Correct Tire Tub for 71 C3

[Sheldon S.]

I need to replace the tire tub and lid for my 1971 convertible. What years are they the same or is 71 only for 71? I am looking at one off a 78 but not sure if it is identical. I only want one that would be good for judging purposes.
Thanks in advance
Sheldon

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Tire Tub for 71 C3

Sheldon-----

As far as FUNCTIONALITY is concerned, all of the 68-82 spare tire "tubs" are exactly the same. However, as far as appearance is concerned, there were a few differences over the years. The original early C3 tubs were a darker gray fiberglass. Later C3 had a lighter gray.

The spare tire STRAPS (the v-shaped fabricated steel piece to which the tub is riveted, did change slightly and several times over the years. In this regard, all 1968-73 are the same. There were 3 changes between 1974 and 1982. However, the differences are so slight I doubt that any judge could tell the difference.

[Jack H.]

Judge could tell on my car...

because the embedded Rockwell sticker with PN and date code just happens to be positioned where it's dead nuts on to see. That's the reason I've not replaced the original tire tub despite it's having been 'bottomed out' against the highway several times with a minor crack and obvious abbrasion damage. But, not all of the Shark era spare tubs just happened to have the Rockwell label positioned to be as obvious as the original on my car...

[Joe L.]

Re: Judge could tell on my car...

Jack-----

What does the "Rockwell" label have to do with the support strap (i.e. "V" strap) that I was referring to with respect to judging?

[Jack H.]

Re: Judge could tell on my car...

Initial post said poster was thinking about replacing his entire lower tire tub and wanted to know if they were all the 'same' across a range of years. My add-on was to the effect that some, although functionally identical, just might bear a Rockwell ID tag laid into the fiberglass and tire tubs weren't painted.

Soooo, neglecting that one minor point of trivia, if he sourced a tire tub from another Shark that HAD a visible Rockwell label, it'd indicate week and year of manufacture which would probably deviate from his car... Judges might detect it, and deduct 20% on originality since the part would violate the Date axis of originality (Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration & Completeness).

My reply was tongue in cheek humor since most tire tubs don't happen to have their tags (if a Rockwell sourced part) prominently visible. This is a minor bit of trivia that wasn't mentioned in the prior thread. Just happens my '71 is one that does have the ID tag placed appropriately & visible....