I've now got a full size spare mounted under the bed of the SSR. It was definately more trouble than it was worth, but I'll list what I did in case anyone is as crazy as me.
Started out with a 02 Trailblazer Spare 16" Wheel w/ 245/70/16 Tire OE, six lug that matches the SSR Pattern. Discovered that the 16" wheel won't fit the front because of oversized disc calipers. Fixed that by purchasing a spacer to extend the wheel out from the axle. This almost works, but some minor grinding on the cooling fins on the brakes is required. Was now able to mount the tire on either front or rear and drove it both ways, no problems.
Next I re-mounted the battery box 90 degrees turned such that the battery is removed toward the center of the car instead of rear access. The ground cables won't reach, but they are just connected to the frame and body and it's simple to make an alternative connection point. This frees up some room under the bed. However, with the spare tire next to the battery, the spare has to be removed before you can access the battery.
With the battery turned, it is close, but the spare still doesn't fit. So I took the Homer Simpson approach. If the round peg won't fit in a square hole, use a bigger hammer. Since the SSR has a small air pump, I figured I could just flatten the tire, hold it flat with straps, and make it fit. So I mounted the tire, removed the valve stem and let it all the way down, strapped it flat, rotated it and did that again. Giant pain the the rear and I still couldn't get the tire the right shape. Was about to give up and thought I'd try my $10 air powered vacuum attachment from Harbor Freight. After destroying the boy's bicycle pump and a little duct tape, I got it connected to the tire and it does a great job. Shrinks the tire up like George going swimming. Connected it to the vacuum pump and scientifically kicked it in the right spots to force it to collapse to the pattern I wanted. Quickly put on the rubber cap, strapped it to shape(in case it reverse leaked), and believe it or not, it fits without hitting the exhaust pipes.
Now to actually mount it. Figured out pretty quickly that it was virtually impossible to lift the tire into place and equally impossible to dismount it. So I bought a cable spare tire winch off EBAY. This is the standard Chevy truck spare tire mount with the crank rod connection accessible from the rear under the tail gate. Of course, it doesn't fit the SSR and I wasn't too anxious to drill a hole in the back bumper to access the lift. Managed to fit it at an angle with acess just behind the Right backup light. You have to remove the entire license plate assembly to get to it, but no new holes in the SSR.
Still concerned with the spare tire getting too hot, so back to EBAY and purchased asbestos wrap used to insulate headers under the hood. Wrapped the rear tail pipes and it does a good job of insulating the pipes. The spare tire doesn't touch the pipes, so I don't think there will be any problems.
Followed the earlier advice on this forum and got the battery powered scissor jack from Walmart. This is mounted inside the wheel before it is hoisted into position. Used half a roll of saran wrap to try and keep it dry...hope it works. Still need tools to change the tire, screw driver to remove license plate and 3/4 socket wrench with long handle to remove and tighten lug nuts. This was the only thing that went well....the tools fit nicely into the little compartment under the tonneau cover. This must be what Chevrolet had in mind when they put it there.
So, here's what happens if I have a flat. My guess is that I will be in a suit and tie and be late.
- Open rear cover, take out screw driver and lug wrench.
- Remove rear license plate and plastic frame, pull out the light bulbs to avoid breaking them.
- Use lug wrench to unwind the winch until spare tire lowers enough to remove cable connection.
- Remove velcro straps used to hold the tire in odd shape.
- Remove valve cap and let tire start to return to a round shape.
- Replace valve stem and connect the tire to the SSR air pump and let it start inflating. It takes a while.
- Unwrap electric jack and begin lifting the flat tire.
- Remove lug nuts and flat tire.
- Unbolt wheel spacer from spare tire and install it onto the wheel hub.
- Install the inflated spare tire onto the spacer.
- Throw the flat tire into the bed along with all the assorted tools and straps.
- Wind winch back up and replace the rear license frame and plate.
- Put up with the Wump Wump Wump until the spare warms up and comes back into round.
There it is. Not fast, not easy, not elegant, but in an extreme emergency, it will work. I'll probably buy new tires next week just to minimize the chance of having a flat. Who knows, maybe the super duper Chevy flat tire sealer will work and I won't have to bring out the spare.
Here are a few pictures. The tire was flattened by mounting and lowering. Vacuum worked better, but no pictures. This will give you an idea of what the tire looks like. There is also a picture of the rotated battery, the cable hoist, and the wraps on the tail pipe.
Call a tow truck????
Yes...if you are within cell coverage, you can call a tow truck and it will eventually show up. If you're out on the road, they will tow you to the nearest Chevy dealer where you will find that they don't stock SSR tires, but can get one at double the going rate in 3 days. Maybe Gomer can repair it down at Wally's. Maybe you won't find a tire shop that can mount an extra wide tire(the biggest Austin Chevy dealer doesn't have the equipment). And...you can always rent a car, leaving the SSR behind to pick up on the return trip. Hopefully none of this will happen during a holiday period when everything is closed.
I know I'm paranoid and over-analyzing the possibilities, but I make a living as an engineer because of it, and I'm too old to change. Besides, it's a well known scientific fact that just having a spare tire reduces your chance of having a flat tire by 20X.
I get flat tires all the time riding bicycle and always carry stuff to fix them on the road. However, the last time I had a flat on the daily driver was over 20 years ago. I really am not that concerned about not having a spare for my SSR.
My SSR: Pearl over UV tu-tone - "PurLple" w/ custom billet rallye wheels/baby moons & wide whitewalls, 4:56s
thanks for the info
always good to get new ideas. It never occured to me to deflate the tire. But I guess this is O.K. seeing as we carry a compressor. And I sure would love to get the spare out of the back box.
__________________ SANDY
lots of photographs in My Gallery
My SSR: '04 Purple (Penelope)#3438 1st '04 Production UV and '06 blue over silver auto, #22851 #5 0f 32
Jim.....You have made the fatal mistake.......saying you have not had a flat tire in 20 years. The flat tire gods will rise up and infect you with same. Snared by the words of your mouth.
I've now got a full size spare mounted under the bed of the SSR. It was definately more trouble than it was worth, but I'll list what I did in case anyone is as crazy as me.
Texster68
GEEZE LOUISE...What an understatement! I have the spare in the bed...it will remain there after reading this!!!
One issue that may arise with pulling a vacuum on the tire is the potential to unseat the tire from the wheel. I'm not saying this will or will not happen, just pointing out a risk. If this does occur and you want to use the spare, you won't have enough airflow capacity to get it re-seated. You could end up with 2 flats instead of one.
One issue that may arise with pulling a vacuum on the tire is the potential to unseat the tire from the wheel. I'm not saying this will or will not happen, just pointing out a risk. If this does occur and you want to use the spare, you won't have enough airflow capacity to get it re-seated. You could end up with 2 flats instead of one.
Yeah. That was a concern and the reason I didn't try the vacuum pump from the beginning. I inflated and pulled a vacuum on the tire several times, trying to break the bead, even using force to try to unseat the tire. Couldn't do it. With the tire under vacuum, it actually forces the sides outward holding the seal. It may happen, but I'm pretty confident there won't be an issue. Even thought about going to a bead lock tire, but I don't think it's required.
Has anyone considered making a welled front fender like the ones on 20's & 30's automobiles to carry a spare. i would be interested in something like that.
jeaux
had a flat at home-called the 800 GM number-40 minutes later a tow truck arrives-dismounts the wheel and tire-leaves-returns in 1 hour with my repaired tire minus the screw i had picked up somewhere. Total cost? nada
(my first flat tire on a vehicle since the mid70s)
Im guessing that anywhere east of the Mississippi River pretty much the same thing can take place on the road in response to a cell phone call.
Why on earth would someone go thru all that effort and trouble "just in case"?
Im not an engineer and maybe i dont think in those terms but "odds are odds" and the odds today im guessing of a flat occurring where all that time,money,effort and frustration of mounting a full size spare tire are worth it just isnt necessary. -only i owners opinion-
I live north of Ft. Worth Texas and was wondering if anyone in the area knows where I could get a spare tire mounted under the car as noted. Age has creeped up on me and I can't do some of the things I loved to do. I would love to take a long trip with my wife in our 2006 but won't do it without a spare.
I live north of Ft. Worth Texas and was wondering if anyone in the area knows where I could get a spare tire mounted under the car as noted. Age has creeped up on me and I can't do some of the things I loved to do. I would love to take a long trip with my wife in our 2006 but won't do it without a spare.
My SSR: Slingshot Yellow VIN 20778 Born 05 May 2005 (05/05/05)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ron payne
I live north of Ft. Worth Texas and was wondering if anyone in the area knows where I could get a spare tire mounted under the car as noted. Age has creeped up on me and I can't do some of the things I loved to do. I would love to take a long trip with my wife in our 2006 but won't do it without a spare.
Thanks,
Ron Payne
Not quite the answer you're seeking, Ron, but . . .
After a great deal of research, I purchased a used front wheel and tire, covered it with a vinyl cover and just tossed it in the cargo bed. Granted it takes up space but, there is still plenty of room remaining for a road trip.
Remember, flats rarely occur in perfect conditions and gaining access to an "under bed mounted spare" can be a booger in less than perfect conditions. With my approach, a quick call to AAA and, hopefully, I'll be rolling in no time.
My SSR: 05 Redline Red Auto AFR Heads Kooks Headers Harland Sharp Rckrs 600 Lift Cam 2800 Cnvtr 410 gears
Full Size Spare
I moved the battery box outboard of the frame behind the right rear tire inside the fender, then used a Trailblazer spare tire winch that bolts right in and mounted a 17 inch aluminum wheel with a 28 inch tall tire, crank handle is accessible beside the right side exhaust tip.
I live north of Ft. Worth Texas and was wondering if anyone in the area knows where I could get a spare tire mounted under the car as noted. Age has creeped up on me and I can't do some of the things I loved to do. I would love to take a long trip with my wife in our 2006 but won't do it without a spare.
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- I'd have to leave the flat tire on the side of the road! 
SANDY
Understatement
hum
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