Spare Tire Fitment

[Alex Gilmour]

All,

I posted this in response to the 65 Spare tire fitment thread last week, but I think that it was too far down the list to catch people's eyes. Anyway, someone on the list reported a problem fitting a 205R-15 Michelin into a 65 tub and I was wondering if it was possible to use bolts from a 68 or 69 since those tires are substantially thicker that the tires on a midyear. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Alex

'66 A/C Coupe

[Wayne M.]

Re: Spare Tire Fitment

Alex, that pregnant pause you are experiencing is everyone waiting for Joe Lucia to return. Actually, although I'm no C3 expert, I believe that the front "strap" (hinge) bolts may be even SHORTER than those on the C2's, due to the V-bracket on the bottom of the '68-up spare tire carrier lid (more like a bucket), having an upward turn at the foremost point of the "V". I can't speak for the locking bolt, but it also may be shorter; I seem to remember seeing some really short ones at Corvette swap meets, and assumed they were from C3's. Hopefully someone will have the bolts in-hand, and post their length.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Spare Tire Fitment

Alex, that pregnant pause you are experiencing is everyone waiting for Joe Lucia to return. Actually, although I'm no C3 expert, I believe that the front "strap" (hinge) bolts may be even SHORTER than those on the C2's, due to the V-bracket on the bottom of the '68-up spare tire carrier lid (more like a bucket), having an upward turn at the foremost point of the "V". I can't speak for the locking bolt, but it also may be shorter; I seem to remember seeing some really short ones at Corvette swap meets, and assumed they were from C3's. Hopefully someone will have the bolts in-hand, and post their length.

[Tom B.]

Bolt fitment and more

Alex,

Sorry, I did see those posts but didn't re-visit.

To answer your question, I can verifiy, at least for 1968, that Wayne is correct. The front strap (hinge) bolts I have on mine are shorter. In fact they are the SHORTEST I've seen. Without taking them off, they measured approximately 6" long (estimating threads). It appears the 68 spare tire carrier straps are formed/designed at more of an angle to accommodate the shorter bolts. 68 originally had F70-15 bias ply tires, which were larger, than mid-year's. I don't know if other C-3 bolts changed to accommodate radials or not.

Also, in reference to Jim Yount's original question, Wayne again correctly described what I used for my former 66. I had new 205/70R15 radials mounted on original 1966 KH knock-offs, which I think are wider tread tires than what was asked. I traded cars but still have the KO's, tires, and full set up EXCEPT for the "latch bolt" that I left on the car. The 2 front strap bolts I have measure 10 1/4", including threads. From what I remember I had ordered all three and they were the longest available, originally for 65-66 optional wheel/tire application. I do remember the diameter of the tire was a snug fit, as well as the tread width (height in the carrier), but I also had no hassle with the set-up, key-lock and all. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Bolt fitment and more

Alex,

Sorry, I did see those posts but didn't re-visit.

To answer your question, I can verifiy, at least for 1968, that Wayne is correct. The front strap (hinge) bolts I have on mine are shorter. In fact they are the SHORTEST I've seen. Without taking them off, they measured approximately 6" long (estimating threads). It appears the 68 spare tire carrier straps are formed/designed at more of an angle to accommodate the shorter bolts. 68 originally had F70-15 bias ply tires, which were larger, than mid-year's. I don't know if other C-3 bolts changed to accommodate radials or not.

Also, in reference to Jim Yount's original question, Wayne again correctly described what I used for my former 66. I had new 205/70R15 radials mounted on original 1966 KH knock-offs, which I think are wider tread tires than what was asked. I traded cars but still have the KO's, tires, and full set up EXCEPT for the "latch bolt" that I left on the car. The 2 front strap bolts I have measure 10 1/4", including threads. From what I remember I had ordered all three and they were the longest available, originally for 65-66 optional wheel/tire application. I do remember the diameter of the tire was a snug fit, as well as the tread width (height in the carrier), but I also had no hassle with the set-up, key-lock and all. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Adding Up

Wayne,

Maybe if we all pool our knowledge we can all "add-up" to one Joe Lucia. Tom #24014.

[Tom B.]

Adding Up

Wayne,

Maybe if we all pool our knowledge we can all "add-up" to one Joe Lucia. Tom #24014.

[Larry Sherman]

Re: Spare Tire Fitment

Look in the Paragon catalog. They list all three lengths of the mid-year bolts ang give the measurements. Larry

[Larry Sherman]

Re: Spare Tire Fitment

Look in the Paragon catalog. They list all three lengths of the mid-year bolts ang give the measurements. Larry

[Wayne M.]

Re: Adding Up

Tom --- Not sure how many it would take to equal his knowledge , but it sounds like his library is 10 times the size of mine, and his PARTS collection ....., I wonder if he's made out his last will and testament ?

I expect he'll respond to all messages posted during his absence, so I'm booking a day on my computer just to read (and enjoy).

[Wayne M.]

Re: Adding Up

Tom --- Not sure how many it would take to equal his knowledge , but it sounds like his library is 10 times the size of mine, and his PARTS collection ....., I wonder if he's made out his last will and testament ?

I expect he'll respond to all messages posted during his absence, so I'm booking a day on my computer just to read (and enjoy).