Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

[Joe S.]

I have Firestone 6.70x15 tires on my 63. I also purchased a 5th one and 62 wheel for the spare. However, the new spare does not fit in the tub. The tire is about 28.5/29" tall and the tub measures out to about 28".

Weren't the spares the same size as the as the rest of the tires?

[Duke W.]

Re: Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

The OE 6.70-15s had an inflated OD of about 27.5". I don't know why some repros are greater OD, but I'll spare you my rant on reproduction vintage tire quality.

Check the catalogs, you should be able to find a 6.70-15 that is closer to 27.5" OD than the "Firestone" repros.

Duke

[Joe S.]

Re: Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

Well, I feel a little better, in a weird way. If anyone can suggest a tire that they know to fit, that would be appreciated. Going for flight judging on 9/10 and would like to have the spare in it.

Thanks!

[Chuck G.]

Re: Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

Hi Joe. I bought an original Firestone for a spare. Have 4 Firestone repo's on the car.

I've read that there is some type of "inflation test" that is done on new repro tires after they're made that causes the diameter to increase. It's a problem that many have. Chuck

[William C.]

Re: Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

Stop by F-39 at Carlisle for a solution to the problem, a "Real" tire for a spare.

[Ron Hambrecht]

Re: Dumb 63 Spare tire question:

Joe,

Not a dumb question. I was in your exact situation, days from flight judging and no spare. I spent at least 3 hours under my 63 SWC fooling with the tub, under inflating the tire, and all kinds of stupid things. I finally called someone with a top flight 63. He also went through the same thing.

Bottom Line: You need a REAL 63 tire. As stated elsewhere, all the repro diameter widths are too big.

FYI: I have a REAL "Silvertown" Non DOT tire in great condition for sale.
If anyone wants it, I can bring to Carlisle on Friday. $300.

[Wayne M.]

Even Original Rubber can be too big

You don't say whether the 5th tire you bought was a repro, but the respondents seem to assume that's your problem.

I also bought a 5th tire, at Carlisle, for a spare. An original BF Goodrich 7.75-15 Custom Long-Miler Tubeless Nylon 4-Ply. This sucker is 28.2" diameter, with 90% tread remaining; could get it into the spare carrier, but had to pry to remove. I thought all original 7.75's were equal in size.

[William C.]

Re: Even Original Rubber can be too big

Not so, the change from 4 ply to 2 ply four ply rating came with some aspect chenges, also look at an original Goldline vs a conventional 7.75 of the same year. The Goldline is wider in both the tread and the sidewall, despite bing the same size rating.

[mromano]

here is a possibility

if you look around for an "old timer" tire shop, he may have a shaver. Sometimes recap dealers will have them. Yes, guys who would race their cars sometimes would have the tires shaved for what they thought was better traction at a lower cost than buying slicks. May be able to cut enough to make it fit????
just a thought.