1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

[Dan P.]

I'm looking at replacing my tire carrier with a later model NOS unit. I'm curious if there were differences in color/material/configuration used from the early tubs to the later service replacement tubs. Thanks!

[Brad M.]

Re: 1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

I think many of the later ones were a grey color while the original ones were more of a black fiberglass with the strands of the whitish material backing showing. Thus the later ones look lighter in color than the original ones for 70-72.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

Hi Dan,
I agree that the 'later' tubs are lighter in color. I also found that they don't seem to show the lighter in color fiberglass strands like my 71 tub does.
I was looking for a new tub because the low point on mine had been 'dragged' a few times. I ended up repairing mine and it turned out quite well cosmetically.
I believe there has been some talk about the method for doing some repairs on tubs on this Board and maybe in THE RESTORER too.
Have you done a search?
My comments are based on thinking you're looking for a tub for your 70.
Regards,
Alan

[Dan P.]

Re: 1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

That's right, Alan. The tub on my '70 has a few cracks/scratches from ground clearance issues (the previous owner used to like to wind the car out on a section of Indiana highway that had a rail road crossing running through it).

I'll try my hand at repairing it, unless I find an early pristine or NOS unit.

Thanks!

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

Hi Dan,
I played around with 'tinting' the resin to get the color I wanted and afterwards dusted on some semi-gloss clear to blend it into the surface finish of the unmarred part of the tub.
I found that the rest of the tub cleaned up like new. I imagine because it got covered with road 'crud' so quickly. I guess that means that 'road crud' can be a good preservative.
Regards,
Alan

[Pat M.]

Re: 1970 Tire Carrier fiberglass color

Ya know, it's funny, I had a light-colored replacement and looked for a nice, dark early C3 original. All of the ones I found were in BAD shape, particularly the tubs advertised as being "pristine"!
I eventually found a really nice one on ebay that was advertised as an 81 or 82 tub, yet it was dark like early tubs, which was confusing to me. It even had appropriate numbers on it, like early originals. The only difference I noticed was the fiber strands were not quite as visible as other early tubs I'd seen.
But, it passed with no deductions at the National, so it's all good! (the tub is pretty dark, but the camera flash makes it look lighter)