Another C3 tire tub question

[JOHN T WILSON]

I STRIPPED OFF THE PAINT ON MY 72 TIRE TUB ON EMBEDDED IN IT WAS A LABEL WITH
NORTH AMERICAN ROCKWELL 6-72 ON THE OUTSIDE IS THIS A REPO?
ARE ALL C3 TIRE TUB THE SAME?
IS THE TOP SECTION MOUNTED TO CAR PLASTIC ?

[Joe L.]

Re: Another C3 tire tub question

John-----

No, it's not a reproduction. In fact, I don't think that any reproductions are or ever were made. The originals were manufactured by Rockwell as were most other fiberglass components of the cars. Once in awhile, a Rockwell label is seen "imbedded" on these parts and you've found one.

All of the C3 spare tire tubs were of the same part number. However, the appearance of the fiberglass changed over the years of production. For early C3s, the spare tire tub was a very dark gray fiberglass and very smooth but with fiberglass strands clearly visible within the fiberglass. Later C3 tubs were a lighter gray and the fiberglass strands were not so prominent.

The cover section of the spare tire assembly, which is mounted to the chassis, is a black, polypropylene or polyethylene plastic material. It is NOT fiberglass.

Also, the spare tire fiberglass tubs used on all C3s were NOT originally painted; they were just natural fiberglass. Sometimes, a little muffler blackout can be seen on the edges of the tub which are proximal to the mufflers. The tub support was painted semi-gloss black prior to assembly to the tub. The aluminum flat-head rivets which attach it to the tub are natural.