Lotus Europa Forums > Garage

Tire size for spare?

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cal44:
I just bought (4) some new 175/13"'s (Michelin) for the Europa.  But the new rubber is wider forty years later.  The 175 will not fit into the trunk for the spare.....test fit.  So,  what size does fit?.  No, I have not bought the spare tire yet.

Subject car:
'73 TC
Thanks in advance.
Mike

benbeames:
I had a 175/70 (I think) R13 on my spare in the front compartment for a while before I stopped carrying it.   The tire was only about 5 years old and it fit fine.  Anything smaller (or less inflated  :)) ) should also fit. 

Unless my S2's front compartment is bigger then a TC?

What part of the tire isn't clearing?

cal44:
  I tried fitting in the newly install tire and rim.  Perhaps I should try again tomorrow.  I also will try the 165/13 Vredestein from the Elan and see how well it fits.  It is funny trying hold up the hood with one hand and wrestle in the stinkin' tire.  the prop rod is no use as it doesn't hold the hood far enough forward.

Perhaps this warrants  making a longer prop rod.

Mike

EuropaTC:
The one which came with my car was a 155x80 on a standard Lotus steel rim. The wheels on the car are the 185/70 & 175/70 options, and although I've never used it I think it's roughly the same diameter.  That fits in the front with no problem. I just flip the lid over centre so it holds itself open and there's plenty of room.

I'm currently thinking about moving to 15" wheels (for the modern rubber selection rather than looks) and that might mean a new spare. I'm told folks buy the space saver spares for the MGF which has the same PCD (95mm = 3.75") and although being a 15" wheel, supposedly fits in the front.  But before rushing out to buy one I shall stand the 155x80x13" wheel alongside the 15" wheels and see just how far out it is - I suspect it's close enough to be ok to limp home on.

Although the space saver idea sounds good, you still have the problem of where to put the punctured wheel afterwards. With that in mind I always carry a pack of 2 of those aerosol "instant fix" things, which are becoming the non-optional spare on many cars these days.  My plan has always been to use the aerosols first, if they don't work then it's dirty hands time.....

3929R:
My spare wheel is not steel but alloy (aluminum) to match the other 4.  Taking the old 175/70/13 wheel and tire out required some finagling.  I haven't tried to put another back in.  I can't decide between a spare or a can of "fix a flat."  I would never carry the flat can in my other vehicles but the Europa will be pavement only so do I really need a full spare?

As for the front lid/ hood/ bonnet, what is the problem with carefully tilting it all the way forward to rest on the stops instead of using the prop?  Seeing the prop I first thought resting it against the stops might stress or break something but in practice I don't see that happening. ????

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