Replace spare tire?

[petercli]

I have a 1977 911S. I want to replace the 'space saver' Goodrich spare tire .

Where is a good place to order a replacement?
I tried Porsche dealer but they only sell $700 for tube and rim. Then I tried Discount Tire but they did not sell it .


I see this : 165-15//4.75/10.00-15 <-- Is that 2015 ?

[Jeff Burger]

Originally Posted by petercli

I have a 1977 911S. I want to replace the 'space saver' Goodrich spare tire .

Where is a good place to order a replacement?
I tried Porsche dealer but they only sell $700 for tube and rim. Then I tried Discount Tire but they did not sell it .


I see this : 165-15//4.75/10.00-15 <-- Is that 2015 ?

no the 15 would be the rim diameter. Looks likely that it is the original space saving spare rim and tire. Date code should be stamped on the rim and would be 76 or 77 if original to the car. Can't help on the a replacement source. good luck

[David Inc.]

I can't find anything from that tire manufacturer (Vredestein) selling that tire independently from the wheel. The Porsche part number is 928 362 030 02 if you want to look for it that way but it's still a wheel/tire combo.

I've been meaning to get one myself, but not at $500 minimum. I'll put a plug kit and a jack in the trunk--if it needs more than that it's tow time.

[mepstein]

Why do you want to replace?
Many tire shops will not touch a collapsable spare tire. It can definitely be done but it’s not for a beginner.

[EC900]

I agree with mepstein in what is the reason replace the space-saver. These emergency use tires while do not look like having a deep tread pattern, they should be same depth wear of a conventional tire, is just they don’t have a great tread life either and appearance is deceiving.
I can only suspect that you may feel that the composition of the rubber may be compromised just by age.
Have you inflated it (29psi) does it hold air, are there any cracks or check marks anywhere? Remember it sits in the trunk un-inflated so it can fit in the gas tank indentation.
The topic was brought up few weeks ago here, turned out the poster was unfamiliar of the look of his space-saver after it was inflated - yes, it does look awkward after inflation.

Here’s pics of my ‘77 spare tread depth using the penny test (I don’t think my spare ever been used) also, a page from my Owners Manual for your reference too…

[donporfi]

It is almost impossible to buy a new Space saver tire.
Like mepstein said most of the tire shops will not touch a collapsible spare tire due to liability. Other shops will, I have mounted some Space saver tires on Fuchs wheels.
Most space saver tires in our cars are at least 30 years old and could fail if used, just a couple of weeks ago a friend had to use it and after a couple of miles if failed.
Pelican sells a complete new Space saver assembly BUT you need to check if it will fit your car, it is sold for 928 Porsches. The bolt circle will fit 5x130 but the ET of the wheel could be different.
The Macan space saver could be another option but, again you must check if it will fit.
Until now I have not heard of anybody trying to fit these new space saver tires to an early 911. I am interested but had not the chance to try a 928 or Macan tire in my car.

[GH85Carrera]

In my 85 Carrera manual is states that the space saver should ONLY be used in the front. If your rear tire gets a flat, you are supposed to put the front tire on the rear, then the space saver on the front. Then what the heck do you do with the full size rear tire? I do carry a large trash bag to wrap it in, as I know my tires are dirty.

I also carry a can of fix a flat, and a tire plug kit. Even if that just gets me to a tire shop, it beats trying to stuff the rear tire into the car somewhere or a tow truck.

[TwoBluPorsches]

Originally Posted by petercli

I have a 1977 911S. I want to replace the 'space saver' Goodrich spare tire .

Where is a good place to order a replacement?
I tried Porsche dealer but they only sell $700 for tube and rim. Then I tried Discount Tire but they did not sell it .

You won't find a lose tire to buy new.
Your local dealer has added a 25% markup if they say $700 - seems like they are jerks.
The correct wheel/tire for your car is 92836203002 this supersedes many previous wheels with tires. Our host sells it for $560 - this is the list price for the wheel with tire.
You can find it at many dealers who participate in online sales for about $420 to $450. With shipping at $50 or less you'll be out about $500.
This is the easy button.

If you want to try the not easy button and willing to use a 20 year old tire, instead of a 45 year old tire, the method is the following:
Step 1) you need to find someone who can swap the tire from a newer donor car.
Step 2) find the relatively newer donor spare from a Mercedes SLK coupe/convert 2001-2005. Several Merc of that era used the 165-15 and the 165/70-16.
Make the swap and voila you have a newer but not new, collapsible spare.

I've seen collapsible spare tires on Fuchs, so I know swap can be done, but I've not found anyone in the Denver area who does it.
If anyone out there knows of someone who can make the swap in the Denver area let me know.
If I could find the tire swap resource, I need to do it for both of those sizes.
My 1976 has the original spare 165-15 - rubber nubbins still visible - but 46 years old.
My 2001 has a very worn out 165/70-16

If you ever use the tire, expect it to wear quickly.
First thing to go are the nubbins, then the faint tread pattern.
Yes, on new cars, and maybe older cars, it should be used on the front.
I didn't read the instructions and put the 16 inch collapsible spare on the back of my 2001 turbo and it worked to get me from Laramie back to Denver - by then it was noticeably worn compared to new. Worn enough that it needs replacement. Maybe I'm lucky that it didn't fail, in any case it looks like garbage.

There are other cars that would have collapsible spares that will fit but not much newer than the 1990s

One neat old wheel is the 951 aluminum - they are a whole other topic and expensive, but cool on an old 356.
The 964/993 had spare different from the steel 911 /928 wheel to fit over bigger brakes, I'm pretty sure they are 16 inch like the 996.
The 964/993 not too likely to fit very well in the spare tire space. Although it is possible to put a 996 turbo collapsible spare 16 inch in the 1976 spare space so the 993/964 might fit the space and the car.

I'm kind of leaning towards a whole different solution.
The Boxster Donut.

Boxster donut spare is the right diameter, right bolt pattern, were used on cars heavier than an old 911 and they are so narrow that the offset doesn't matter. They are inexpensive used and you can buy new replacement tires from your local tire store.
For sure they won't fit in the hole where the spare is, so just leave the old one there and carry a newer donut in frunk or behind the front seats, you'll need to keep the space open for the tire that does go flat anyway.

Lucky for you, a flat tire is possible to put in the trunk or in the back seat of an old 911.

One thing is for sure, I discovered that a flat 295 19 rear wheel is no way going to go into the frunk of a 996 and then we have a dirty stinky tire in the passenger seat next to me.

A heavy duty bag/cover would be a good thing to have to put over your flat tire.

The new cars don't even come with a spare and the "mobility kits" that include spare, jack, cover, etc are $1300 to $2000 and you are probably going to have to leave a wheel by the side of the road if you've got a passenger. It's no wonder that most people with new cars figure that roadside assistance is the way to go.



"EMERGENCY WHEEL. Spare Wheel. Wheel, Spare.
Part Number: 92836203002
Supersession(s): 911-361-028-11; 911-361-028-12; 911-361-501-00; 911-361-506-00; 911-361-506-01; 928-361-008-00; 928-361-008-01; 928-361-008-02; 928-361-008-03; 951-362-030-01; 951-362-030-02; 951-362-030-03;"

The PET says 1977 uses 911 361 028 11

Macan has a different bolt pattern (Audi 5 x 112) and it blows up to a much larger diameter.
Cayenne has same bolt pattern but even larger diameter

[berndtj]

So is there really any point to carrying the space saver spare? I sure won’t trust a 40 year old tire.


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[mepstein]

I have a bunch of 944 turbo spare wheels. I inflated the tires and they all held air. I’d rather use one as a spare than not have one. I’ll still carry a can of fix a flat as and a pump. If it need to use it, I will just drive slowly to a rest stop.

[TwoBluPorsches]

Originally Posted by berndtj

So is there really any point to carrying the space saver spare? I sure won’t trust a 40 year old tire.


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I agree with mepstein.
I'd say yes, there is a reason to carry the old tire because it doesn't make sense to take it out of the car. I'd rather have it and be able to use it instead of nothing at all.

It has been somewhat protected from temperatures and outside environment, it will hold air and get me a few miles, probably dozens of miles down the road at least.
I wouldn't count on it to go far or go fast but I'd be willing to give it a go.
Besides, what else would would I put in that space?
Carry the old spare and a plug/patch kit for the tires on the car and your even more prepared.

If you want a spare tire that you can trust to take you hundreds of miles, buy a new one for $500 and you're back to Boy Scout levels of preparedness.
It's less than what you'd have to spend to get similar levels of preparedness for a new car with RTF tires

[darrin]

Originally Posted by TwoBluPorsches

[snip] If you want a spare tire that you can trust to take you hundreds of miles, buy a new one for $500 and you're back to Boy Scout levels of preparedness.
It's less than what you'd have to spend to get similar levels of preparedness for a new car with RTF tires

Be sure to check/get a picture of the date code on the spare tire before purchasing. Many of the "new" ones I looked at on eBay/etc. were NOS and had date codes that were 20+ years old. I'm still carrying my '86's original space saver spare and pump along with a plug kit. better than nothing

[mepstein]

Lots of pics on the internet. I'm no expert but I think my '67 holds a non collapsible spare on the tank. Car came to me in pieces so I haven't tried it yet.

[TwoBluPorsches]

Originally Posted by mepstein

Lots of pics on the internet. I'm no expert but I think my '67 holds a non collapsible spare on the tank. Car came to me in pieces so I haven't tried it yet.

The typical tank on a '67 would allow you to use a full size spare, you picture shows the larger tank of a '74 that won't fit a full size. I believe the capacity of the old tank is 62 L, the 1974- tank is about 80 L. There are several other optional tanks, with size ranging up to 100L and maybe more, center fill, etc.

I agree there are a lot of pictures on the internet of various tanks and spare tire solutions that include non-factory wheel /tire combinations and I wonder - how did they do that, I can't find anyone willing to try

[EC900]

The 1974+ Space Saver spare provided for extra capacity of gas by redesigning the new tank from 16 gal to 4.5 gal…that extra capacity gets you 65 more (EPA) miles of travel …. on a +40 yr old spare ?
Change back to the smaller tank cap and fit a regular tire for a spare might be less than a new SS that may or may not ever be used again.
I idea of retrofitting a Fuch as a spare on a SpaceSaver is moot as the appearance of a matching wheel doesn’t provide anymore safe travel distance (+40 yr old SS), it just looks good until you get the flat fixed. Key takeaway is SS’s are not for long term driving, speed or cornering. Ever notice people driving around on a donut tire - either the replacement wheel/tire is too expensive, damage rim difficult to find or just too busy get the reg tire/wheel repaired.
I’d like to find a regular common sized street tire for a spare with a low enough profile and height to fit inside the 21gal tank trunk well by have a wheel pattern machine cut out of the spare steelie, welded it back to the donor wheel rim so to match the 911 lug pattern and offset to fit.
Seems like an awful amount lot of work but can be done, again - is it worth it?

[donporfi]

Here the tire of my friend that barely made it home. He drove very slow after the space saver tire started to disintegrate, but it held the air. 40 year old tire.

[donporfi]

Are these new ?

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/92836203002.htm?pn=928-362-030-02-OEM

[TwoBluPorsches]

One would hope that 928 part number spare from Pelican are new since they come from a dealership.
The pelican price is the same as the dealership new price without discounts.
You can also buy them from a dealership and possibly get a discount.
Or, like the OP, be quoted 25% over the regular price.

I'm interested in tire swap since it makes for a cool looking spare.
not to be used for long distance or aggressive driving.
I did have to drive a space saver 100 miles to get home this summer.
It was a 20 year old 996 inflatable - now it's toast.

I think EC900 has suggested something very difficult. Seems like a boxster spare, though it won't fit the regular spot, is a good compromise between price, availability and utility.

[EC900]

As for the PP replacement, I don’t have a PET for the mid 80’s but my 77 has the KPZ steelie (911-361-022-00) same as the OP. One thing I read here on PP is many have used the later 928 spare wheel rims as a cheaper, plentiful version of Steelie conversions for backdating the appearance. That said, my spacesaver spare 15Jx 5.5 offset might not look good on a Carerra but fine for a narrow body.
I think as a collective, we need to find a better way to get a conventional spare alternative to not only tuck into the provide 21 gal tank well but be easily replaced over time. That photo donporfi posted is a concern for our 40 yr old spares !

[SWS911]

What about those 5.5X14 Fuchs with a low profile (50) tire?