Flaw on Space Maker spare

Hawks911 · Hawks911's Garage

Just going through a check-list on newly acquired 1978 911 SC. Thought I'd check to see if the Space maker spare still held air and functioned ok. Put the recommended 32 psi in it and it pumped up just fine, taking what looked like the proper shape. No leaks, but I noticed this rather large "seam" that appeared to be from the original forming of the tire. Has anyone seen anything like this? This is our firsst Porsche, so I've never seen one of these space savers inflated before.

Thanks for the potential help. Getting to know this web site has been a blast!

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 09-01-2006, 08:43 PM

Ditch the spare, ditch the jack, get a big can of inflato-flat.

Stephan

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Boat anchor

2.7RACER · 09-01-2006, 09:58 PM

Looks like it's time to check my space saver spares. I certainly wouldn't want to go far or over 25/30 mph on that one.

Hetmann · 09-02-2006, 06:25 AM

I don't remember see that on mine. Now I'll have to check it again. Thanks for the picture.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Nice car! Congratulations!

Oh Haha · 09-02-2006, 07:03 AM

I just ditched my spare. It wouldn't have worked on my car anyway. I would need to remove the spacers on the side of the road. I have two good spares. If you would like one or both, let me know. Just take of the shipping costs.

911 in SC · 09-02-2006, 08:39 AM

I don't think I've ever seen a seam on a tire that big! Jeesh! I can't believe that made it through QC/QA. I certainly hope I'd never have to use it, but I would if I had to...

Nice targa! Any shots of the interior? It looks interesting - black and tan?

Mike

911pcars · 09-02-2006, 12:17 PM

Looks like a manufacturing defect. I'm sure Vredestein wouldn't want a lawsuit on their hands. How about contacting their rep. and see if you can get some compensation (new tire)?

Sherwood

Fleming · 09-02-2006, 04:44 PM

If you need a replacement I have this slightly used space saver. It has been on the ground but still has some of the nubbies left on the thread. $20 plus shipping (about $15)

Bob

Hawks911 · Hawks911's Garage

911SC,

Thanks! There is a reason the photos are from a distance... that's where all the work needs to happen. Seats are old Recaro stripped (banded) sport seats. Really worn out, especially drivers. Carpet needs to be replaced and probably the door panels and pockets also. Will be a good first project car. Looking forward to the journey. Will post photos of the interior shortly.

911 in SC · 09-03-2006, 12:15 PM

No worries. Heck, if all of the mechanicals are in place, as well as the paint, the interior should be the least of your worries. Certainly, a mint can be spent sorting the interior, but at least there's no hidden problems there! Can't wait to see before and after pics. Again, nice targa! Hopefully, you can get that spare replaced quickly, one way or another...

Mike

xlr8 · 09-03-2006, 12:57 PM

From my 911 Owner's Manual, page 72, "The supposition that tire durability and performance are imune to the effects of storage and age are unfounded. Chemical additives, which make the rubber elastic, lose their effectiveness in the course of time and the rubber becomes brittle and cracks. Therefore, the tires, especially the collapsible spare tire, should from time to time undergo a visual check, To accomplish this, pump up the collapsible spare tire.
Under no circumstances should tires older than six years be used on your Porsche. The age of the tire can be obtained from the "DOT" code number. If for example, the last three numbers read 125, then the tire was produced in the 12th week of 1985.