65 Spare tire Questions
I have been trying to get a tire to fit in my spare carrier. I have tried a couple of sizes with a 6 inch wheel. ( I couldn't get any up in there) I recently followed recommendations on this site and ordered a 205/70R15 tire to try. My question is should the 6" wheel work or do I need to buy a 5.5" ? Any suggestions appreciated. If I don't have to spend another $200.00 I won't.
-
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Robert,
I have P205/75R15 tires on my 1966 Corvette with the original 15" X 5.5" wheels. The same size tires were used on my 1998 S10 pickup which I no long have. The diameter is about 27.1"
For the spare in my 1966 Corvette I use a spare tire from a 98 S10 pickup, T155/90R16 (16" X 4" wheel), where the tire diameter measures about 27.0"
It is hard to find a good S10 spare in the salvage yards in the north as they are usually rusted really bad because of salt used on the roads in the winter.
Dave
Theoretical Tire dia. = (205/25.4 X 0.75 X 2) + 15 = 27.1"...............Tire width = 205/25.4 = 8.1"
Theoretical Spare Tire dia. = (155/25.4 X 0.90 X 2) + 16 = 27.0" (close enough)......Spare Tire width = 155/25.4 = 6.1" -
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
I have looked for an S10 tire but haven't found one which is why I decided to go the 205 route. I just don't know if I want to mount the 6" to find out if it will fit. The option is to just buy a 5'5"Comment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Robert,
As I remember the P205/75R15 tire mounted on my original 15" X 5.5" wheel did not fit properly in the spare tire bucket on my 1966 so that is why I went with a S10 "mini spare" that was about the same tire diameter (27").
DaveComment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
I just went upstairs in my garage attic as I have a NOS 7.75-15 GOODYEAR All Weather IV 4 Ply nylon cord tubeless (DOT "CCNHJYK9") white wall tire mounted on a 65-66 15"X5.5" Corvette wheel. The circumference measures about 85 5/8" which would make the diameter about 27.25". The width measures about 7.5" (theoretical size is 7.75") but it is probably low on air as it has been there for at least 35 or so years as I bought it at a swap meet in the 1980's.
The original tire size for the 1966 was 7.75 X 15.
DaveComment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Actually, longer spare-tire hanger bolts were introduced in 1965 just for Corvettes delivered with gold-stripe tires. This was a quick fix to accommodate the fact that the gold-stripe tires delivered were substantially wider in girth (even on the 5.5" wheels) than the other available factory tire options.Comment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Robert,
Just an observation on my part regarding your issue...your car currently has 6" rims and radial tires so originality and judging (with these wheels/tires) is not a concern. A spare tire is intended to be used in an emergency situation, so, it is a temporary fix. Why not just buy a cheap 5.5" rim and put a cheap bias ply tire on it and call it good. As long as the spare can get you out of trouble if you have a flat, mission accomplished. You can always put correct wheels/tires on for judging if desired.
TerryComment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Attached is a photo showing the longer bolts (GM # 3833383, 9 5/18" total length, with the spot welded on nut) that were also available and are 1/2" longer than the 2 primer painted bolts (GM # 3841463, 9 1/8" total length) which were removed from my 1966 Corvette back in the early 1980's during my 15 year "frame off" restoration. The 3872958 bolts (not pictured) are 10 1/8" long (total length).
Dave
Last edited by David L.; August 7, 2020, 04:14 PM.Comment
-
Re: 65 Spare tire Questions
Thank you David great comparison.Comment
Comment