michael65

My 65' 327/365 convertible did not have a spare tire when I bought it. Thought I'd resolve this problem easily and bought a replacement steel rim (15x6) from Corvette Central and obtained a Goodyear Regatta tire (P205/75 R15) from a tire shop. With the 15x6 wheel, the longer carrier bolts were required for the spare tire carrier but I didn't like the look with the lower tray hanging down/open around an inch or so.

Out of curiosity, I pulled off one of my stock wheels (15x51/2) with a 205/75 R 15 tire and tried putting it into the spare tire carrier and had similar difficulties with the lower tray gapped open just as much.

I even let the air out of the tires to see if they would fit into the spare tire carrier better. No improvement noted with this impulsive idea.

What do I need tire/wheel wise to remedy the improper fit and allow me to use the standard carrier bolts and be able to completely close the lower carrier tray?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

vark_wso

Michael

A repro spare tire tub is slightly larger than the original & should accomodate 205/75. A cheaper way to go would be to use one of those 'temporary' spares from an S-10 truck. Same bolt circle, clears caliper, ~27" diameter fits into OEM tub.

DZAUTO

The bias ply type tires, which originally came on your car, had a narrower cross section through the sidewalls than the radial tires.
Bottom line, not much you can do about it with the radial tires!

G.Call

The temporary spare tires are the way that I went on my 64.

ctjackster

I can assure you that, even when new, the use of goldlines or KO wheels [then] would also result in the spare tire tray not snugging up tight against the tub.

67-427ci

Check out this thread about using a Mini-Spare tire. Got one for my 67 Coupe and it fits nicely in the tub. Works for me.
Roy

michael65

Thank you for the great input/suggestions. I wish I had discovered the corvette forum sooner. I would have avoided a few earlier mistakes that were a little more costly than a spare wheel/tire.

Regards,

Michael

65coupe

I have a repro goldline nylon tire on the 15 x 5 1/2 and it fits with no problem. I believe its a inch narrower than your tire.

Kensmith

I use the spare out of a 2001 s-10 truck. Fits just fine.

ahockeynut

does the thinner tire ride OK in the tub? Does it bounce because it is thinner than the original? Is the OD similar to the regular tire.
This sounds like a great idea. I put a tub on my car, but never put a tire in.
Thanks

Kensmith

Fits very nice. Does not bounce around if you throw some old towels around it.

ahockeynut

Ken,
The mice that will live in those towels will appreciate the small spare, too.