SHARKBITES....Remove or keep spare tire carrier?
 

For those who have put in a shark bite rear suspension , Have you taken out or left in your spare tire carrier?

I'd ditch it, the Sharkbite looks too cool to hide.

All gone.

https://photos.smugmug.com/1969-Corv...siz7ciep-L.jpg

Ditch it. The spare is useless if you have different size rear tires than what the spare is . I never have run a tire carrier.

If you think all the custom stuff looks good, and you paid good money for it, it probably makes sense to show it off.

Personally, I hate the look of C3s with no carrier. That section of the car is literally designed for it and it looks like theres a gaping hole without it. There no amount of custom stuff back there that makes it pleasing to the eye to me. But this is purely a personal preference question.

When I do the offset trailing arms and coil overs out back, I plan to blast and detail all the parts, and paint some contrasting colors. Ever seen a chromed Jag rear end under a street rod? Looks really cool going down the road with the sparkly moving parts, gives the Mustang guys something to see besides tail lights!

I agree with everyone above, an IRS does look cool.
Unlike those above I plan to paint my spare tire tub and reinstall it, because I think the rear end of a Corvette looks empty without it.
Besides, It will be a perfect place to keep a small tool kit, tire repair kit and a 12 vdc compressor just in case.

Weight savings; spare tire/wheel -40lbs; carrier -18lbs; steel spring -40lbs

Another consideration; spare was designed to increase protection in a rear-end collision
Charlie

this!

I never did put the spare tire carrier back on after my restoration. And then I added more modifications. I have a ridetech coilover rear suspension and a 3" SS exhaust. Kind of necessary for the 434 cu in small block to breathe. Even if I could hide it with the spare tire carrier. I'll pass.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ea811db3d.jpeg

As for safety that the rear tire carrier reportedly gives. :rofl:. These cars aren't safe. Don't fool yourself. It is what it is. No side impact crash protection. You have a thin steel door pan and a fiberglass outside skin. Maybe you think the window regulator will help, I have no confidence in that. Nothing in the front to absorb any type of collision. The glass just crumbles. The bumpers bolt to the fiberglass, and a few flimsy brackets to the frame. My 65 Mustang is even worse, the steering wheel shaft is non collapsible. A violent front ender will mess you up!
But I've ridden motorcycles since 1974, still have 2 that I like to cruise on. So...I guess I just live my life one day at a time.

Actually, his '73 has steel beams in the doors for some side impact protection. That was new for '73.

I agree with this. My opinion of what it looks like without the spare carrier isn't repeatable in polite company.

I too have a Sharkbite suspension and will leave the spare tire carrier off when the car is complete. I will consider a way to direct air flow as I think the carrier does this to a degree.
:flag:

I’m planning to go 3” exhaust on my 73.
Do you have any photos of how you made the 3” tubing fit the oem exhaust tips?
If you do please PM them to me.
Thanks!

Better yet, show everyone.

None of my Vettes have the spare carrier. I dont like how they look, and the spare is useless.

Ditch it.

personally I think it looks horrible without the tire carrier. Not to mention no spare if you have a flat . Good luck waiting for a tow and ruining your afternoon drive

434
 

how much hp is your 434 making .

That's what I did. All about the weight savings. Looks fine to me.