Early Spacesaver Spare Restoration
#16
#18
Race Car
That is a good point. Or a pump for a space saver that doesn't work. Corvette doesn't even have a spare (runflats, but people always switch to normal). When you go to 35s or larger on a truck, no spare unless you bolt it to the outside as I can see from looking at it. I always take these out of the 928s (unless I needed "correct" for some purpose) as I won't probably use it anyway.
#19
Nordschleife Master
I do not know if new production space savers are still available. Mark at 928 Int'l had this New Old Stock unit for sale. As I understand it he got this from a supplier that had it on a shelf. You've got nothing to loose in inflating and testing your spare. Mine collapsed back into position immediately.
The bigger question is 'will the tread stay intact once you start rolling on it and flexing it?'
A while back, someone used their spare. It inflated and held air, but once he started rolling down the road, the tread disintegrated.
I have mine in the back, along with a compressor that works. I wouldn't want to trust it, but it's a 'better than nothing in the middle of nowhere' sort of thing. And no, I don't subscribe to the 'impact absorber' thought.
Also, to get it back in the back, removing the valve stem and putting a ratchet strap around it will get the air out nicely.
#20
Rennlist Member
My original spare has been in the car or garage, i.e. stored dry and in the dark, for probably 99.9% of its life. It looks brand new. But rubber ages even when stored properly, so NOS is subject to the same issues as the original spare. Sure it's worth trying when stranded, but as @Wisconsin Joe says that doesn't mean it's going to work.
I have that spare, AAA, a repair kit, and some Slime. Two sets of belts and extra suspenders.
Just remembered I have to test that Porsche compressor!
I have that spare, AAA, a repair kit, and some Slime. Two sets of belts and extra suspenders.
Just remembered I have to test that Porsche compressor!
#21
Rennlist Member
Nice project.. Ive often wondered how to handle those tires, if they would come off and go back on in one piece. I've got a number of them to restore here and now i know what type of machine to look for. The original paint seems to be kind of a satin silver much like some of the original phone dial paint I've seen. Good score on the NOS tire...i'm a little jealous of that part!