Spare tire.....whatcha use?

[shadango]

So now that I am getting the fish out on the road more i need to figure out my spare tire...or lack thereof...situation.

The trunk is so dang small can I assume that a full size wont fit back there without eating up most of the room?

I need to save some room for foldup chairs and a tool box/supplies.

I dont want to spend $1000 for a space-saver spare....

My tires/wheels on the car are not stock...they are aftermarket.....so whatever I would carry as a spare would be only to get me home or to a garage for a repair.....

I have 15" wheels, big bolt pattern I believe.

What are my options?  What do you guys run?

[72hemi]

I have a full sized spare in my trunk and it eats up a fair amount of space, but I still have a tool box, road side kit, crate of detail supplies, and still have room for a couple of chairs, or some groceries. Not enough room for a suitcase though.

[426HEMI]

I am planning on a 15" spare for mine.  I dont like the space saver spare anyways.

[shadango]

Ok, so its doable then.

I just plan on getting an old rim with a tire on it for now......

I heard that the spacesaver tires can be a real pain to deflate?  So is it a one use type thing? That would suck.

[72hemi]

I have a space saver and it inflates and deflates just fine, I prefer a full size tire though.

[shadango]

Just curious as to why....

Can spacesavers be gotten on the cheap?  If not, a full size is on my future....

[72hemi]

I got mine for free from a friend, but for the most part I think they are pretty pricey. I just feel safer with a normal full size tire, plus your suppose to drive slower with a space saver and that doesn't work so well for me.

[Moparal]

I got a factory 14 inch spare in the original location. It sets up towards the back of the trunk. There is still plenty of room for a tool box and fold up chairs if need be.  I dont plan on actually useing my bumper or jack tho   More or less for details.  I dont usually go on long trips with my car as it is. But if i did, then i'd have a small hydraulic jack and basic emergency tools and supplies with me.

I see space saver tires forsale on ebay from amc cars and other makes from 25 bucks to 100 bucks. I saw one there yesterday but needing restoring for a e body like 30 bucks , no reserve, no bids.  The space saver isnt all that much smaller than a stock 14 inch rim and tire. Maybe 5 inches of space in one area is about it. The thickness of the tire vs the thickness of the space saver rubber. Same 14 inch rim diameter

[shadango]

Probably easy to find a 14" rim that will fit at the local wrecker yard....although the yards around me are EXPENSIVE!  The ythink their parts are made of gold or something!  LOL

My front tires/wheels are different from my rears (wider, taller) so it doesnt matter....whatever I carry as a spare is just for emergency "get me home" duty....

Sounds like the spacesaver unit may not be worth it....what with the hassle of having to inflate/deflate etc.....if there is no real space savings then why bother.

Here's another question....can someone post a picture of their trunk floor so I can see how the spare anchors down?   My trunk floor was replaced by teh previous owner and I have no provision for that....

[Moparal]

[shadango]

Thanks, that helps.

ANy chance you have a picture of the trunk floor and how the mounting bolt/wingnut secure to the floor of the trunk?  Does it just poke up through or is there a pcoket of sorts to hold the head of the bolt or what?

[72hemi]

You need this welded to the trunk pan.

http://www.autometaldirect.com/ShowItem/100318%2070-74%20E-body%20Hardtop%20Spare%20Tire%20Hold%20Down%20Bracket.aspx

[6packCuda]

I used to have a full sized 15" tire for my spare and it was a pain in the a$$. Took up way too much space so I switched to a 14". It made a huge difference on how much space I have. Here's some before and after pics...

15" rim with a 235/60/15 tire




14" rim with a 205/70/14 tire

[422STROKER]

If you have a sure-grip try to run a same size spare as the rear tires.  I have a 14" spare in a 26" tire(205/75/14).  Along with the speaker box, still have room for chairs and a bunch of other stuff.

Suitcases go in the back seat.LOL

Tom

[shadango]

Thanks guys.  Think I will try for the 14" for now...

I dont have sure grip.....but if I did I would be in trouble I guess.....my rear tires are definately way fatter and taller than the fronts.....