c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

[David H.]

T.I.A. for any knowledge about the spare wheel in an 80. Is the spare wheel aluminum as well if you have the optional aluminum wheels? Thanks; David

[Joe L.]

Re: c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

David-----

Not only is it NOT an aluminum wheel like the 4 road wheels, it's not even the same size as the road wheels. 1978-82 Corvettes used a "space-saver" spare wheel and tire. The wheel size was 15 X 5.

[David H.]

Re: c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

wow! sad to find out. Why is the spare tire holder so deep and how would the space saver tire stay locked in?

[David H.]

Re: c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

wow! sad to find out. Why is the spare tire holder so deep and how would the space saver tire stay locked in?

[Joe L.]

Re: c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

David-----

The spare tire carrier was a "carry-over" from previous model years which used a full-size spare, so it's size and design did not change from the earlier. Just how the smaller "space-saver" spare tire was retained within the carrier, I do not know. As far as I know, there was no retainer utilized. However, I've always wondered, myself, just how the spare was prevented from movement in the tub.

[David H.]

Re: c-3--80 spare wheel (same as other 4?)

thanks Joe. I asked about the spare when I bought the car but could not get a clear answer from mom and the sister; the owner had died and was a sore subject to go digging in the barn and asking about what seemed like trivial items.
There is no mounting or spacing peices in the tub and I bought the car from original owners. The left side front hanger for the tire tub had been cut off and a washer welded to the end for a frame attaching point which made the tub closer to the car. I bought a new one, which has a considerably larger diameter by the way, and the tub looks right but it is beat up pretty good ie; loose and missing rivets and some f.g. damage. Maybe from the tire bouncing around in there? I hope all this effort is worth it one day when these cars are judged. David