C3 Spare Tire

[Joe L.]

Does anyone have any experience using a modern radial tire size for a spare tire in a C3, particularly a 68-72? Does a 225-70-15 or a 215-70-15 fit in the tub WITHOUT INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS with the original lock bolt?

[Gary S.]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Joe, I have a radial in my spare tire carrier. It is the standard size for the 72s. I think that is 215-70, isn't it. Whatever the JG says is the equivalent is what I have and there are only marginal fit problems. By that, I mean that there is a small gap between the bottom and top of the spare carrier. There isn't any interference with the the lock or bolt. I can send you some digital photos if you want.

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Gary-----

I believe that the JG does say 215-70-15. However, depending upon which tire size parameters one is considering, either the 225-70-15 or the 215-70-15 could be considered "closest" to the original F-70-15. The main thing that I'm concerned about is the fitment of the tire in the tub and the closing of the tub in a position that's reasonably close to original configuration. If the tire has to be partially deflated to fit in the tub or if it has to be "squashed in" to fit, that's not what I'm wanting to do.

Also, if your spare is a 215-70-15, I'd be interested if anyone has tried/used a 225-70-15 in the tub and what their experience was.

[Michael M.]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

I believe my spare to be a P225-60-15. After lower the front 2 hanger bolts about an 1/2 inch, my spare fits just fine without any clearance problems.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Joe 225-70R-15 fits fine in a 73 tub.

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Joe,
p225-70r fits nicely in my 71.

Chasman

[Joe Maldino]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

I recently bought a set of Goodyear Eagle GT IIs in 225/70-15 for my '72.
They are mounted on original 8" rally wheels...
I have the interference problem with the lock bolt and ended up loosening the front pivot bolts about 1/2" and was just able to hook the lock bolt...
I also have the factory original Goodyear spare and it fits no problem.

I have not had a chance to compare the two side by side, but I suspect the new tire is both taller and wider than the original.

Joe Maldino

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Joe:
I have had a 225-70 in my '69 for years without any adjustments or modifications.
Jeff

[Klaus Friedrich #33362]

Re: C3 Spare Tire

Hi Joe,

I have a 225/70x15 Goodyear GT4 in my spare tire tub. Works without problems.
A friend of mine has a 255/60x15 radial Hancook in the tub.

All you have to do is to lower the two carrier bolts in the front of the tub.
But you keep all original parts of the car.

Although I don't want to change a tire on a cold, stormy, rainy night ...

Klaus
#33362