Spare tire carriers - differences between years?

[Brad M.]

I am interested to know if there were differences in the way that the spare tire cariers were made for different years.

The one that was on my car has been painted, so I ended up buying some others (2) to potentially replace with mine, rather than trying to strip the paint. Among the three that I have, it seems that there is a decent difference in weight between them. The heaviest one is the one that came with my car, which seems to weigh around 16 pounds (with the v-strap and the two front bolts). The lightest one is only about 12.5 -13 pounds.
They all seem to have the number 48173 on the inside, they also have some various other numbers, some of which are hard to read (for one of them, it appears that the spare rubbed against the inside of the tub some, which makes the numbers harder to read on that one).

Anyway, just curious what makes these so different.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Spare tire carriers - differences between year

What year car, it's not in your profile?

[Brad M.]

Re: Spare tire carriers - differences between year

My car is a 71. I am not sure that the one that was on my car was the original to the car. It appears that the car may have had some body damage in rear at some point.

[Jim R.]

Re: Spare tire carriers - differences between year

I dont think any original tire tubs had any part numbers

[Mark #28455]

Captn Lee's stripper

I think that's what it's called - works great on original glass, used with scotch brite, it will strip the paint in minutes.
Mark

[Brad M.]

Re: Spare tire carriers - differences between year

One has 3914225 and the 48173. The 3914225 seems consistent with GM part numbers. The other two do not have the 3914225.

Maybe the one with the 3914225 is a service replacement part??

Maybe the 48173 is not a part number, but a mold number or something like that?

They all seem to also have some very small numbers in that would be very difficult to read.

[Brad M.]

Re: Captn Lee's stripper

Agree with the Captn Lee's - I had it used by a friend of mine to strip down my body. It was pretty messy. I found a plastic spatula (like to spread bondo or plaster) much better to use than the scotch brite though. I do not think that I have any left.

[Chuck S.]

3914225 Is The Correct Part Number...

See the AIM; UPC 10 Wheels & Tires, about page A2.

Definitely strip the one that was on the car. Under the paint, you may find a rectangular sticker embedded in the surface resin that has the manufacturer's name (North American Rockwell Corp) and a week/year date code. All of them do not have the date sticker, but if you have the original tub and it's dated, it's worth it to keep it.

A considerable whack is required to get to the spare tire carrier with a rear-ender. I would expect such a whack to cause significant damage to the rear deck and rear fenders, and possibly frame damage as well. A peek up into the dark nether regions of your rear deck/tail light panel area bonds will soon reveal the extent of the repair.

The more common type of damage (IMO), is from inebriated or overly-enthusiastic drivers using their Corvettes as Off-Road Vehicles...jumping parking lot stops, large boulders, etc. Sometimes, you will find the low front portion of the tub smashed from such negligence...it'll still be serviceable, but it'll be ugly just the same.

[Chuck S.]

Of Course, The Other Possibility...

May be that the tub has been repaired with untinted resin and mat...in that case, it would have been painted to cover up the variegated coloration. In that case, you'll be better off with the best looking of the three tubs for judging.