[fbd73]

Hi All,
The spare wheel in my '73 had the original tire still on it, so I decided to get a new one. As I have 17" on the front and 18" rims on the rear, I got the tire shop to mount a tire that would be the same height as the wheels and tires on the car.
The problem is that it is too big in the trunk area now. It hits the rear speaker that is mounted in the parcel shelf and I have had to put a block of wood on the floor pan so that the wheel and tire have something to rest onto.

So, what is everyone else doing?

Any suggestions?

[Aus78Formula]

That's a very deep speaker magnet. What size is the current spare tyre/rim shown?

I know the floor is slightly different, but on my '78 I did some tests and the widest rim/tyre that would fit in stock location was a 235/60 on stock 15x8" snowflake rim. It would actually just touch the edge of the sidewall on the jack holding bracket, which you won't even have on a '73. I have low-profile speakers that are actually even less bulky than originals under the shelf. By 78' the floor was already raised on that side so wheel wouldn't have angled fit but of course, has less room. Much of that doesn't affect a '73 floor so was just curious.

But at least I have room to put a 285 on 9" rim in floor well if needed. Many forget, it's not the spare wheel that is the problem, but the one that needs to come off.

[fbd73]

This is what is on now.

[Aus78Formula]

Ok so nothing at all. It's also why originally the stereo radio cars had the speaker on the opposite side, already a restriction.

[Dens71TA]

Yep, that's why there wasn't a factory option for dual rear speakers until the space saver spare tire became standard equipment in the late 1970's.

The only solution I can think of would be to move the tire hold down hook bracket that is spot welded to the trunk floor.

[Aus78Formula]

Full size spare was always an option through the years regardless of speaker placement. Different floor creates different issues for different years. Swap in a set of speakers with smaller magnets if it looks like it will help, that is what's in the way.

Good pic, Den. Shows how tight it is already in early years, perhaps very limited with any speaker options. As mentioned, you can get the weld-on hook brackets and add another where fits, still have to prop it up with the timber you already have. Not a bad thing, it can serve as a jacking plate or chocks.

[HWYSTR455]

Don't bother with a spare, tow it if you get a flat.

When was the last time you had a flat? That was from something other than an old tire letting go?


.

[Formulabruce]

My Solstice has a bottle of slime and a air compressor....
FACTORY.. thats it.

[HWYSTR455]

I usually carry a plug kit and a crappy lighter powered compressor. I've never used it on my own car, but have used it a number of times over the years for stranded people on the road or in parking lots.

.

[72projectbird]

I got two 10" subs and two amps in my trunk, so no spare for me.

[Scarebird]

Compact spare?

[fbody_mike]

Another point that people sometimes over look, have you changed the brakes to larger ones? Most big brake kits will not fit with 14" wheels so if you have you might want to check to see if the spare will work before you are on the side of the road changing a flat.