Lidia

When I got my '71 a few years ago, she came with the original spare tire carrier but it was not installed. After a year I put it on. I've just removed it to install new u-joints. Now I can't decided if I want to put it back on or not.
:confused:

How many are driving their Sharks without the carrier?

Lidia :seeya

SteveG75

Not running mine for a couple of reasons.

1. Looks pretty good without it.
2. With the 255/60R15's I am running now (wider but not taller than stock) I cannot put a flat tire in the carrier and close it after putting the spare on (experience). So the flat ends up on the luggage rack or in the passenger seat.

So, my solution is a can of fix-a-flat, cell phone, and roadside assistance plan (AAA for example).

Edzred72

I read somewhere that removing the carrier compromises the integrity of the rear end, in the case of a collision. I think if it's properly painted/restored..it looks good. I run with mine..... hides my rusty rear suspension! :D :D

Gordonm

I pulled mine out while replacing the broken rear. Never put it back in. Looks better and it reduces about 80 lbs of weight.

QuickVet

i still have mine in but without the tire. i do plan on taking the whole thing out soon. who needs it when you have AAA.

lbell101

Hi Lidia!

I like the look of the carrier installed better than not installed. That's if it's properly cleaned up. Mine is cleaned up and installed with a good tire as it originally was. The last thing I want to do is get a flat and have to walk!

73 Teach's Pet

I like the lookk better without it, but the car rides less like a truck with the extra weight in the back. I am using a new 7 leaf stock steel rear spring and new cheap shocks from Chicago Vette.
Be cool!
"TEACH"

SmokedTires

Boy that's awefully famliar :yesnod: . Now use spare in a can when traveling.

ylose

I just removed mine last weekend... :yesnod:

427V8

no spare.
I'll be pulling a trailer to the track this year so I can put the spare ( and the Drag Radials, tools, Camping stuff ) in there :)

Otherwise it's spare in a can and a Visa card

Alwyn678

I agree or wait for 8 hours for AAA to show up!!!

vettedan

No spare for me! Call me crazy.
Dan :cool:

Alwyn678

CRAZY :jester

vettedan

Alwyn678-Oh YEAH! :D

GDaina

No carrier here....besides the weight savings, the look is awsome when side mounts are installed. Had a chance to follow another vette w/sidemounts and no carrier. The whole rear suspension was visible and when moving, the half shafts rotating...quite a sight.

dladd74roadster

I don't have mine in right now. The tub has a hole in it where it has hit the ground in the past (broke a spring end link but that is another story). As soon as I restore the car and fix/replace the tub, it will be going back in the car along with the spare tire. I agree with an above post that if you are rear-ended without the spare, there is nothing back there but the gas tank to stop the other car :eek: . At that point, AAA, cell phones, or fix-a-flat can't help you.

dl

Sleestak

My carrier is in and it has a spare, but it 's the original spare and won't hold air anymore. Why don't I have a functional spare? It's called procrastination. :D

Stewart's74

As low as our cars are and with the glut of huge ground pounding SUV's driven by inattentave soccer mom's on the road ,the spare is not going to protect you at all. You'd be better off to wear a helmet.

OldSlowVette

Regardless of all the reasons for removal, it's still between whatever is behind you that can't stop and the fuel tank. Ever seen a vette or a glass boat burn? It's quick!

Plus, it helps the weight distribution.

RatRacer

No spares on any of my Vettes, That's what cell phones and flat bed tow trucks are for.

The last thing I plan on doing is working on my car next to busy traffic. I had a drunk almost kill me once when I was installing a spare. No more road side repairs for me.