Tire size for the spare

[tmc]

Back when I first bought the TR3A I've been restoring, I bought 5 new tires for it........165R13 sized. However, the spare won't slide into it's compartment! I'd say I need a slightly narrower tire...........but where to get one? I don't think the tires I bought 7 years ago are even made now.....Signet tires of some kind. Any ideas?

 

[sail]

Here are a couple recent threads:

1

2

 

[Member 10617]

I think one of the standard solutions -- one that works for me -- is to let the air out of the spare tire. Then it probably will fit. Carry a small foot-powered air pump with you to inflate the tire if you need it.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

TMC
I'm sure its a typo but 165R13, maybe 165R15? Which spoke wire wheel? 48 or 60. The 48 should work well.

Marv

 

[TR3driver]

Here's another option that might work:
https://store.cokertire.com/155sr15-vredestein-sprint-blackwall-tire.html

I actually ran a 165 spare in my early TR3A for many years; with enough force it would just barely go in and out. Had to keep a rope tied around it to get it out!

Last time I looked, 155-15 tires were still readily available in Europe (where they have laws requiring original size tires and folks still drive VW bugs, Citroen 2CV, etc.). If all else fails, you might look into having some shipped over.

But I still prefer my compact spare tire.

 

[vivdownunder]

If using original 48 spoke x 4" wire wheels, 165x15 tires will fit into a (widened out) post 60000 spare wheel compartment.

But if using 4.5" steel wheels or 60 spoke 4.5" wire wheels, the tire usually won't fit unless partly deflated.

Pre 60000 cars with the narrower spare wheel compartment need a 155 x 15 spare tire, or run a flat 165 x 15, and carry a foot pump, as LexTR3 said.

I prefer a fully inflated 155x15 spare tire, just in case a puncture happens on a cold wet winter's night.

And if not using the original floor jack, a scissor jack is needed to get under a frame with a flat tire. A metal spacer pad is helpful so it won't bruise the frame.

Viv.

 

[karls59tr]

I put a Volvo ( forgot the year)compact spare 155xR15 on a stock Tr3 rim ....fits perfect.

 

[TR4nut]

I bought a 155-15 Vredestein tire for this purpose but they run about $90-$100. Karls option sounds like a very good one.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha,

I have a 125R15 mounted on a 48 spoke wheel that I use as a spare only to get me someplace to fix my 165R15 tire if one goes flat.

Coker tire offers 155R15 down to 125R15 on line with prices ranging from about $145 to $57 each. The 145R15 was $62.

 

[tmc]

TMC
I'm sure its a typo but 165R13, maybe 165R15? Which spoke wire wheel? 48 or 60. The 48 should work well.

Marv

You caught it! I meant 165R15....

I bought 4 chromed 60 spoke wheels for the running wheels. I have a clean 48 spoker on the spare.

 

[tmc]

Thanks for all the answers/ideas. I had thought of the deflation route, but I like the compact spare tire idea, too.

My 3 is prior to commission number 60000, so a 155/15 spare on the 48 spoke wheel would fit, I imagine. I'll go the deflated route at first, then see what else I can find for real trips/cruises.