What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub? - NCRS Discussion Boards

What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • James W.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • December 1, 1990
    • 2658

    #16
    Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

    I also use a BFG Silvertown bias ply on an original KH knock-off in my '64 tire tub. As Ed said let some air out of it and it fits. I also wipe some silicone spray on the inside tire tub and the tire and it seem to help when wrestling up into the tub.

    Thanks,

    James West


    Originally posted by Edward Johnson (49497)
    I have heard that some of the repro tires don't fit the tube, I have a BFG Silvertown that just fits the tub, and it will sometimes stick in the tub. everyone seems to just let a little air out of the tire so they will fit, maybe this will work for you with the 2057015. if you use this tires you should be very close to the 2157015 I Believe it will be about a 1 inch difference, it seems that just about all the tire companies have different circumferences for the same size tires. I still don't think clutch wear would be a issue with either tire size for the amount of driving you do with your spare. As long as your not doing Donuts. When moving in a straight line the posi clutch are not doing anything.

    Comment

    • Dennis O.
      Expired
      • December 1, 1988
      • 438

      #17
      Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

      I have 205/70R15 tires on my '67, with a old 7.75X15 for a spare. I never worried about the difference in size because if you have a flat in front, there should be no problem. If it's in the rear, how long does it take to move one of the fronts to the rear and put the spare on the front?

      EDIT: I should have said "put the spare on the front first, and then put the front tire on the rear"; less work that way. Plus, you get a good start on your next tire rotation.
      Last edited by Dennis O.; March 6, 2014, 12:11 PM. Reason: Disambiguation

      Comment

      • David L.
        Expired
        • July 31, 1980
        • 3310

        #18
        Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

        Originally posted by Dennis Odoms (13959)
        I have 205/70R15 tires on my '67, with a old 7.75X15 for a spare. I never worried about the difference in size because if you have a flat in front, there should be no problem. If it's in the rear, how long does it take to move one of the fronts to the rear and put the spare on the front?

        EDIT: I should have said "put the spare on the front first, and then put the front tire on the rear"; less work that way. Plus, you get a good start on your next tire rotation.
        Dennis,

        Why would it be a problem putting the 7.75X15 spare on the rear in place of a P205/70R15 tire? Is it because one tire is a radial and the other tire is not?

        Years ago (about 1988 or 1989) I had a flat tire (right side rear tire) on my "early" 1963 Split Window Coupe with P205/75R15 tires (27.1" dia.). I was about 50 miles from home at the time. The T125/70D15 (21.9" dia.) mini spare tire that I had was from a 1984 Camaro. After mounting the spare the right rear part of the car certainly did not look normal (a bit on the low side) but I did not notice any difference while driving home although I did drive much slower then normal.

        Dave

        Comment

        • Dennis O.
          Expired
          • December 1, 1988
          • 438

          #19
          Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

          Dave,

          I don't think it would be. If I ever had a flat on the rear, I'd probably stand the spare next to one of he other tires, and if it looked close, I'd just go with it. Some here seem to be concerned about positraction clutches, etc., and I thought I'd suggest a way around it.

          Denny

          Comment

          • Tracy C.
            Expired
            • July 31, 2003
            • 2739

            #20
            Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

            Originally posted by Duke Williams (22045)
            ........

            Many use the 205/75R-15, but they are all low quality, low speed rated tires. The 215/70R-15 is also a good match and there may be a few left that are speed rated at H or above that have the safety enhancing spiral wrapped nylon cap belt......
            ......

            I've also had luck finding tires by just googling the tire size.......

            Duke
            Duke, I followed your advice and did a search on 205/75R-15 and came up with several tires that size with speed rating of S & T from Discount tire

            Discount Tire Direct is retiring, but check out our partners at Tire Rack! With tires and wheels for virtually every vehicle make and model, Tire Rack is your new source for the best prices and selection for online and mail-order purchases.

            Comment

            • David L.
              Expired
              • July 31, 1980
              • 3310

              #21
              Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

              Originally posted by Dennis Odoms (13959)
              Dave,

              I don't think it would be. If I ever had a flat on the rear, I'd probably stand the spare next to one of he other tires, and if it looked close, I'd just go with it. Some here seem to be concerned about positraction clutches, etc., and I thought I'd suggest a way around it.

              Denny
              My 63 SWC did not have positraction but I can see that it could be a problem for those cars with positraction.

              Comment

              • Bill B.
                Infrequent User
                • January 1, 1988
                • 6

                #22
                Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                I have run 205-65 15 over 25 yrs on my 66, with repro knock-offs.
                The spare is also a knock-off - I use the long bolts with several additional washers to extend the height for the spare tire tub. It works fine - leaves a bit of a gap, and be careful not to over tighten!!

                Comment

                • Jim H.
                  Expired
                  • December 15, 2006
                  • 146

                  #23
                  Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                  I have run Diamondback IIIs built on a BFG carcass in size 215/70/15, overall diameter is about 26.5". Mounted on a knockoff wheel, this tire fits in my tub with not much coaxing provided you have the extended bolts for knockoffs. To reduce weight, I use a '04-06 GTO aluminum spare saver spare wheel and tire which is half the weight, fits beautifully in the tub, and is only about an inch shorter.

                  Comment

                  • David L.
                    Expired
                    • July 31, 1980
                    • 3310

                    #24
                    Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                    Originally posted by Jim Hughes (46654)
                    To reduce weight, I use a '04-06 GTO aluminum spare saver spare wheel and tire which is half the weight, fits beautifully in the tub, and is only about an inch shorter.
                    The wheel bolt pattern for vintage Corvettes, Chevrolets, and other GM cars is 5 X 4.75" which converts to 5 X 120.65 mm. Isn't the 2004-2006 GTO wheel bolt pattern 5 X 120.00 mm which converts to 5 X 4.724". The difference is 0.65 mm or 0.026" which is not much. I guess the lug holes in the wheel would tend to become slightly oval once torqued down.

                    Wheel adapters (1.25" thick) are sold on Ebay to install wheels with a 5 X 120 mm bolt pattern to a car which a 5 X 4.75" stud pattern.

                    Also, doesn't the 2004-2006 GTO wheel have a substantial offset (typical of front wheel drive cars). Is there any clearance problems mounting the wheel on a 63-67 Corvette because of this offset?

                    Dave
                    Last edited by David L.; March 13, 2014, 10:35 PM.

                    Comment

                    • Jim H.
                      Expired
                      • December 15, 2006
                      • 146

                      #25
                      Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                      David, I did some research and discovered that even the small difference between the SAE and metric bolt circle can wreak havoc with the studs and the wheel at speed. I'm going to rethink this and do not advise it for anybody else. I'll take a look at the wheel adaptors and see how practical they are for installation on the road. As for the offset, it fits well in the wheel well and there are no clearance issues. It's a trick solution but only if it will be safe.

                      Comment

                      • David L.
                        Expired
                        • July 31, 1980
                        • 3310

                        #26
                        Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                        Jim,

                        I tend to be very conservative when it come to safety issues. I would think that the 5 X 120 mm wheels would not seat properly on a hub with the 5 X 4 3/4" (5 X 120.65) bolt pattern. I think that the idea of using a lightweight 2004-2006 GTO mini spare is a good idea as long as the proper 5 X 120mm to 5 X 4 3/4" adapter is used. The adapter would probably place the mini GTO space at a better position in terms of offset.

                        I do not understand why GM added the 5 X 120 mm pattern when it is so close to the 5 X 4 3/4" (5 X 120.65 mm) pattern, as 120.65 mm is still a metric measurement.

                        Dave

                        Comment

                        • Jim H.
                          Expired
                          • December 15, 2006
                          • 146

                          #27
                          Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                          Dave, This same discussion rages on the various forums catering to '04-06 GTOs. They don't understand it either. I've located a set of the correct adaptors and will let you know how they work out. JCH

                          Comment

                          • David L.
                            Expired
                            • July 31, 1980
                            • 3310

                            #28
                            Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                            I came across a mini spare with 10 lug holes (5 @ 4 3/4" & 5 @ 5") that I had purchased at a swap meet many years ago for cheap $. The T145/80D16 tire (25.1" dia.) is mounted on a 16" X 4" wheel stamped "TB9 1 (valve) 24 RS" near the valve and "T1219" on the back side (Jan. 24, 1989 or 1999? and Jan. 21, 1989 or 1999?). The DOT date code on the tire is "MDV7H90089" (8th week of 1989 or 1999?). According to my 1981 Chevrolet Parts Catalog the "RS" compact spare is GM # 9590371 and is listed for the following models:
                            1981 F body (Camaro/Firebird)
                            1980-1981 B body (Caprice)

                            According to my 1996 Hollander wheel catalog the "RS" compact spare is listed as Hollander part # 1193(1) and used on 1985-1996 Astro/Safari vans and other 1980-1990 GM full size models as well.

                            I believe that the only models listed above that use the 4 3/4" bolt circle are the 1981 Camaro and Firebird models.

                            The offset of the wheel measures about 1 1/2". The offset of the 1963-1964 and 1965-1966 Corvette wheels is 7/16". This spare might not work well on cars with positraction that have P205/75R15 tires (27.1" dia.) but would be fine for those without positraction. My 1998 S10 had a 16" X 4" wheel with a T155/90R16 tire (27.0" dia.). My wife's 2002 Saturn Vue has a T155/90R16 spare tire but the lug pattern is different (5 @ 115 mm or 4.53"). I am currently looking for a one or two year old T155/90R16 tire from a Chevrolet Equinox (cousin to the Vue) for cheap $ to replace the tire on my "RS" wheel.

                            Dave

                            Last edited by David L.; March 23, 2014, 09:26 PM.

                            Comment

                            • Martin M.
                              Very Frequent User
                              • November 1, 1979
                              • 124

                              #29
                              Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                              It has always been my impression that different size tires on the rear of posi cars will cause the posi unit to see more tire rotation on the shorter tire and attempt to do its thing. Is this an erroneous assumption?

                              Marty
                              Beautiful Pahrump, NV.
                              No smog, no rain, no winter, no hurricanes, no tornadoes,
                              no earthquakes, no forest fires, but prime rib 24/7, and an NHL hockey team in LV.

                              vetteheads.com alumni, Boston MA alumni
                              1963 NOM Split, 1963 Orig Split 340, 1963 Red Vert Ex NCM opening display car
                              1970 Coupe, 1985 Coupe Road Warrior, 1986 Vert
                              1932 Ford Highboy Roadster TPI, 1932 Chev 4 Dr Confederate Sedan
                              1957 Chrysler 300 C 392 Hemi Car
                              All for sale - most not cheap!!!

                              Comment

                              • Duke W.
                                Beyond Control Poster
                                • January 1, 1993
                                • 15679

                                #30
                                Re: What P205/7015 radial tires work well, and fit the spare tire tub?

                                Signficant difference in rolling circumference can create excess wear in the clutch pack and can also cause a pull to one side especially on hard acceleration.

                                If tire circumferences are within one to two percent it shouldn't be a problem, and in an emergency, like a flat tire you may have to deal with the above issues. Get the flat tire repaired and back on the car ASAP or move the oddball to the front.

                                Duke

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                Searching...Please wait.
                                An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                                Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                                Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                                There are no results that meet this criteria.
                                Search Result for "|||"