should say "temporary only" on the sidewall. Regardless of whether the car had Rally or Aluminum wheels, the spare was mounted to a semi black painted 15 x 5 inch stamped steel wheel. Some very early 78's did have the rim that was painted a bright yellow instead of black.
-Patrick
All 78 to 82 corvettes used the space saver tire manufactured by Goodyear. P195/80D15. Should say "temporary only" on the sidewall. Regardless of whether the car had Rally or Aluminum wheels, the spare was mounted to a semi black painted 15 x 5 inch stamped steel wheel. Some very early 78's did have the rim that was painted a bright yellow instead of black.
-Patrick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Bill,
The carrier is fiberglass with steel supports. The fiberglass is unpainted and the steel supports are painted semi gloss black. Sometimes the fiberglass has a fair amount of black overspray on its outside surface. ( Personally, I like the spare tire carrier appearance better if it is entirely painted satin or semi gloss black, but it is not factory or NCRS correct).
-Patrick
The carrier is fiberglass with steel supports. The fiberglass is unpainted and the steel supports are painted semi gloss black. Sometimes the fiberglass has a fair amount of black overspray on its outside surface. ( Personally, I like the spare tire carrier appearance better if it is entirely painted satin or semi gloss black, but it is not factory or NCRS correct).
-Patrick
Last edited by Patrick73; Jan 17, 2011 at 09:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Patrick is on target re the information for the yellow spare tire rim. I researched and authored an article for the NCRS Restorer (attached) that attempted to identify an approximate breakpoint when the spare tires rims went from yellow to black during production. I would have guessed your Pace Car was an early build...like March. Indeed 788 is an early build.
So your yellow spare tire rim is a typical configuration for a Pace Car with VIN 788. What is your build date code? It would be located on your trim tag, just below driver's side windshield post on door jamb.
I see the tires mounted on rims often. There are a couple on ebay, one with a yellow rim and I see them frequently at Carlisle. How many miles on your Pace Car?
yellow spare tire rim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,433
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From: Powassan ON
So are these yellow wheels classed as "rare" or "rare valuable"?
I have 2 of these such yelow wheels and an now wondering if i just leave both of them in storage or sell one.
Two '78 VIN's #1122 (unknown build date and now parted out) and #7255 (about Jan 24/78 according to my records)
hummmm??????
dodosmike
I have 2 of these such yelow wheels and an now wondering if i just leave both of them in storage or sell one.
Two '78 VIN's #1122 (unknown build date and now parted out) and #7255 (about Jan 24/78 according to my records)
hummmm??????
dodosmike
Team Owner
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
I've never thought about them as either rare or rare and valuable. Perhaps unusual and essential for someone who is having their Corvette judged for NCRS and need one. I see them frequently at Carlisle for a couple of hundred. Are they in good shape?
Two '78 VIN's #1122 (unknown build date and now parted out) and #7255 (about Jan 24/78 according to my records)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,433
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
I've never thought about them as either rare or rare and valuable. Perhaps unusual and essential for someone who is having their Corvette judged for NCRS and need one. I see them frequently at Carlisle for a couple of hundred. Are they in good shape?
I take these are regular production VINs rather than in the Pace Car VIN sequence. How did you end up with two?
I take these are regular production VINs rather than in the Pace Car VIN sequence. How did you end up with two?
So should I keep it as its "rare" or sell it?.....thats the question. Dont know if its worth $50 or $500....no idea.
Bought the silver one as a driver a few yrs ago and the Red vette was for sale locally as a parts car. Called the dude asked him if he still had the glass roof panels (scored M1131 tops that were MINT), wheels and tail light lenses......"YEP"....offered $500 for it all.....he said "$750 and you can have the whole car"........"OK". Just as I pulling out with the car on the trailer the guys wife came out and said "make sure you give him the fiberglass tops as well"......woo hoo.....I scored those too!
Got this:
Even sold the birdcage:
Only parts left fit in plactic totes, save the wheels and doors.
Sold most everything else on the forum and I'm up money!.....who-hooo
Kept glass tops, doors, mirrors, t/a's, shafts, dash parts etc...etc....
My silver 78 in the back:
dodosmike
Last edited by Dodosmike; Jan 19, 2011 at 01:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,433
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
I've never thought about them as either rare or rare and valuable. Perhaps unusual and essential for someone who is having their Corvette judged for NCRS and need one. I see them frequently at Carlisle for a couple of hundred. Are they in good shape?
I take these are regular production VINs rather than in the Pace Car VIN sequence. How did you end up with two?
I take these are regular production VINs rather than in the Pace Car VIN sequence. How did you end up with two?
Just noticed your in MB SC....I was there on holiday last May.....Compass Cove Condos for 2 weeks....had a blast.....I'll be back for sure.....maybe not stay at CCC, but to MB for sure!
dodosmike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Just noticed your in MB SC....I was there on holiday last May.....Compass Cove Condos for 2 weeks....had a blast.....I'll be back for sure.....maybe not stay at CCC, but to MB for sure!
You drive the vette?I see you're from Ontario. Some of those fools were down here over the holidays and jumpin in the water with only bathin suits
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
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From: Florida
I see that a lot here too. It's easy to spot, skin almost has an albino tone to it.
I won't get in the ocean unless it's at least 85°
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,433
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From: Powassan ON
We were to MB in early May........HUMID as h!ell when we were there....all day on the beach....save for the odd run to wallymart for beer....
Yep, us canuk
tourists are easy to spot....the sun bouncing of the snow bleaches our skin a pale white.....then we go south to warm up...dodosmike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Morgantown,WV USA
78 pace car question Reply to Thread
[QUOTE=Dodosmike;1576545859]So are these yellow wheels classed as "rare" or "rare valuable"?
I have 2 of these such yelow wheels and an now wondering if i just leave both of them in storage or sell one.
Two '78 VIN's #1122 (unknown build date and now parted out) and #7255 (about Jan 24/78 according to my records)
hummmm??????
My pace car (#643 with a March build date) has one of those spiffy yellow spares that is surprisinly in very good shape and holds air. I would never drive on it, but the fact that it holds air is quite cool.
Dan
I have 2 of these such yelow wheels and an now wondering if i just leave both of them in storage or sell one.
Two '78 VIN's #1122 (unknown build date and now parted out) and #7255 (about Jan 24/78 according to my records)
hummmm??????
My pace car (#643 with a March build date) has one of those spiffy yellow spares that is surprisinly in very good shape and holds air. I would never drive on it, but the fact that it holds air is quite cool.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Do you have the build date from the trim tag...like G20...something like that. What's your power team? Mileage?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 952
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From: Morgantown,WV USA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Rather low mileage...how's the underneath? Pretty original?
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Jan 22, 2011 at 05:13 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 952
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From: Morgantown,WV USA
78 pace car question Reply to Thread
According to my research then, your Pace Car was among the last to leave the factory with a yellow spare tire rim and consistent with past findings. I've added your VIN and date code to my list. The spare on my Anniversary (35k) still has nubs don't think it has ever seen a road.
Rather low mileage...how's the underneath? Pretty original?
Rather low mileage...how's the underneath? Pretty original?
My spare sounds like yours- its never been used.
Dan