I have been told that these came in some thirdgen cars equipped with 16x8 wheels. Aside from weight savings and looking way cool, why was this an option? Was it special order? Any info would be appreciated.

JamesC

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Its a factory option, was used on Iroc's, GTA's, T/A's, etc...
Later years they were steel rather than aluminum but they used the same RPO.

 

Any idea of numbers or rarity?

JamesC

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Not rare by any means. They run apprx. $30 used.

 

a little background info. When you consider that LB9 Iroc's, T/A's, etc and L98 cars got the N64 wheel, you're dealing with several thousand a year. Take a look at the production numbers and you'll see what I mean. Too be honest I don't think there is that much weight savings either. I've also heard rumors that the Corvettes used a similar or the same spare.

 

Drew,

I asked about rarity because I hunt parts very frequently, and in the many, many cars I've seached, I've only found a handful of N64 alum. By the way, my 85 IROC has a steel space-saver spare and the RPO is N65.

JamesC

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My 85 has the steel space saver too.

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The IROC Homepage
<A HREF="http://www.rit.edu/~jli4307/camaro" TARGET=_blank>
View the restoration of an 85 IROC</A>
Custom Thirdgen Subwoofer Enclosures
"I didn't know a bored out Ford could go so slow" -Shenandoah

 

I remember a 85 T/A that a friend of mine had, came with the aluminum spare. I couldn't tell you really why some cars had it and some didn't, but the best I can come up with is that it was higher end TPI cars only. My formula and Iroc both have the N64 RPO, but the formula's spare is steel. Judging from the overall condition of the car I'd say its the original spare from that car.

 

I vaguely remember reading that J65 (rear disc brakes) equipped cars got the aluminum spare while the drum brake cars got the steel spare. I can't remember when or where I read this though. Has anybody else ever heard that or was it just a dream I had? 8^)

BTW, My 85 rear drum IROC has the steel spare also.

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85 IROC-Z
2,3XX original miles

 

My 85 IROC has J65 but has the steel spare--that is 'had' since I've replaced it with the alum (might as well save a few pounds).

JamesC

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[This message has been edited by JamesC (edited September 05, 2001).]