Spare tire compartment C2

[Gary K.]

I am fairly new to the forum, I have recently purchased a 1965 corvette stingray convertible and am busy learning everything I can about the car.

I am not sure if I am being neurotic about this but there is a gap in the spare tire housing compartment that is visible to the eye. There is a tire in the carrier.

When I go under the car it seems secure. I have driven a few hundred miles and the gap has not increased.

Should I be concerned?

Is there a way to secure things more completely to close the gap or is this normal?

I would appreciate any assistance.

I have attached two pictures.

[Ed S.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

what is the size of the tire in the carrier? If it is bigger than the 7.75 x 15 that was on the car when it left the factory that is likely the cause of the gap. If you remove the tire can you close carrier completely?

[Gary K.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

I am not sure what size tire is in the carrier but my vette has standard 15 inch wheels; I suspect the spare is 15 inches but not sure what kind of tire is in the spare compartment.

I think you are probably correct that the gap is related to the size of the spare just not fitting the way the original spare would have.

I am afraid to try and open it myself and take it out with the fear I will not be able to get it closed again.

I will see if I can get someone locally to walk me through how to do it.

Thanks.

[Ed S.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

Gary,
Unless you drop the trap door and inspect the tire size and the fit of the door without a tire in it you will never know what the problem is. The door with a tire (and wheel assembly) is not all that heavy. You should be able to easily lift it back into position. As for the tire size - the standard (original) tire for your '65 is a 7.75 x 15. What do you have on the ground? If it is a radial in the 205 or 215 range or an oversize 8.15 or 8.25 by 15 bias ply, any of those tires would be fatter but not necessarily taller than the OEM tire. The "fatness" is what may be causing the problem. But again, you will have to open it up to inspect and diagnose the problem. If you don't do that you will never know. Not sure what you would do if you got a flat tire on the road?

[Loren L.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

If it's anything but a bias belt original tire, it's wider than that 7.75 X 15. Shut down the portal labeled spare Tire gap and move on.

[Harry S.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

There are two forward bolts and one aft bolt. Find the two longest reproduction forward bolts and replace the two you have, unless you already have the longest available. This will help reduce the opening size.

[Gary K.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

I do have radials on the vette currently, P215/65R15. I presume that is what the spare is. I will have to take the tire out to prove it. Obviously I need to learn how to do this if I do get a flat in the future.

Assuming that is correct, is it dangerous to continue driving the car with the gap?

[Harry S.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

All of us that drive with radials have that gap. Never had a problem.

[Gary K.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

Thank you Harry!

GSK

[Carl N.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

From pictures the gap indicates a radial tire of some kind. Gap is not a hazard for driving. You do need to drop carrier and confirm what kind of tire and wheel you have. If you intend to use as spare does it hold air, is it safe to use, is it a Corvette wheel that will bolt up to your car (ie clear calipers if you have disk brakes). Not hard to drop lid - 3/4" socket and ratchet- just loosen bolt - it should not back all the way out. Once loose push up on lid and swing bolt out of way, then lower lid. Should take a couple of minuets. Expect dust and small road gravel in your face if it has been a while. Congrats on the purchase and joining NCRS. Also always keep everything you take off the car or replace if you think the parts may be original. Keep asking questions - that's what the forum is for.

[John S.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

Carl gives outstanding advice. Use it.

[Gary K.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

Thanks all for the great advice!

GSK

[Richard M.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

And when you loosen the bolt using the lug nut wrench from the jack storage area, notice the square tubular opening in the tire cover metal frame next to the big bolt.

Insert the square handle end of the lug wrench into the square tubular opening of the cover.

Lift up the cover slightly using the lug wrench extended lugnut socket. This gives you more leverage.

When raised, clear the flange of the big bolt and swing it free of the hook in the cover.

Slowly lower the cover down to the floor.

Slide the spare out and then you can see it. Don't forget to check the air pressure.

Rich
ps Welcome !!!

[Gary K.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

Thank you Richard!

[Michael J.]

Re: Spare tire compartment C2

And when you loosen the bolt using the lug nut wrench from the jack storage area, notice the square tubular opening in the tire cover metal frame next to the big bolt.

Insert the square handle end of the lug wrench into the square tubular opening of the cover.

Lift up the cover slightly using the lug wrench extended lugnut socket. This gives you more leverage.

When raised, clear the flange of the big bolt and swing it free of the hook in the cover.

Slowly lower the cover down to the floor.

Slide the spare out and then you can see it. Don't forget to check the air pressure.

Rich
ps Welcome !!!

And don't forget to check for the proper Dill cap on the valve stem too........