Is my 1956 spare tire original?

[Alexander C.]

I removed the original trunk mat, which while in 1 piece, didn't stay that way for long

Here are some pictures I took. The spare looks VERY old. Can anyone tell me if it's original? I know the mat was and so is the spare cover and instruction label. The car was in storage in the CA desert for 30 years. I have paperwork back 43 and it is very original, very complete, and unrestored.

Thanks!

Alex

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

more pictures...

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

and the last of them...

[Roy B.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

My original NOS spare tire

[Chris H.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

How about the wheel?

Is it riveted or spotwelded?

Does it have dogbones? (dogbone or dumbell shaped holes in disc "flaps" where the disc attaches to rim)

Does it have the rim nubs for the large wheel covers?

[Dennis C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

I removed the original trunk mat, which while in 1 piece, didn't stay that way for long

Here are some pictures I took. The spare looks VERY old. Can anyone tell me if it's original? I know the mat was and so is the spare cover and instruction label. The car was in storage in the CA desert for 30 years. I have paperwork back 43 and it is very original, very complete, and unrestored.

Thanks!

Alex

Alex,

What markings are on the tire? Are there any DOT markings?

DOT markings on tires appeared much later (mid - to late 60's?).

Dennis

[Stuart F.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

Don't believe this brand was ever an original equipment tire for GM.

Would like to see pictures of the rest of the car. Sounds interesting.

Stu Fox

[Edward M.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

Alex;

I think the answer is no. Original tires for 1956 would have been US Royal, BF Goodrich, or Firestone. Davis Silent Sentry tires were sold by Mongomery Wards (and probably others) in the late 1950s (and perhaps other timeframes).

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

How about the wheel?

Is it riveted or spotwelded?

Does it have dogbones? (dogbone or dumbell shaped holes in disc "flaps" where the disc attaches to rim)

Does it have the rim nubs for the large wheel covers?

Yes it does. All 5 of my wheels appear to be correct original.

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

Alex,

What markings are on the tire? Are there any DOT markings?

DOT markings on tires appeared much later (mid - to late 60's?).

Dennis

No DOT marking, that's the first thing I checked. There are no markings at all aside from brand and size.

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

Alex;

I think the answer is no. Original tires for 1956 would have been US Royal, BF Goodrich, or Firestone. Davis Silent Sentry tires were sold by Mongomery Wards (and probably others) in the late 1950s (and perhaps other timeframes).

Ah, good to know! Atleast it's almost vintage lol!

[Chris H.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

What is the build date of your car? 56's should have spot welded, no dogbone, no double hump. But it looks like the 57 wheel was pulled ahead into 56.

I am trying to find the "cut off" dates for changeover from old to new wheel in '56.

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

What is the build date of your car? 56's should have spot welded, no dogbone, no double hump. But it looks like the 57 wheel was pulled ahead into 56.

I am trying to find the "cut off" dates for changeover from old to new wheel in '56.

Mine was built on or near the last date of production, Sept 17th I estimate. VIN 4434.

[James G.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

Alex;

I think the answer is no. Original tires for 1956 would have been US Royal, BF Goodrich, or Firestone. Davis Silent Sentry tires were sold by Mongomery Wards (and probably others) in the late 1950s (and perhaps other timeframes).

I AGREE. Davis is not an original tire. The size is a correct replacement.

[Alexander C.]

Re: Is my 1956 spare tire original?

I AGREE. Davis is not an original tire. The size is a correct replacement.

Ok. I just didn't know if the spares were different from the regular tires like some other cars are.

Thanks!