63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

[Troy P.]

I mounted 5 new Coker 6.70x15 Firestone tires on new repo 15x5.5 wheels. When I tried to put the spare in the fiberglass tub on my '63 it would not fit. Coker advertises that these tires are made in the original molds. So one is lead to believe they are the correct diameter.

Now I found the inside diameter of the tub measures 28" and the drop down tray is only 25". Coker's specs say the diameter of the tires they sold me is 28.58". So now its obvious why they don't fit.

How have others successfully dealt with this problem? Is there a reproduced thin whitewall 6.70x15 that does fit?

Looks like I can't use a tub stretcher because the sides of the tub are already against the mufflers.

[Dan H.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

Had same problem with Coker Firestone tires. Sent them back and got their BFG 670 tires, they're 27.5 or used to be, fits in the tub fine. Look at Cokers diameter listing for BFG tires, good luck.
Dan

[Troy P.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

I will check it out. Thanks.

In archived posts on this subject no one proposed a solution.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

Turns out Coker shows BFG as 28" but US Royal as 27.75".

It would be expensive to have all 5 dismounted and shipped back. One option might be to just send the spare back to exchange for a US Royal. Reading the Judging Manual it does not say all 5 tires have to be of the same manufacturer. It says all 5 have to meet the specified criteria and to judge the road tires and spare separately. Thus it appears there would be no deduction if the spare was a different brand. Any judges comments on that?

[Kent S.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

Spare doesn't have to match but must be from a manufacturer of tires available that year.

[Rod K.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

For C1 era tires I believe I recall Coker used a 7.10 mold for some 6.70 tires due to original 6.70 mold being damaged or some such. I think some tires also too wide for cover to fit properly. Possible solution is to deflate spare to fit tub.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

That was my interpretation as well. But I suspect they came with 5 from the same maker.

I recall, I believe it was in the mid to late 70's, there was a shortage of tires and cars were delivered without a spare.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

Yes, there is no tire, even deflated, to lay flat enough in the spare tub for 53-55 for sure. Not sure why they are too fat. Diameter is ok though.

[Tom D.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

I know this is a sin. However, a radial 205/70 will fit.

[Richard G.]

Re: 63-64 repo tires don't fit in spare carrier

I purchased Goodyears for my 63 and it fit in the carrier.
The diameter specification is 28.3"

https://kelseytire.com/antique-classic-military-series/670-15-custom-super-cushion-ww/

Rick