2003 Spare Tire Replace w/ Full Size | Page 2 | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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2003 Spare Tire Replace w/ Full Size

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jimmie
  • Start date Start date
I purchased a used tire, size 205/55/17, at a local used tire shop. Why buy a new tire when it’s seldom used if ever. This is a normal tire, so if you do have a flat, you’re not limited in speed or distance.

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All this discussion got me to look at our 2005 Bird's spare. It had a manufacturer date of 2004! So, I ordered a General Tire Altimax RT in the 205/55-17 size. It fits great in the trunk space and I've had good luck with this type of tire from General for over two decades.
Checking rolling diameter of it against the 235/50-17 regular tires, I find the difference negligible. New spare = 25.9" vs 26.3' for the regular tires. 802 revs per mile for the new spare vs 791 revs per mile for the car's main tires.
If this spare gets used as much as the original, it will still be in the trunk 21 years from now!!!
Thanks Everyone,
Tom
 
T-BirdTom said:
All this discussion got me to look at our 2005 Bird's spare. It had a manufacturer date of 2004! So, I ordered a General Tire Altimax RT in the 205/55-17 size. It fits great in the trunk space and I've had good luck with this type of tire from General for over two decades.
Checking rolling diameter of it against the 235/50-17 regular tires, I find the difference negligible. New spare = 25.9" vs 26.3' for the regular tires. 802 revs per mile for the new spare vs 791 revs per mile for the car's main tires.
If this spare gets used as much as the original, it will still be in the trunk 21 years from now!!!
Thanks Everyone,
Tom
Click to expand...
Hi Tom, thanks for your response. I actually followed the Cooge’s response and bought a used ( looks new) 205-55-17 a couple days ago. Fits perfect on the spare rim. My original spare was dated 2005 and was never used so I certainly got my moneys worth out of that tire!
 
Hi Jim,
Our spare had apparently never touched pavement before I took it out of the trunk. At least the Maxxis (SP?) hadn't decided to explode while sitting in there for 26 years. I do like having a "regular" tire in the trunk. Then, if it ever does get used, I won't have any restrictions on highway driving speeds.

Last winter my grandson took Road America's "Winter Driving Course." They had one of their cars outfitted with "plastic" covered tires. Even on dry pavement it skidded like it was on hard pack snow or ice. With the wet/sloppy slush they had that day the school car was all over the place! It looked like lots of fun! Maybe I'll order a set of those for the BIRD!!!
Best wishes,
Tom
 
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