I read through the old threads about spare tires. Does anyone know what is the largest tire that will fit in the carrier? I read some said you could change the bolts that go to the frame and get larger sizes in the carrier.
I just invested in a new wheel for the spare, as I need the spare to replace the right front so it will roll while I am working on it. My right front tire started having the tread come off of it while sitting in the garage while working on the car. eventually it started to leak. after quite a few months, developed a bubble where the tread was and no longer holds air. The original spare I pulled out 15 years ago just after I got the car had had water in the carrier and the wheel was rusted. to my surprise it had not changed and was still rusted when I pulled it out again a few weeks ago. the tire on the rusted wheel is a G70 15 Polyester tire. It was leaking air everywhere.
I may never use the spare after I replace all four tires when I get done with the current projects and get it back on the road.

If I am going to buy a tire, I just thought I would consider something I could actually put on the car in the event of a flat. I am currently running 245 60 R15 front and 255 60 R15 on back. I saw someone on one thread saying a tire too far off in size would damage the Posi traction. a 70 I assume would be a bad mix with a 60. But will any 60 tires fit in the carrier or do I need to modify the carrier?
Otherwise I try to just find a close enough used tire, use it on the front and when I get tires, stick it back in the carrier to pull out again in another 15 years.

Any suggestions on either will be helpful.

 

Just get the diameter right and it will be good enough to get you to a place to repair or replace.

Moreover you might try to understand what "slip angle" is if you try to replace a flat tire with a different kind of tire long term.

Myself I outfitted my carrier with a compressor and various fix-a-flat repairs.

 

That really is all I would need it for as a spare. To get somewhere in the event of a flat. Of course, I would have to think about a jack for the car. lol. I just spent money for a rim, I thought a tire I could use later in emergency, would be handy. Maybe a used tire is the most practical. The spare is only to get to somewhere to resolve the flat tire after this.

the compressor and fix a flat sounds like a good alternative

 

Spare tire? What's that? I haven't ran my tire carrier since I removed it to install my offset trailing arms. It's been in the garage attic ever since.

 

I am begining to question myself, lol. I am wondering why I didn't just go put a used tire on the right front rim until I get the new tires once it is back on the road. I could have saved my money for the new spare wheel I bought and tire I don't have yet that I will probably never use after I get the new tires. First time I wanted to use the spare in 15 years.

 

My thinking is, as long as I have a decent spare, I won't need it. The day I decide to remove it and run without it, is when I'll get a major blow out 100 miles from home.
I keep a 255/60-15 in my spare tire holder. No issues whatsoever. My car is a 77. Yours may need longer forward bolts or perhaps just adjust the bolts you have. I'm really not certain. But it is possible to bring along a full sized spare.

 

I have a 69 and the original tires were on the narrow side compared to today. When I put a wider tire in I loosened the nuts on the front bolts of the carrier and backed the bolts out a bit. Not too far or there won't be enough to hold the carrier, but the threaded part is fairly long.
Tightened up the lock nut and then bought two spacers at Ace Hardware and a couple of longer bolts and lowered the Tray Bolt assembly. I think I used a 1" spacer, but Ace has different sizes that you can try. I don't think anyone will ever know that it sits a little lower than original.
Plus the later cars used much wider tires, so I will guess that they also sit a little lower.

 

90 mile towing insurance with Hagerty should get me to where a flat can be repaired. Remember that whatever size tire is being used all around needs to fit in the carrier when the spare is in use. Weighed new tires and wheels; 49lbs plus weight of the carrier needs to lifted back in place. Lifting with your legs and not your back isn’t really possible under the back of the car, and you’re going to get dirty. I put a spare on one of my cars anyway. Measured weight savings on the other car with spare carrier delete and swapping steel spring to composite; 91lbs off the back end.
Charlie

 

That is encouraging that you got a 255/60-15 in the carrier. I may need to pull one of the tires off and test that theory to see if I need to get longer bolts for mine. the few years difference between the us may be the difference as to whether I can get that size or not without modifications. thanks for the information

 

I was thinking that someone in one of the old posts I went through had just extended the rear bolts. I see you put a spacer on the front also. That makes a lot of sense if the back of the tray needs to be lower, so does the front. An inch shouldn't make much difference in looks.
thanks for the illustration and the information. that helps a lot

 

I too am running a 255/60 R15 as a spare.
As shown in robertea post above; I lowered the two rear pivot bolts enough to accommodate the tire
but, instead of placing a spacer in the lock bolt assembly, I simply lowered the swing bolt until I was able to latch it into the carrier hook.

 

Don't forget the weight of the jack, too!

 

Spare tire, carrier, jack and handle! And lets not forget the weight of the extra lug nuts I also have to carry! I'll carry all of that no matter the weight!
In all the years I've owned my 77. I've never once needed it ! But the day I go without a spare and jack will be the day I tear a sidewall out of a tire 100 miles from home!
Yes I have a cell phone. No I really don't have the money to pay for a 100 mile tow!

 

joepcad
255s fit easily in the carrier. If yours did not come with 255s you will have to lengthen the rod or get longer rods. No biggie.... All here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1607753624

 

I think the car looks better without the spare tire carrier under the rear. I tend to flow with the Fix-a-Flat and portable air compressor group. I also have a tire patching equipment in the car in the event of a puncture. With the patch kit I could fix most flats in minutes. The kit is tiny and weighs very little so it is not hard to store in the car. The only negative part of removing the spare tire carrier was that I pulled 90+ pounds off the rear and on a BB C3 you need more weight over the rear for a good balance. I will find some way to add a little weight in the rear to try and keep her near 53/47 like she came with.

It is hard to believe that some of the early C3's came with the F-70-15's. That is such a tiny tire for a 427 engine to use with a 4 speed. I have a big problem with traction with the 255's in the rear, I could not imagine what it must have been like with those tiny tires. They wouldn't last long...

On the well occupied East Coast of the United States I don't think waiting for roadside assistance would be a problem in the event of a flat tire. I also check my tires before taking the car on any road trips.

I recently heard that most electric vehicles have to replace their tires twice as often as gas powered cars. Just another reason to drive Dino-juice powered Corvettes as long as we can!