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Space Saver Wheel & Tire

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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 01:44 PM
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Default Space Saver Wheel & Tire

I thought I saw a thread recently asking about the use of a space saver wheel and tire. As I recall these started to be used in Vettes in 76-77 or so. I am looking at using one of these units on our mid-year as a spare. Can you tell me which year and size to look for? Thanks for your help.

Rich Lagasse
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 02:02 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

I have an early '77 L-82 that was completely in tact when I bought it. The original spare is still in place. It is a FULL size rim and tire.

That sounds like a good idea though. I'll watch and see what happens.
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 02:40 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (Never Finished)

Del,

Thanks for the response. If your 77 has a full size regular wheel and tire I guess the space saver must have been used in later years. What I'm looking for is a tire and wheel that is approximately the same diameter as an original but with less tire width. I am making an aluminum mount to replace the stock tire tub unit and would like it to fit as close to the tank as possible. Thanks again.

Rich Lagasse
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 03:04 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

The C4 spares are space-saver sized and will bolt right on. Also look at IROC Camaros (maybe regular too?). These will definately clear your brake calipers.
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 04:04 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

Get rid of all of it and carry a can of fix a flat :D
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 04:24 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (markdtn)

Mark,

Thanks, I'll check those out. I'll look for one with the same diameter as the tires I have to avoid any problem with the posi-traction.

Mike,

I do carry a can of Fix-a-Flat and a small compressor. :yesnod: But I'd like to use a real spare instead if I can find one to fit. :thumbs:

Rich
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 05:32 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

78's were the 1st year with the mini spare, in part due to the larger gas tank.
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 06:41 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (Jeff78)

Thanks, I thought it was somewhere around then but I was off by a year or two.

Rich Lagasse
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 06:51 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

Also the spare tire carrier is shorter than a 1977 and older. In a 1977 and older the fullsize spare fits in and the carrier goes up, the tire is hidden.

If you get a flat on a 1978 up the fullsize spare will fit in but the carrier will hang down because the tire is to big for the carrier.
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 10:08 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (Corvette ED)

Way back when I was considering weather to continue carrying a spare or not I decided I would buy a used 3 1/2"Super Trick Wheel from an old racer and mount a lightweight tire on it for a spare. Instead of using a spare well to carry it I thought about using a mount from an S-10 truck that would winch it up from the ground or lower it as needed. The S-10 mechanism can be bolted right in and the weight savings would be tremendous. The S-10 has a linkage that would run up to the rear license plate for access. Jim


[Modified by PROSOUTH, 9:42 PM 2/25/2004]
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (PROSOUTH)

I have read (here on this forum) that the rear spare was also a benefit in the case (I hate to even say, or think it) of a rear end collision. That made me put mine back under the car.
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Old Feb 25, 2004 | 11:40 PM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (Milest)

I have read (here on this forum) that the rear spare was also a benefit in the case (I hate to even say, or think it) of a rear end collision. That made me put mine back under the car.
I wasn't thinking about that aspect but you are probably right that it would help somewhat. I hate to think about that though........

Jim, that's an interesting idea about the S10 mechanism. I hadn't thought of using that for a mount. I am making an aluminum mount which will bolt up to the original bolt locations for the tire tub bottom cover. I'm trying to gain some ground clearance since the car is lowered so much but still carry a spare.

Other folks have suggested the T155/80D16 wheel/tire spare from an 84 C4 and it sounds very close to what I need. Thanks again for all the responses.

Rich
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Old Feb 26, 2004 | 10:11 AM
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Default Re: Space Saver Wheel & Tire (richscorvettes)

I have a friend who has a 1979 L-82 and it has a spacesaver tire. His car is all original so I am pretty sure it came with the car.

He has the gymkana suspension if that makes a difference.
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