my jack - Page 3 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

jsenka · 03-27-2009, 09:58 AM

I'm guessing that the compact tires being referred to are the compact "donut" spares (skinny, slightly smaller diameter) that are the norm for many late model vehicles.

I don't know if those old collapsible accordion type spares from the 70's even exist anymore. They weren't used very widely and certainly not for long. I think it was a GM thing, maybe not. Those things were good for a very short range and once inflated, they could no longer be stowed, so they had to be replaced anyway.

It would be nice if someone could develop a wheel for the Smart that could accept one of the current "donut" spares.

Old smart · 03-27-2009, 10:19 AM

Once upon a time "Three Point Motors Victoria," Victoria, BC had an emergency compact wheel and tire. Then it would have had the offset of a smart 450 front (+29mm). The 451 smart is F +23.5mm, R +22.0mm; probably close enough to fit. Three Point Motors

a2jack · 03-27-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old smart

Once upon a time "Three Point Motors Victoria," Victoria, BC had an emergency compact wheel and tire. Then it would have had the offset of a smart 450 front (+29mm). The 451 smart is F +23.5mm, R +22.0mm; probably close enough to fit. Three Point Motors

I had heard Three Point had some in stock (Via CSC),so I called them.

They played it close to the vest and wouldn't give me their source info. Although they were willing to sell me one.

Shipping charges and VAT killed it for me. I ended up going to Tire Rack and got a front tire and wheel.

(Since ended up swapping that new tire for one of the cupped fronts on our car, so I was glad we bought it.)

A2Jack