Spare Tire Question

[FL911SC]

Hello to all.
I am relatively new to the world of Porsche ownership. It is a learning experience every time I open the door or the hood, or in some cases, just looking at the thing.
I have never owned a vehicle with a space saver type spare, so my next round of questions is about the spare.

1) The spare tire looks its age. I would like to inflate it and check that it will still hold air. Is this a good idea?
2) If I inflate it, what is the best way to completely deflate it?
3) The valve stem on the spare has something next to the inflation stem. What is this? (see picture)
4) If a new spare is needed, are these available at local tire shops?
4a) Do I need to find a specialty shop to have it mounted?
4b) If so, what is the right question to ask to ensure they know what they are doing?

As always, thank you for your help and for answering newbie questions.

~Keith

What is the arrow pointing to?

[GH85Carrera]

As I understand it there are no new replacements.

That is a good question about the arrow. I have always ASSUMED it was something to prevent over-inflation but I really don't know. I have never inflated my spare.

I carry tire plugs and a can of the save a flat. I have been lucky and never had a flat in the 70,000 miles I have driven my car.

[Gaw22]

2) Get yourself a valve stem puller and unscrew the valve stem out of the valve
3) Not sure. Perhaps a type of deflation valve? Is it spring-loaded?

[Cajundaddy]

I think modern tires for this size are unavailable and I would never trust running my car on a 35 yr old spare even for a short distance.

My preferred solution (which may not meet your needs):
Remove the spare and sell it to a period correct concours guy.
Pack tire plugs, 12v compressor, tube of Slime, and AAA Premier membership card.
Sleep well.

[Flat6pac]

I believe it pops out when you met running pressure.
Bruce

[FL911SC]

Thanks for the responses. I know there are those who will take this the wrong way, and I sincerely wish you would not. But for all the knowledge and expertise on this site, it seems the ole spare tire has been taken for granted.
I have read about guys getting Fuchs wheels for their spares. This leads me to assume that they can be remounted. I would also assume (I know what that means ) that the spare would be designed to be reusable. That said, if I had to guess, I would have guessed the stem next to the valve stem was used to deflate the tire. I will have to take a closer look when I get home. However, to Flat6pac's thought, having it has a pressure indicator also makes sense.

I wanted to inflate the spare just to see how bad of shape it may be in, but wanted to make sure I could deflate it and get it back in the car when done. Of course, if it could be replaced I would have liked to have looked into getting one, which can be used if needed.

So based on the responses so far, I will get a plug kit and some fix-a-flat to keep in the car. While this is more stuff I have to lug around, it is the kind of stuff that is nice to have when you need it. Also, the whole reason I keep AAA membership current is because I drive and old car around.

I will keep the spare in the front truck for the time being. It is ballast to help keep the car a little more balanced.

Does anyone have a nice solution for storing all this stuff, including tools, oil, flashlights, etc.. and keeping it all secured in the car? (there must be a tread for that)

Thanks!!

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I think modern tires for this size are unavailable and I would never trust running my car on a 35 yr old spare even for a short distance...........

But I have done that. Run my '79SC on 30 year old P7's after a 16 year hibernation period, and I did short distances on local roads. The car sat for along time on those tires with no air in them and the sides seemed to be cracked badly. I pumped the tires up and they kept the air! And I drove the car for about 30 local city miles. They were bumpy but felt reasonably safe. After that new tires and, of course, a new ride.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by FL911SC

Does anyone have a nice solution for storing all this stuff, including tools, oil, flashlights, etc.. and keeping it all secured in the car? (there must be a tread for that)

Thanks!!

Yep Tirerack suggests compact spares have a useful life of 6 to 10 years. 35 is pushing the envelope a bit for my taste. Ultimately it is your car and your butt so use your own judgement.

I keep a small enclosed tool bag in the frunk for the little necessities older car owners tend to need. Some people strap them down or bungie them but I don't. I just remove it on track days.

Cheers!

[MikeD]

You can inflate it and check the sidewalls for cracking. Wear safety glasses just in case. Unscrew the valve stem to deflate, it will re-collapse. My solution was to buy a late model ('87!) spare on alloy rim and put the '74 in storage. The newer ones are Vredesteins.

And I carry a plugging tool. Habit from my motorcycle days.

[Jerome74911S]

I took my collapsed spare out, inflated it to correct pressure and examined it everywhere for cracks. None found. I used a magnifying glass.

Since it was winter and I was working on the car, I just left the spare sitting inflated in the workshop for two months. No pressure loss whatever.

I think it's good to go (you never know), so I carry Fix-A-Flat and plugs, too, just to cover all bases.

I don't know how old the spare is, but I think it is not that old, because there is someone's name written on it with chalk - on the 'bottom' side when it is mounted in the trunk, as if it was mounted for a customer. It seems new to the car, relatively.

Check all evidence.

[FL911SC]

Jerome,
Did you ever deflate the tire? If so, did you just remove the valve stem until it was fully collapsed?

Thanks.

[Kraftwerk]

I inflated my spare and it seemed healthy, held air, but still hope I never have to use it. 1983 was along time ago...

[Jerome74911S]

Originally Posted by FL911SC

Jerome,
Did you ever deflate the tire? If so, did you just remove the valve stem until it was fully collapsed?

Thanks.

Yes, I deflated it after two months by unscrewing the valve stem. It collapsed properly, and I put it back into the trunk.

[Dooodahman]

Although I have no independent information on the matter, it has been noted in other threads that to inflate the spare tire will decrease its value. Something to consider if you are inclined to sell it.

[Jerome74911S]

Originally Posted by Dooodahman

Although I have no independent information on the matter, it has been noted in other threads that to inflate the spare tire will decrease its value. Something to consider if you are inclined to sell it.

That's interesting, but how would anyone know if it had been inflated, and then deflated again?

[80-911SC]

is there really a market for 35 year old rubber tires ??

[Dooodahman]

I'm just repeating what I've read here, but it was stated that it will never truly deflate right and that hurts resale value. No idea who's actually buying or why....

[javadog]

I've inflated a few and had no problems getting the air back out. You can't tell that mine have been inflated. Personally, I'd be more interested in knowing that it would inflate, and checking for dry rot or other damage, that concerning myself with whether or not the value was hurt...

JR

[FL911SC]

I have to say that I have enjoyed the feedback and appreciate the conversation on this. It is not the most interesting topic, but as I mentioned, it seems to be an overlooked one.

After reading all the responses, here is what I think I will do:
I am going to inflate the spare to inspect and clean it. I will not inflate it to operating pressure, but just enough to expand it for inspection and some soap and water.

I agree with most that relying on it as a proper spare is not a wise thing to do, but if it does hold air, it would give me a little peace of mind as a completely last resort.

While I have it out and inflated I will see if I can figure out what the valve next to the inflation point does. (see top picture)
I will pick up a plug kit, some fix-a-flat, and test the small compressor that is in the car now (will replace if needed).
I will also start looking for a "open encase of emergency" bag to store these and other essentials in. I would like to find something that can be secured in the front truck and won't slide around.
Lastly, I never leave the house without my Gold AAA membership card. I pay for the extra towing range because I love to drive my old P-car!!

Thanks again to everyone!!

[Jp-oh]

I smuggle tools in a small bag in the smuggler's box. I check it now and again and it never moves around in there or interferes with the steering. Out of the way and secured.