[Mcronk]

When I purchased my 78 Formula a space save tire with inflator was given to me. It was not in the trunk as the previous owner had installed a nitrous bottle in it's place. However I do not think this is the original. It is a 14 inch rim and looks identical to the correct rim for a 78, has the correct blue inflator bottle and bracket. However the tire stencil does not match any that I found doing a search here. The tire itself is a Goodyear and has a tread pattern similar to the 1979 Goodyear space saver tires. The rim code is RG, tire size is metric P195-75D 14 and date code 398, which makes me think this is a 1988 tire. However there were only a few cars with 14" rims during that time and none that had a space saver rim that looked like the 78. The stencil on the tire is 9J28 389 KACUO. Anyone have a clue what this was originally for? Did someone replace the tire with a newer tire on an original rim?

Thanks.

Mark

[3tas4me]

Originally Posted by Mcronk

When I purchased my 78 Formula a space save tire with inflator was given to me. It was not in the trunk as the previous owner had installed a nitrous bottle in it's place. However I do not think this is the original. It is a 14 inch rim and looks identical to the correct rim for a 78, has the correct blue inflator bottle and bracket. However the tire stencil does not match any that I found doing a search here. The tire itself is a Goodyear and has a tread pattern similar to the 1979 Goodyear space saver tires. The rim code is RG, tire size is metric P195-75D 14 and date code 398, which makes me think this is a 1988 tire. However there were only a few cars with 14" rims during that time and none that had a space saver rim that looked like the 78. The stencil on the tire is 9J28 389 KACUO. Anyone have a clue what this was originally for? Did someone replace the tire with a newer tire on an original rim?

Thanks.

Mark

Do you have any pics you can post?

[Mcronk]

Here are a few pics. It is up in my garage attic sorry for the quality.

[Aus78Formula]

That's a later version, still one you wouldn't use. The offset is only half of what the originals used. And it was the 3rd gens that had the bottle bracket. So no, it's of little use to use and of little use to display, but still of use.

[Mcronk]

Thanks for your reply. I did more research it appears a 14 inch rim was used on V6 firebird up to 1989. I did see the same rim used to about 1984. Did they use the same inflator bottle from 78 till then? The bracket that holds the bottle appears to be the same as others I have seen.

Thanks again.

[Aus78Formula]

The 14" rim was used until it could no longer fit over rear disc options, namely the park brake assembly that was larger than the front. So yes, base models would be less likely to have the 15". Bottle is probably 'the same' although the text on the label was updated and often featured what tyres and rims it would suit, for different models. 2nd gens didn't use the loop bracket, it was held in place by the jack base, 3rd gens switched to the scissor jack now common in most cars.

Are you looking to have a correct one for a usable spare, or for display only at shows etc? Or just curious what it was from? I have the whole original spacer-saver and bottle for mine, but it's for kicks only, when car is on the road and going any distance it will have a fullsize spare and a different jack/tool kit. I would never consider using the original space-saver or the factory jack, both are designed for permanent damage to owner and vehicle.

[Mcronk]

Just trying to figure out what I have. The car is modified but retains a stock type look. I am moving after being in this house for 28 years. Many Pontiacs have come and gone and I need to start getting rid of things I won't use.

Thanks for your help.