1933 standard spare tire cover

[FrankWest]

Were these spare tire covers originally fabric, with ford script on top?
I notice many replica parts dealers sell similar stretch covers.

[CC33]

I believe only the Model A's had the soft covers. The '33 had a 2 piece metal cover. Here's mine.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by CC33

I believe only the Model A's had the soft covers. The '33 had a 2 piece metal cover. Here's mine.

Very nice! Nice trunk too...

[DavidG]

Frank,

The '33 model year was the last one that Ford offered a cloth spare tire cover. It is the same design as that shown below for a '32 model. As you will note from the photo, there is a stainless steel band separating the face area and circumferential portion covering the tire tread as well as one defining the opening in the center. No reproduction with this sophistication has been made and finding an original is about as difficult as any Ford part of this era. It is, for example, far more difficult to find than the super-rare '33 glove box door clock. The Ford script and blue oval are embossed into the artificial leather fabric which itself has a very unique pattern on it surface that looks something like staggered diamonds

I'm not at my records that would indicate when, if ever, it was standard equipment on standard models, but it was available as a Ford-released optional accessory.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Frank,

The '33 model year was the last one that Ford offered a cloth spare tire cover. It is the same design as that shown below for a '32 model. As you will note from the photo, there is a stainless steel band separating the face area and circumferential portion covering the tire tread as well as one defining the opening in the center. No reproduction with this sophistication has been made and finding an original is about as difficult as any Ford part of this era. It is, for example, far more difficult to find than the super-rare '33 glove box door clock. The Ford script and blue oval are embossed into the artificial leather fabric which itself has a very unique pattern on it surface that looks something like staggered diamonds

I'm not at my records that would indicate when, if ever, it was standard equipment on standard models, but it was available as a Ford-released optional accessory.

This may be a question that is difficult to answer but did many people drive around in the day without any cover on the spare tire at all, Kind of like a suv or jeep or did just about everyone have a cover over the spare?

[V12Bill]

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I would think that in a rain/snow storm,extra hot/cold day/night, that many metal covers were left in disgust at the flat tire site.

[DavidG]

Franki,

As the survival rate of metal covers such as those used in '35 and '36 are fairly high, not all of them were left at the side of the road. A lot of them likely remained unused in garages or attics or basements as they were a pain to remove and reinstall, with the likely exception of the '36 cover where only one set of hands is required to reinstall one, not two sets of hands like the others. The irony is that the fabric covers were relatively easy to remove and reinstall, but their material composition was no match for extended outside exposure.

In any event in answer to your question likely a couple of years after the cars were new the majority of their spare tires were no longer sporting their tire covers.

[Lawrie]

an old ford guy told me when I got the 33 that I was very lucky to have the spare tyre cover,as the outside part made for great hotrod mudgaurds,and the inner flat piece made a great chicken feed holder.
Lawrie

[FrankWest]

Good to know. I don't have to feel like I am driving around with my pants off if I don't have a spare tire cover.

[mercman from oz]

This is picture of the Spare Tyre Cover submitted by CC33 showing both Chrome Trim Rings.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

Good to know. I don't have to feel like I am driving around with my pants off if I don't have a spare tire cover.

Frank,

For what it is worth I run a later tread cover without a face plate on my '32. It is better to be half dressed than totally nude, sort off like pants and no shirt.

Charlie Stephens

[mercman from oz]

I cannot recall seeing many if any 1933 or 1934 Fords with these Spare Wheel Covers in Australia. I spotted this 1933 Ford Spare Cover for sale at a recent Swap Meet, but it had just been brought in from America.

[mercman from oz]

[IMG][/IMG]
Spare Tyre Covers were not standard issue on 1935 Fords in Australia, as you can see by these pictures from the Australian Ford Brochure for 1935. It may be hard to see, but in the original, you can see the Tyre Tread. It is easier to see on the light coloured Roadster, as if it had a Tyre Cover, it would be body colour, and not black. So, if these Spare Tyre Covers were optional on the 1935 Fords, they would also have been optional on the 32, 33 and 34 Fords. That is why they are so rare in Australian these days.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Frank,

For what it is worth I run a later tread cover without a face plate on my '32. It is better to be half dressed than totally nude, sort off like pants and no shirt.

Charlie Stephens

Good idea... Does the thread cover stay on by a clamp at the bottom that tightens it by friction around the thread?

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

Good idea... Does the thread cover stay on by a clamp at the bottom that tightens it by friction around the thread?

The shape of the cover is such that you need to stretch them to get them on. They spring back and stay on.

Charlie Stephens

[tiger.1000]

Even more difficult to find here in the UK but with access to an English Wheel it is possible, although time consuming. The wrap around the tyre tread was made from eight pieces of 18g steel and the side wall of four.
The "stainless trims" made of convex section brass then chromium plated.

An over-centre catch secured the former to the wheel.

[mercman from oz]

I've enlarged it so everyone can see the excellent workmanship. You are an absolute Craftsman to make this part from scratch. Good work.

[koates]

Hi there, A telegram dated seventh December 1933 sent to all US assembly plants stated that "A spare tire, lock and cover must be assembled and shipped with all passenger cars without exception. Tire lock bands to be enamelled the same color as tire cover." This is the two piece metal tire cover. Prior to that date it would appear that all tire covers were an extra cost option. Three types being available. Two fabric covers, one being a stretch type material for factory fitting on standard cars. The others being listed as accessories. A fabric cover with metal edged seems and a ford script at the top. And the two piece all metal cover. I remember seeing quite a few original 33 & 34 fords in the 1960s in Australia with their metal spare wheel covers still fitted on. My 34 coupe and 34 sedan both had their original metal covers. A reproduction vinyl Ford script 32-34 cover is available in tan or black from Macs and others for $36.00. So you wont have to feel so naked Frank. Regards, Kevin.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by koates

Hi there, A telegram dated seventh December 1933 sent to all US assembly plants stated that "A spare tire, lock and cover must be assembled and shipped with all passenger cars without exception. Tire lock bands to be enamelled the same color as tire cover." This is the two piece metal tire cover. Prior to that date it would appear that all tire covers were an extra cost option. Three types being available. Two fabric covers, one being a stretch type material for factory fitting on standard cars. The others being listed as accessories. A fabric cover with metal edged seems and a ford script at the top. And the two piece all metal cover. I remember seeing quite a few original 33 & 34 fords in the 1960s in Australia with their metal spare wheel covers still fitted on. My 34 coupe and 34 sedan both had their original metal covers. A reproduction vinyl Ford script 32-34 cover is available in tan or black from Macs and others for $36.00. So you wont have to feel so naked Frank. Regards, Kevin.

Thanks

[FrankWest]

Is this the 1933 spare cover?
This spare cover is on a 1933 model B but it looks more like a 1932 cover? But then again what do I know? The other covers shown on this link look more ornate?