Space Saver Spare Tire

[65 fastback]

Does anyone use a "Space Saver" spare tire for their classic? I wouldn't mind having a spare tire for non-local trips, but there is very limited space in the trunk of my fastback. Is there a good late model vehicle with a space saver that is 24" in diameter? It would, also, need to be an easy find at a salvage yard, because I'm not willing to pay dealer pricing.

Tim

 

[t_chelle16]

I'm looking for the exact same thing. I'd much rather have a doughnut than a full size spare.

-Chelle

 

[66HertzClone]

I paid $48 for a late model skinny spare on an aluminum wheel that I keep in the trunk of my car. The wheel was painted black but it is aluminum, I just cleaned it up, touched up the paint and checked the pressure. Saves a lot of room, make sure that you have lug nuts that will work with this wheel, as some aftermarket wheels lug nuts do not have the conical seat at the tip of the nut.

 

[2nd Mustang]

I use a space saver tire from an early Ford Ranger, which had the same 5 lug bolt pattern as early Stangs. I think I paid $60 at a local Ford only junk yard for a late model scissors jack from a late model Stang and for the tire/wheel. It was dusty, but unused after I washed off the dust.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

I dont know if they are 24" tall, but '94+ Mustangs have 5-lug donut spares. I imagine Lincolns from the mid '80s to present also have them. I have a 215-70-R14 spare and it takes up about 1/3 of my trunk. I guess its ok because I couldnt afford the gas needed to drive my car far enough to need an overnight bag anyway.

 

[Alarus]

I dont know if they are 24" tall, but '94+ Mustangs have 5-lug donut spares. I imagine Lincolns from the mid '80s to present also have them. I have a 215-70-R14 spare and it takes up about 1/3 of my trunk. I guess its ok because I couldnt afford the gas needed to drive my car far enough to need an overnight bag anyway.

i understand that, besides id rather have a full size spare, you never know how long youll have to keep it on that ... altho some people might have the money to have the blow out fixed that day>.< i just dont feel that safe on a mini...

 

[t_chelle16]

My thinking is almost the exact opposite. If I have a doughnut, I WILL get the tire fixed ASAP because I don't want to drive on it long. Rather than continue driving on a full size spare and risk getting a flat in it too and not have a spare.

-Chelle

 

[65ShelbyClone]

That is the point of a space saver, afterall. Its just there to limp the car to a service station.

 

[jbuening]

Are the old space savers safe to use? Kinda like driving your car on the original polyglas tires, most people don't recommend it. I guess it is temporary only though. Anyways, most people that i know get the late model aluminum mustang donuts.

 

[yeloxr7]

Check Crown Victorias and Grand Marquis until about 2004. Same bolt pattern, compatible offset/backspace.

 

[steemin]

I am really interested in finding something for the occassional out of town trip.
Are there any issues with these late model space saver spares working with
13" disc brake packages?
Scott

 

[jbuening]

I'm not sure but i'd doubt they would make a special donut to put in the newer mustang cobra cars, since they have the 13" brakes. Local yards sell them for roughly $20 so you aren't out much if it doesn't fit. They may even let you try it on to make sure it would fit

 

[BobV]

The late model Cobra/Bullitt/Mach have a special 17" donut spare to clear the 13" brake package... They usually sell in the $100-$150 range with shipping. I had to buy one when I upgraded the Saleen brakes.

For the 65, I sourced a 16" donut from a late-model Lincoln. Fit fine, and cleared both the 12" Wilwoods and the Versailles rear.

If anyone's near Kansas City (chelle?), I've got both 15" & a 16" late-model donut spares just taking space in my garage. They'll both fit an early Mustang with <13" brakes.

 

[Edbert]

The late model Cobra/Bullitt/Mach have a special 17" donut spare to clear the 13" brake package...

That's what I have, to clear my front brakes and match the 245/45/17s I have on the corners. They save space and weight compared to a full size spare of the same size. It is very important that your spare be the same circumference as your street tires too.

 

[jbuening]

Thanks for the clarification Bob