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1970 Space saver - pics added

Started by xx88man, March 15, 2025, 03:22:00 PM

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1970Cuda and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

xx88man

Can anyone tell me how much a 1970 space saver tire and rim are worth. Good condition but 55 years old so small amount of rust here and there. Probably never been run. I would post pictures if I could figure out how.
Keep yer foot in it

JH27N0B

Without knowing all the details to confirm it's actually an E body one, and what datecode it is etc. I'd estimate $1250-1500.
There are actually 2 different letterings found on original E body space saver tires.  There's an early style probably used for just the first 3 or 4 months, then there's the more common style examples.  The early ones would be worth more to someone doing a concours restoration on an early build.
The early ones say "7.75x14".  The later ones say "F78X14 replaces 7.75x14".  I believe the early ones might lack the V1 in the lettering too.

xx88man

Quote from: JH27N0B on March 15, 2025, 03:53:39 PMWithout knowing all the details to confirm it's actually an E body one, and what datecode it is etc. I'd estimate $1250-1500.
There are actually 2 different letterings found on original E body space saver tires.  There's an early style probably used for just the first 3 or 4 months, then there's the more common style examples.  The early ones would be worth more to someone doing a concours restoration on an early build.
The early ones say "7.75x14".  The later ones say "F78X14 replaces 7.75x14".  I believe the early ones might lack the V1 in the lettering too.

It's F78-14. It is a real 1970 E body one. Also has the V1
Keep yer foot in it


cuda hunter

I paid 2500 for one without any rust. 
"All riches begin as a state of mind and you have complete control of your mind"  -- B. Lee

JH27N0B

Holy cow, look what this eBay'er was asking for a mint one with the early lettering.  :bigmoney: The space saver in my convertibles trunk is early style.  Sadly it was obviously used at one point, as it's not fully compacted and the tread is wore down. Has anyone ever documented how long the early style lettering was used?  My convertibles SBD is late November '69.  Whose to say if it's got its original space saver or if the previous owner bought that one at a swap meet during its restoration though.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/116440030911

xx88man

In my opinion it wouldn't be too difficult to sand this a little and repaint it. Not sure if that's the best idea for an original though
Keep yer foot in it

mtull

Quote from: JH27N0B on March 16, 2025, 08:25:22 AMHas anyone ever documented how long the early style lettering was used
I researched this a few years ago and found the early style lettering was available July, August and part way through September of 1969.  I don't believe a firm cut-over date was ever determined though? 


xx88man

I was finally able to put the photos on
Keep yer foot in it

mtull

Quote from: xx88man on March 16, 2025, 12:03:21 PMI was finally able to put the photos on
I'm glad you figured it out.  We've all been there.
What's the tire size(F78 or 7.75)?

JH27N0B

#9
Quote from: mtull on March 16, 2025, 12:37:47 PM
Quote from: xx88man on March 16, 2025, 12:03:21 PMI was finally able to put the photos on
I'm glad you figured it out.  We've all been there.
What's the tire size(F78 or 7.75)?
The OP indicated in his second post that it says F78x14.  So it's not the uber rare first few months version.  If I'm deciphering the date code correctly it is a fairly early date code though which makes it more desirable.  Without me digging around to find references, is it 10-23 of '69?
Having worked in engineering for manufacturers most of my career, I wince a little every time I see people trying to put hard and fast rules on date coding on parts vs when a car was built.  Parts might have arrived at the plant shortly before assembly, or a stash of parts might have got misdirected and sat around for a few months before getting put where they belonged and delivered to the assembly line.  Engineering or quality control might take a quantity if parts to inspect or test, then returned some to inventory months later.
And vehicles roll off the line with defects or even missing something, sent to the repair lot, and fixed weeks later with parts dated weeks after the build date of the car.
I work for a truck builder.  Last year around this time, a mirror manufacturer who was effectively the sole source's plant in Mexico burnt to the ground.  Rather than shut down manufacturing for months until mirrors could be sourced again, trucks kept rolling off the line and then parked in rework for months.  So years from now if anyone is doing a concours restoration of a class 8 truck built spring or early summer of 24, mid to late summer of 24 is the correct date code for the mirrors because there were no mirrors being made in spring!  :rofl:

https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/production-of-heavy-trucks-in-mexico-in-may-worst-volume-in-30-months-1344352.htm

What a mess that was....

xx88man

Keep yer foot in it