WHERE for the SPARE?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nixon · 09-21-2004, 02:16 AM

I have seen several threads on these pages for relocating the fuel tank to between the rails, which I think is a great idea. I was curious as to what different ways you guys are relocating the spare tire. Has anyone thought about fabbing in a wheel well on one side of the bed interior so the tire does not rise above the bed rail? What are you guys doing?

Gordo · 09-21-2004, 02:24 AM

Maybe I was lucky but, for 137K I didn't carry a spare. I did keep a can of fix-a-flat with me and used it once.

Russell · 09-21-2004, 02:25 AM

I simply use my truck what it was meant for and toss the spare in the box :P

longnlow72 · 09-21-2004, 02:29 AM

dont have a tank there but mines just thrown in the back

mr402 · 09-21-2004, 02:36 AM

I'm not running a rear tank yet either and used to just throw my spare in the back. At least I did until some A$$ stole the thing. Didn't get much as the rim was bent anyway but I still had to get a replacement.
One solution I thought of for when I finally do move the tank is to use one of those space saver spares and put it behind the seat. Course that kind of ruins the whole idea of moving the tank in the first place.

68C15 · 09-21-2004, 02:42 AM

I was going to say the same thing. put it behind the seat! (sarcasm intended)
I still have the stock tank & dont carry a spare. whats the use when I dont have a jack or lug wrench.
I bet a space saver would fit inside between the inner & outter bedsides placed upright. fab a sliding mount for it so you just reach under there & flip a lever & it comes sliding down. whaddyathink?

**Palf70Step** · 09-21-2004, 02:52 AM

How about the way Chevy designed it.

No problem man, rear tank or not!!

*Robo_bot* · 09-21-2004, 03:00 AM

i bought a tire holder from burnsman and im gonna mount it in the middle of my bed on a slant so when i open my tonneau cover itll show off my spare with another 20" rim on it

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 09-21-2004, 04:26 AM

I keep mine standing up on the passenger bedside. When my Granddad put a headache rack on the truck he fabricated a spare tire carrier and bolted it to the top bedrail. I keep the tire locked up, but I don't know why anyone would want to steal a split rim with an old dryrotted tire anyway.

71swb4x4 · 09-21-2004, 05:01 AM

Someone on the board cut a hole in front of the wheel well and welded another wheel well in upside down. This let the spare sit down in the bed (upright) and kept the top of it below the top of the bed. It looked really slick.

Nixon · 09-21-2004, 05:02 AM

Well to elaborate on my idea. And remind you this is leaning toward a "show" truck concept that is still self sufficient. One could fab a wheel well into the floor of the bed, toward the front of one side or the other (add a drain hole just in case) and it would not hang below the bottom edge of the bed side. You could still lower the truck and also be able to put a sliding tonneau cover on it if you wanted, and still have lots of bed space if you needed it.

I also like the idea that Robo_bot had with the slanted tire rack but it takes up bed space that I am not sure I want to give up.

Maybe I want the best of all worlds and that ain't practical.

Fred T · 09-21-2004, 05:17 AM

No spares. Replace them with a cell phone and a AAA card.

shortymac83 · 09-21-2004, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred T

No spares. Replace them with a cell phone and a AAA card.

I'd rather fiddle at the side of the road for 10 minutes changing a tire than waiting 30 minutes for the tow truck, even longer to fiddle around with the AAA crap, longer YET to have the tire fixed, etc. Instead of all that, jack the car up, pull off tire, swap wheels, throw flat in the trunk and keep on going. Then, when you have time, get your good wheel/tire fixed or replaced.

'71c204x4454 · 09-21-2004, 06:05 AM

I've been thinking about the same thing. Well on suburbans they already came up with a design on a tire holder. I haven't done it yet but have been look for one in a parts yard. I figured it would fit in a long bed with out modification of the holder. You would have to cut the bed in your pick-up but in a short bed you would have to modify the holder.

Fred T · 09-21-2004, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortymac83

I'd rather fiddle at the side of the road for 10 minutes changing a tire than waiting 30 minutes for the tow truck, even longer to fiddle around with the AAA crap, longer YET to have the tire fixed, etc. Instead of all that, jack the car up, pull off tire, swap wheels, throw flat in the trunk and keep on going. Then, when you have time, get your good wheel/tire fixed or replaced.

And how often do you have to change a tire on the road? I've had two instances in the last 8 years for both me and the wife. And that covers over 300,000 miles.

Lippyp · 09-21-2004, 11:49 AM

I've been toying with the idea of a swing away carrier mounted on the enormous rear step bumper on my truck, but at the moment it's beyond my fabrication skills, only downside is you'd have to move it to open the tailgate but it would leave the bed clear. At the moment mine is chanied to the rollover bar inside the bed.

68C15 · 09-21-2004, 12:06 PM

so what 71swb4x4 & Nixon are saying is to treat it like a station wagon from the 70's? sounds cool! any pics? maybe make a cover so it doesnt show from the inside?

Brainchild · 09-21-2004, 12:08 PM

I like the upside down fenderwell in the front corner of the bed idea,I might do that myself.I have to use mine for it's intended use.Us ol MO boys have trucks out of neccessity.Winter's comin, wood to cut,icy roads,and cars to pull out of the ditch.

I usually throw mine under the truckbox.

landon4421 · 09-21-2004, 03:55 PM

I'm with Fred.... cell phone and AAA

I guess if you take care of your tires they will take care of you !

I have not had a flat in over 6 years.

Granted I have had a few tires repaired, to take out nails and what not, but if you pay attention and look at your tires everyonce in a while, you can get things repaired before they leave you standed ! IMO

FRENCHBLUE72 · 09-23-2004, 12:13 AM

My spare sit's on the garge floor never have had one in the rig just been lucky I guess.

gonebad2 · 09-23-2004, 01:45 AM

AAA Card

68w/sbc406 · 09-23-2004, 01:52 AM

when i got my truck it didnt have a rear bumper and all you saw was a nasty spare. i took it off the second day i owned the truck. that was 3 years ago and havent needed one yet. any way i dont have a jack or a tire iron, so if i had a spare it still wouldnt help

XXL · 09-23-2004, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred T

No spares. Replace them with a cell phone and a AAA card.

I just call Fred.

gonebad2 · 09-23-2004, 04:35 AM

The quality and durability of tires has come a long ways in the last 35 years. I see cars in the junkyard all the time where the spacesaver spare has never touched the ground. When was the last time you had a blow out? For me it was probably in the early 80's. I'm not saying they don't happen anymore ( unless you are driving an Explorer with Firestones).... It just doesn't seem as common as it used to with high quality modern radials that are being manufactured today.

pritch · 09-23-2004, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '71c204x4454

I've been thinking about the same thing. Well on suburbans they already came up with a design on a tire holder. I haven't done it yet but have been look for one in a parts yard. I figured it would fit in a long bed with out modification of the holder. You would have to cut the bed in your pick-up but in a short bed you would have to modify the holder.

I've been toying with the idea of using the holder out of the 'Burb I'm parting out in my Panel. I like the thought of having it down lower 'Burb stlye than bolted to the side panel and sitting on the floor like it does now.
I have to agree with the thinking that flats are very much less common on the newer tires, although I had a flat just last week, but my tires are pretty old.

Just a thought-has anyone actually tried to put a space-saver and a gas tank underneth? Seems like there should be enough room for both.

09-21-2004, 02:16 AM	#1
Nixon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burnet, Texas Posts: 53	WHERE for the SPARE?? I have seen several threads on these pages for relocating the fuel tank to between the rails, which I think is a great idea. I was curious as to what different ways you guys are relocating the spare tire. Has anyone thought about fabbing in a wheel well on one side of the bed interior so the tire does not rise above the bed rail? What are you guys doing? __________________ My girlfriend caught me cheatin on her with another woman and now she's threatening to tell my wife! ____________________________________ 71 Chevy lwb Rough and Ready Baby!!

09-21-2004, 02:24 AM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Maybe I was lucky but, for 137K I didn't carry a spare. I did keep a can of fix-a-flat with me and used it once. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

09-21-2004, 02:25 AM	#3
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I simply use my truck what it was meant for and toss the spare in the box :P __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

09-21-2004, 02:29 AM	#4
longnlow72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SW Washington Posts: 947	dont have a tank there but mines just thrown in the back __________________ 72 Chevy lwb, cowl hood, shaved antenna, shaved bedrails, blazer tank, sidemarker fill, 1pc windows, flowmaster 40's, alpine deck, infinity 6x9's, infinity 4"ers, 2 jl audio 10w0's, grant wheel, keyless entry and alarm, more waiting to be done...

09-21-2004, 02:42 AM	#6
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	I was going to say the same thing. put it behind the seat! (sarcasm intended) I still have the stock tank & dont carry a spare. whats the use when I dont have a jack or lug wrench. I bet a space saver would fit inside between the inner & outter bedsides placed upright. fab a sliding mount for it so you just reach under there & flip a lever & it comes sliding down. whaddyathink? __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

09-21-2004, 02:36 AM	#5
mr402 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Elmira, Oregon Posts: 449	I'm not running a rear tank yet either and used to just throw my spare in the back. At least I did until some A$$ stole the thing. Didn't get much as the rim was bent anyway but I still had to get a replacement. One solution I thought of for when I finally do move the tank is to use one of those space saver spares and put it behind the seat. Course that kind of ruins the whole idea of moving the tank in the first place.

09-21-2004, 02:52 AM	#7
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,249	How about the way Chevy designed it. No problem man, rear tank or not!! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

09-21-2004, 03:00 AM	#8
Robo_bot Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 481	i bought a tire holder from burnsman and im gonna mount it in the middle of my bed on a slant so when i open my tonneau cover itll show off my spare with another 20" rim on it

09-21-2004, 04:26 AM	#9
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	I keep mine standing up on the passenger bedside. When my Granddad put a headache rack on the truck he fabricated a spare tire carrier and bolted it to the top bedrail. I keep the tire locked up, but I don't know why anyone would want to steal a split rim with an old dryrotted tire anyway. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

09-21-2004, 05:01 AM	#10
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Someone on the board cut a hole in front of the wheel well and welded another wheel well in upside down. This let the spare sit down in the bed (upright) and kept the top of it below the top of the bed. It looked really slick. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

09-21-2004, 05:02 AM	#11
Nixon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burnet, Texas Posts: 53	Well to elaborate on my idea. And remind you this is leaning toward a "show" truck concept that is still self sufficient. One could fab a wheel well into the floor of the bed, toward the front of one side or the other (add a drain hole just in case) and it would not hang below the bottom edge of the bed side. You could still lower the truck and also be able to put a sliding tonneau cover on it if you wanted, and still have lots of bed space if you needed it. I also like the idea that Robo_bot had with the slanted tire rack but it takes up bed space that I am not sure I want to give up. Maybe I want the best of all worlds and that ain't practical. __________________ My girlfriend caught me cheatin on her with another woman and now she's threatening to tell my wife! ____________________________________ 71 Chevy lwb Rough and Ready Baby!!

09-21-2004, 05:17 AM	#12
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	No spares. Replace them with a cell phone and a AAA card. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

09-21-2004, 06:05 AM	#14
'71c204x4454 '71k204x4454 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hood River Or. Posts: 137	I've been thinking about the same thing. Well on suburbans they already came up with a design on a tire holder. I haven't done it yet but have been look for one in a parts yard. I figured it would fit in a long bed with out modification of the holder. You would have to cut the bed in your pick-up but in a short bed you would have to modify the holder. __________________ 1971 K20 4x4 1964 buick skylark convertible

09-21-2004, 11:49 AM	#16
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	I've been toying with the idea of a swing away carrier mounted on the enormous rear step bumper on my truck, but at the moment it's beyond my fabrication skills, only downside is you'd have to move it to open the tailgate but it would leave the bed clear. At the moment mine is chanied to the rollover bar inside the bed. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

09-21-2004, 12:06 PM	#17
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	so what 71swb4x4 & Nixon are saying is to treat it like a station wagon from the 70's? sounds cool! any pics? maybe make a cover so it doesnt show from the inside? __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card



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09-21-2004, 12:08 PM	#18
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I like the upside down fenderwell in the front corner of the bed idea,I might do that myself.I have to use mine for it's intended use.Us ol MO boys have trucks out of neccessity.Winter's comin, wood to cut,icy roads,and cars to pull out of the ditch. I usually throw mine under the truckbox. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

09-21-2004, 03:55 PM	#19
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	I'm with Fred.... cell phone and AAA I guess if you take care of your tires they will take care of you ! I have not had a flat in over 6 years. Granted I have had a few tires repaired, to take out nails and what not, but if you pay attention and look at your tires everyonce in a while, you can get things repaired before they leave you standed ! IMO __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

09-23-2004, 12:13 AM	#20
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	My spare sit's on the garge floor never have had one in the rig just been lucky I guess. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-23-2004, 01:45 AM	#21
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	AAA Card __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

09-23-2004, 01:52 AM	#22
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	when i got my truck it didnt have a rear bumper and all you saw was a nasty spare. i took it off the second day i owned the truck. that was 3 years ago and havent needed one yet. any way i dont have a jack or a tire iron, so if i had a spare it still wouldnt help __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

09-23-2004, 04:35 AM	#24
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	The quality and durability of tires has come a long ways in the last 35 years. I see cars in the junkyard all the time where the spacesaver spare has never touched the ground. When was the last time you had a blow out? For me it was probably in the early 80's. I'm not saying they don't happen anymore ( unless you are driving an Explorer with Firestones).... It just doesn't seem as common as it used to with high quality modern radials that are being manufactured today. __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

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