C2 Spare tire size

[Michael S.]

I researched some old posts on the "proper" spare tire size that will fit in the tub- still confused. My 67 small block has 15x6 rallye wheels with 215/70R/15 whitewall radials. What will fit in the tub ? I have the longer carrier bolts but it seems from reading as if circumference is the issue. What will safely fit, keeping in mind this is for emergencies ?

Also, for painting the back of the spare rallye wheel, semi-flat or gloss black ?

thanks.

[John H.]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

Mike -

Don't have the tire answer, but the back side of the wheel should be semi-gloss black - they were dip-primed black, then the front side was sprayed argent silver, with some overspray getting through the slots.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

Have yo tried to install one of your mounted 215/70s in the spare tub and see if it fits? I suspect it's too wide, but not too great in OD.

A 205/75 might fit, and it is an acceptable match for a 215/70 in terms or revs per mile, especially if it's at half or less tread. I'd even suggest looking around for a used 205/75 at local tire stores. Anything with at least 2/32" tread is okay for an emergency spare and the shorter OD of a worn tire might be the ticket for a fit.

Duke

[Tom Merkel]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

I've been confronted, too, with trying to get a spare up in there on my '67 conv. I can tell you, a 205 75 won't fit. I tried.

Dimensionally, it's OD is just about too large to push up in (I got it up in, however), but the other dimension, it's width (or thickness) is way too much to allow the lower flap to close.

Oh, I guess you could fool with the lower flap adjustment somehow to provide more room.

Tom

[Joe Pennington]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

I have 205/70's on KO's on the ground but my spare is a 195/75 on a steel rim.
The 205 is 26.3" dia. X 8.1" section width and the 195 is 26.5' dia. X 7.7 section width. I use the longer front bolts that were used on the 67's with 7.75 section width tires(775-15) and used two .5" spacers on the lock bolt bracket. With the spare at 40PSI I have no problem with it fitting in the tub. The 205/70 will fit with 0 PSI(flat).

[Wayne K.]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

Mike,

I have all long hardware on my 67 tub and currently have a 215/65-15 Goodyear in there. It only has about 1/3 tread left and it is a tight fit. If you have the long hardware I would think that a 215/70-15 should fit.

[Dick C.]

Re: C2 Spare tire size

I have a repo tub from LI Corvette and a redline 205 as my spare and it is up there but needs a little help pulling it down. I now use a redline bias as a spare and have no problems.