Spare tire storage well

[Patrick Duval]

My wife purchased a new '76 Avanti II in June 1976. It came equipped with five Mag 500 wheels with 195 75R 15 Michelin W/W 's. It may only be a problem that others have faced with the Avanti II's is getting the spare tire to fit in the well. The 195R's barely fit but going to 205R's it is next to impossible to get them in. My question is has anyone substituted a compact spare tire similar to what are currently used on vehicles today?

Patrick 

[studegary]

Yes, this has been commonly done.  I believe that most use the inflated tire and wheel, not inflatable, from a Chrysler product that has the same bolt pattern.

[mfg]

It's a good idea to go with a 'mini' spare....Not only is there plenty of room for it in the well, the 'mini' allows storage of several other items 'down below', out of sight!

[Gunslinger]

On the '70 I owned I purchased off eBay an unused, still in the wrapper space saver spare from a Jeep that worked...fit the tire well with room to spare for storing other items.  It cost me a princely $30 including shipping.

[Avanti83]

As Ed and Gunslinger said, here's how I fitted a newer mini spare.