1954 Corvette spare tire question

[Tim M.]

What modern P metric 15 inch tire will fit in the spare tire well of a 1954 Corvette with the plywood cover fitting flat the way it should? Thanks.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1954 Corvette spare tire question

What modern P metric 15 inch tire will fit in the spare tire well of a 1954 Corvette with the plywood cover fitting flat the way it should? Thanks.

In the spare tire well of my '54, I have a 195/75 radial, deflated and with an inner tube inside. The plywood cover sits flush.

If I ever need the spare, I'll inflate it and mount it on the car.

[Edward D.]

Re: 1954 Corvette spare tire question

Why not just use a repro 6.7 X 15 bias ply as a spare? You can get one for about $200-250 and it will fit the well and look right. In a pinch you can still use it as a spare in the event of a flat even though it is a bias ply and the rest of your tires may be radials.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1954 Corvette spare tire question

Reproduction 6.70 x 15, DOT, tires have much wider sidewalls. They generally will not let the board to set flat. Actually not even close.

[Edward D.]

Re: 1954 Corvette spare tire question

Thanks for the insight Gary, didn't know the bias ply repros are wider than originals and won't fit. Do know that none of the equivalent size metric radials will fit. Had this problem on a customers 61 not long ago. Perhaps someone knows of a tire that will fit (fully inflated) in a C1. Thought maybe the Kelsey tire reproductions made from original molds might work, but don't really know as I haven't tried one. Perhaps someone else in forum has.

QUOTE=Gary Hiltunen (3642);849486]Reproduction 6.70 x 15, DOT, tires have much wider sidewalls. They generally will not let the board to set flat. Actually not even close.[/QUOTE]

[Rod K.]

Re: 1954 Corvette spare tire question

Not sure this is accurate, but somewhere I think I learned Coker 6.70-15 tires, at least some, are made in reworked larger sized molds (7.10-7.50??) due to the 6.70 molds they had being worn out. This would account for the larger cross section. My Coker 6.75 BFG Silvertowns measure 7.25 across the sidewalls. Doesn't necessarily apply to all other brands.