OK Boys and Girls its SPRINGTIME and time to inspect...

[Black Ice]

That goofy doughnut spare tire for air. I know I know its a pain trying to get that wrench out from in back of the seat not to mention wrecking your favorite seat position. Then there is the kneeling and grunting while endlessly turning the the wrench and lowering the tire to find somehow it got FILTHY since it was last opened. BUT I bet you will find about 12 psi :duh in it when you test it!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!! I hope you never have to install the spare but you will thank yourself for reading this thread if you do!! :s

 

[Ken]

A long time ago I got tired of having to drop the tire to check the air in the spare. I figured that this could be a far easier task if I kept the spare connected to a spare tire air line. I looked around for a while before I found a suitable hose that I could attach to the spare while it was stowed, leaving the fill stem portion of the line tied off yet exposed at the rear frame rail.

A flexible air hose, stretching for 36-42 inches, extends the length of the tire's stem valve to the point where it's easy to reach. With the tire stowed in the rear, the line may be extended from the tire valve to the rear where a tire pressure gauge can access the valve at its end, and add air if necessary.

I got mine at Griot's Garage for around $9.95, plus shipping & handling, but there should be other sources where you might find it cheaper, or make your own.

 

[KOPBET]

I got mine at Griot's Garage for around $9.95, plus shipping & handling, but there should be other sources where you might find it cheaper, or make your own.

Here's another one. $6 + S/H

http://www.getagauge.com/accessories.cfm

 

[warren s]

Excellent ideas!!!

 

[rrubel]

Speaking of spares, if anyone needs an extra 16" donut and rim, let me know. Mine's soon to be excess.
[RICHR]

 

[Black Ice]

Yea I need to get one for both the Tahoe and the Vette. Good idea!

 

[c4cruiser]

Just after I bought my 87, I pulled the spare tire down and found that not only was there no pressure in it, the tire bead had separated in a couple spots from the rim so it wouldn't hold any air. When I put no more than just hand pressure on the tire sidewall, the entire tire bead popped!

The spare wheel is aluminum and with the bead not seated, moisture and dirt had begun to corrode the aluminum where the paint peeled away. I took the spare over to my local Discount Tire shop where they dismounted the tire for me. Took everything back home and cleaned up the inside of the wheel and the tire. When I took it back to Discount, they re-mounted the tire for me at no charge and inflated to 60psi. :cool

 

[Black Ice]

For some reason they loose a lot of air in a years time so check it often.