Tire Tubs on C3

[Ken K.]

I have a 1973 and my tire tub is more gray than the tub on my 1972.
Are all tire tubs black?
Or are some more of a gray color?
How can you tell original tubs from reproductionones?

HELP!

[Joe L.]

Re: Tire Tubs on C3

I have a 1973 and my tire tub is more gray than the tub on my 1972.
Are all tire tubs black?
Or are some more of a gray color?
How can you tell original tubs from reproductionones?

HELP!

Ken----


Earlier C3 tire trays were a dark gray color; later were a lighter gray. Just when this change occurred I've forgotten. However, I think it was well after 1973. So, this may indicate that the 73 has had its tray replaced at some point. None of these trays was ever black.

I don't know if these trays are reproduced, or not. The tray was available from GM until several years ago. There are plenty of used ones out there donated by cars that "are no more".

[Charles P.]

Re: Tire Tubs on C3

Ken,
This is the tub on my 73. The contrast between the gray tub and black V bracket is about right. If you could look closer you would see the fiberglass hairs which give it a lighter color. Later C3's (don't know when) and GM service replacement were a high impact plastic, without the fiberglass, and darker in color. By the way did you sell that nice LT-1 of yours? Charles (NCRS Howie in the Hills 2006)

[Harmon C.]

Re: Tire Tubs on C3

I agree with Joe all 73 trays were the black color.

[Charles P.]

Re: Tire Tubs on C3

If your car is original and has it's original tub, a look inside where the tire is will give you a pretty good representation of color. Many cars I see around have had a fair amount of restoration via spray can to the tub exterior and invariably the interior is spared. Also I believe that since the mufflers were blacked out on 73, the tubs probably had some factory overspray on the outside margins which many owners may have evened out over 35 years. Still I have never seen an original 73 tub that wasn't fiberglass.

[Jim B.]

Re: Tire Tubs on C3

My origoinal Owner 68 has its orginal tire tub and it is very dark. (inside and out) I don't know where the dividing line between dark gray and black is but mine is sure very dark. The strands are very visible.

[Robert C.]

Re: Tire Tub label on C3's

There is no paint on the tire tubs, all natural grey fiberglass w/ the strands showing. Many, not all, tubs have the manufacturers white rectangular label w/ date code molded in to the tub surface. If somebody has a picture of one they are neet to see.