I'm finally getting around to doing a few things to the series 1. I bought the car with a wheel- no tire, in the trunk. I bought another set of wheels/tires recently, and with many tires now, decided to put one in the trunk. Surprise, it wouldn't fit. My tires are 215/65/15. What size will fit into that small space ??. Thanks, Jim

 

How close is it? A complete no-go, or just really tight? My 215/70 spare barely fits, but I can cram it in.
I imagine the spare tire well was designed for 205's, and a 215 is just about the limit.

Best,
Andrew.

 

Are you saying it doesnt fit in the hole, or the cover that goes over it doesnt sit flat?

Go/No Go is governed by overall diameter which is a function of both width and profile. 205/70 gives you 143.5 mm tread height vs 215/65 139.8mm tread height, so if all the numbers are correct they should fit easier than correct tyres.

If your tyres are 215/65 15, they should fit in easily but the 215 width may not let the cover sit flat.

 

On all 3 of my Series IIIs a 215/70x15 would barely fit into the well. Bit of jiggling required. And, once in place, the width of the tire means that the black hardboard panel rests a bit proud of the surrounding floor.

Remember, though, that tire manufacturers play it fast-n-loose with specs. If you could compare and measure half a dozen 215/70x15 tires side-by-side you might be surprised at how different they are, dimensionally. For example, I remember the Michelin X-One tires I had (years ago) were fully a half inch wider than the Uniroyals they replaced....both 215/70x15. So, as far as the panel laying flat, the Michelins were a particularly poor fit in the well compared to the Uniroyals.


Cheers
DD

 

Yeah, my 215's x 15 fit in the well, but the cover stands proud. That is with the tires that came with it and the ones I bought. And, as old practice the best of the old went to spare. Good tread, just way over aged!!


As Doug says, the real time measurments are variable!!!


To make the lid fit better, I should make up some filler strips. Seems that about an inch would do it. Use my little table say ion "rip" mode !! yes, and I have the stock to do it with!!


The little plastic Dzus like screw is too short. I made a similar one from a bolt that is just a tad longer. So, it and the weight of my "boot junk" keep the spare lid in place. is it the source of a mysterious 'rattle"? Possibly so.


Although a lady at the market complimented me on my "neat" boot!!! and mentioned it to her hubby!!!!


Carl

 

Thanks everyone for your input. The Holiday week-end has pulled me away from the car again. As soon as I get back to it I'll post my results.
Jim

 

I have XJ40 wheels and they are wider (seven inch)... had to use a stock sized tire and wheel as a spare.

Considered cutting around the whole spare tire well and adding another inch of circular metal... but there is not enough room.

Can use a XJR spare tire - compact one... am considering that and can then use the extra room for "stuff"... hate the tool bag being outside.

 

that's what I did, I found a brand new XJ-R "donut" and fixed the problem forever. The XJ-R donut is a heavy duty spare, not a flimsy donut.

David Boger got me a Series 2 hold-down and with an added spacer, made it work, the original hold down is way too long to use with a donut.

 

Jose, I like the idea of the donut spare. Can you share what year you are using ? I thought the bolt circumference would be very different from the early models that we have. Thanks,
Jim

 

hi Jim,

I am not sure of the year, but I purchased it in 2011. I somehow recall it being from a 2009-2010 XJ-R which was being parted out in my local Craigslist. The bolt pattern fits fine in my 1984.

leaves plenty room for the jack bag and the panel fits flush.

 

Great idea, I'm going to follow suit and source an XJR spare. And clear out my boot.

 

by the way, that horrible orange color of the spare "donut" wheel is the XJ-R factory original color, I suppose the factory wanted it that way to remind you it's a temporary spare. The tire itself is a very heavy duty Pirelli tire.

as far as I know, all Jaguar wheels have the same bolt pattern but I don't have one of each model and year to confirm. If a plus/minus 2010 XJ-R wheel fits my 1984 XJ-6, it is a fair conclusion to say that all years prior to 2010 will fit.

also some salvage yards in the USA like Pull-a-part, and You-pull-and-save give these donut spares away free. Otherwise I paid $20.00 for mine, it had never been used.

 

Another way is to deflate the spare slightly and add a 12V tyre inflation compressor to your kit. These are tiny things and cheap as chips.

 

yes I tried that solution too, but in my car I use 235/60/15 tires on XJ-40 'Teardrop' wheels and it didn't help, the top panel would not fully close, even with the tire uninflated.

 

I tried the same thing and just installed a stock spare... will get a XJR compact spare somewhere and the "tool kit" that goes with it?


These seven inch wide XJ40 wheels do not fit with a tire mounted...

 

Another way s to track down a 205 x 70 x 15 and fit it to a "Kent" wheel
tat should fit.


Or an ordinary steel Chevrolet 14" wheel and tire and extra lug nuts to fit.


Yup, I have one of those little plastic 12v compressors. Works great!!!


The fancier "jump boxes" have an air compressor feature, I think. Not much luck ere wit a couple of them!!! Lousy batteries!!!


Carl

 

here's a place that sells spare tire donuts in Craigslist:

TIRES AND WHEELS ALL MODELS MAKES AND BRANDS

 

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to this topic - I was able to fit my 215/70 spare in the well. the cover is raised a little, but worth it to have a full sized spare. Thanks to everyone who responded !
Jim

 

Some caution is required here

The oldies use the standard 5-on-4.75 pattern (120.65mm) ...and Jaguar stuck with that until at least the end of X308 production. After that I *think* a switch was made to 120mm on the larger Jags. The .65mm isn't significant for a temporary situation.

The X-type, (modern) S-type, and some of the other 2000s models use the smaller 108mm pattern which wouldn't work....however perhaps (?) the mini spare wheel are multi-drilled in some cases?

Then there's the different center bore sizes.

Anyhow....always test fit first!

Cheers
DD

 

Also, although this would concern very few of us, if you have a limited slip differential you won't want a spare tire of a different diameter...or at least won't want to use it on the rear


Cheers
DD