Spare tire

[Art Jett]

Not going back with mine. I have all the goodies, just don't want it hanging under the car, besides my tires woudn't fit in the bucket anyway if I'd put the spare on.

 

[grapeknutz]

Mine's all in place, always carry my AAA Plus (100-mile flatbed coverage) card and cell phone too.

I never thought of putting my cell phone in the carrier!

 

[C3 4ME]

Mine's all there, except I have a full size spare instead of the donut one that is stock on a 79.

 

[Rawj]

Everything in place.

 

[hoseguy]

Mine came with the carrier missing, drove it 1800 miles home!

 

[fatboyreyn]

My 82 has everything from the factory in place. I just removed it the other day. By the way, did 1982's come from the factory with a temporary tire. thats what mine has. as for AAA, don't need it. That's what brother's are for!!!

 

[Gunther]

Hi

One other little thought.
I heard some rumors that removing the spare is dangerous in case of a rear end collision as the spare tire will somehow protect the fuel tank acting as a damper between the crossmember and the rear.

What do you think about this ?

Günther

 

[fatboyreyn]

I can believe that. I also think any weight in the back is a good thing to keep the rear tires glued to road on launch.

 

[tonyvdb]

Mine has everything in place, I haven't taken the cover off to see if there really is a tire in there. Maybe I should do that, maybe it full of money!

 

[Mac]

Maybe I should do that, maybe it full of money!

Either that or maybe you'll find Jimmy Hoffa? :L

-Mac

 

[walkman]

All there for a 71', Goodyear white letter, carrier and lock. But you didn't ask about the jack, tire iron, spring and rubber dognut.

 

[vmrod]

I debated the issue a few times. Currently, I have removed the tire and carrier.

I would rather carry a 'plug-type' fix-it kit and a mini-compressor. (My new Saturn Sky has no spare tire, but a compressor and tire-repair sealant.)

If your tires are in good shape, I doubt that you would have a sidewall problem or instant blow-out. In the rare case of that, I'll be the gearhead on side of the road, waiting for his spare tire to come.

As a bonus for no tire/carrier, I have less weight onboard, and you can see the new suspension stuff under the car.

 

[SR'71]

My spare is in place and as-installed at the factory. It doesn't look like it has ever been pulled or mounted.

If I ever get a flat, AAA gets a call.

I have had my '71 since the early '80's . It had a Firestone Wide Oval for a spare.Thought I'd use my best Goodyear Eagle ST {circa 1984} but it doesn't fit in the spare carrier.

 

[Vette79]

All original on my 79. I had to pull the carrier and spare down so that I could drop my fuel tank to acquire the build sheet.

 

[Jimmy C]

I have the original spare tire that came on the car from the factory in '81 still hanging under the rear in the original carrier fastened w/ the original brackets. I fill it w/ air every three or four months, as it has a slight leak. The tire is an ugly full size radial looking thing.

 

[herminator]

I have a '73, any concern over protection to the fuel tank by removing the spare and carrier on this or other C3's?

 

[hzl6cm]

All there as original. I didn't open up the carrier for several years after getting the car. When I did I was surprised to actually find a spare tire and wheel in there, wheel looked retty much like new except for being a little dusty.

Also, for those of you who think a compressor and fix a flat is sufficient (like I have in my '04 Z06). I had a flat tire on my '01 Camaro SS a few years after I bought it, I was on the interstate and had to drive maybe a half mile to where I could get off on the shoulder and then limp along the shoulder for another half mile or so to an exit ramp, even though I was driving slow the tire came completely off of the rim - fix a flat wasn't going to do much for me then.

 

[Don61]

Just curious how many people here have their spare tire & carrier in place, and how many have removed it?

Also, for those who have removed it, do you jsut trust a cell phone and AAA, or do you have run-flat tires?

And, out of curiosity, if you have run-flats, what brand and model?

Joe

When I bought my vette the entire spare tire carrier was missing. I plan on buying a complete new setup but it will probably be next year before it happens.