Looking for spare tire delete plans
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
Looking for spare tire delete plans
I removed my spare a couple yrs. ago and never got around to adding any reinforcment. I am looking for any plans/drawings etc. to assest in fabricating somthing.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; Aug 13, 2012 at 12:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
Found his site but it is down at this time.The reason is the spare actually helps with absorbing energy during rear impact. Also help (somewhat) protect the gas tank.
Thanks for the help. I will do some more searches. His looks to be made of aluminum to help with weight.Maybe he will chime in with some prices etc.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
From: Indianapolis IN
This is something I had wondered about as well. I read on here about it being involved with energy absorption in a rear end collision but that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. The stock rear wheel/tire will not fit in the spare tire well, right? This means if you get a flat and changed the tire you're dead if you happen to get rear-ended on the way to the tire shop? Then again, there must be some reason they left the factory with a brace.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 509
Likes: 8
From: Livonia Michigan
The way the C4 sits so low most PU trucks and SUVs would hit the car up at gastank level. A "B/C" class of car would more directly line up with the bumper close to license plate level. Either way, spare tire or not the body and chassis would absorb a lot of the impact. I've been hit 3 times from behind in non-Corvette cars and it not fun. 2 times by drunk drivers and 1 time witnessed by LEO. 2 cars totaled.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
I don't believe the spare tire has anything to do with energry absorption. That little doughnut of a tire isn't going to save your life in a rear end collision. If you don't want the spare tire on the back of the car anymore, ditch it and the associated hardware and throw a continental car care kit in your rear storage compartment.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I removed my spare for almost two years and never had an issue. I re-installed the spare and replaced the OEM with a GTO wheel spare for it to fit the C5 Brakes.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...rake-kits.html
Safety Car
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Last edited by vetteoz; Aug 13, 2012 at 09:44 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Looking at this design tells me a good bump might just blow out the rear diff.
Unless the box is designed to crush rather than transfer the load forward.
I'll carry my AAA card and a can of flat fix.
Unless the box is designed to crush rather than transfer the load forward.
I'll carry my AAA card and a can of flat fix.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
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From: Jacksonville FL
You guys gotta remember that GM put the delete bracket in to meet the low 5 mph bump requirement. Its not really a device designed to save lives. If you get creamed from the rear any faster aint nothin gonna save yer **** or the car. Its only for guvmint requirements.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 68
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From: Indianapolis IN
[QUOTE=vetteoz;1581562636]It does , the spare tray has a position to sit lower and carry the stock wheel[QUOTE]
Good to know, thanks. I've been fortunate enough to not have to use the spare in the 'Vette.
Good to know, thanks. I've been fortunate enough to not have to use the spare in the 'Vette.