spare tires

[57 imposter]

I have never run a spare tire but always run with 2 cans of fix-a-flat, AAA card and a cell phone. I thought I would go ahead and run a spare in this car just to feel like a responsible adult. got a spare, had a, very nice, pleated cover made, put it in the car only to find out that the trunk won't close on a 15" tire. I have a 14" wheel and can get a 185-65-14 for next to nothing. Two concerns 1- it is way shorter than the 205-65-15's that are on the car and 2- if I loose a front tire I will have to move a rear to the front to clear the disc brakes. I am half tempted to make a cover for the tire well to turn it into a tool kit and carpet the whole trunk floor. What's everybody else doing??

[Limey57]

Those cans of tire-fix glue are only any use if you get back to the car and find a flat tire, they aren't much use if you get a flat on the freeway and shred the tire.  I'm going to find a modern space-saver spare wheel/tire and use that.  The reduction in overall diameter will give strange handling, but just using it to get you to a tire shop at 30 mph will be better than waiting for help from the AAA.

[RICH MUISE]

I think I'm just gonna run with a donut. I had picked up two at the salvage yards...unused, still had the nibs on them...from Lincoln Towncars. $5 each. They will clear the disc brakes, although I never tried one on the back, I had them on the front after I converted to the discs. My new rears won't fit on the front, Doug, will yours? Eventually I may buy another matching wheel, the front size,but it's way down on my priority list.
I'll measure the ones I've got, but I don't think they're that much smaller in diameter. I think the towncars I got them from ran 16" tires.

[lalessi1]

I found a 14" Ford wheel that fits the disc brakes I have (well, that i had actually) and I have a 7.50 x 14 Firestone tire for old school looks.

[Frankenstein57]

I carry one from a Lincoln, its on an aluminum wheel and stands taller than most donut spares. Not sure what model it came from, Mark

[suede57ford]

The late model Ford Aluminum Wheels are great choices.  They are thin and very light, so they don't take up too much space and the weight savings dramatic.   

I personally use the spares out of the late model cobra mustang because I have large Baer Brakes and they clear any brake combo.  I drive my car a lot and have needed to use the spare a few times.  It's so light, I don't worry about having it back there, even at the races.