Spare Tire Kit Installation Help

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Mar 1, 2008 | 11:18 PM

howardde

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Joined: Mar 2005

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From: GA

Spare Tire Kit Installation Help

So I purchased the spare tire kit back in April from Sewell and I just finally got around to installing the thing (in March) b/c I was afraid of doing it. It took me about 2 hours. Anyway, the instructions aren't great, so I'm left wondering if I've done it right.

It looks perfect, just like the pictures I've seen, but I've never seen a picture of the tire covered looking from the front of the car towards the back. The reason why I am concerned is that the side that faces the front of the car bulges out towards the front of the car. I can't see how it would be flush as the wheel sticks out farther than the tire (unless I have the wheel facing the wrong way...but I couldn't figure out how to get the wheel to face the other way). So could someone who has installed this kit tell me whether the bulge on one side is normal. Its covered by the tire cover, but I just thought it odd.

Also, as an aside, I've never really cleaned my Ecru leather, just had the car washer do whatever they do, which I think is just condition it. It no longer looks Ecru...kinda looks dirty. Does anyone know if car detail places can "deep clean" leather to get it looking clean?

Thanks.

Mar 2, 2008 | 12:38 AM

howardde

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: GA

Nevermind...I just found an eBay listing that has the spare tire kit and it has a picture which shows the bulge...so I must have installed it correctly.

http://images.ecarlist.com/photos/1010_73743/640/87.jpg

Mar 2, 2008 | 10:55 AM

JohnnyCake

Racer

Joined: Feb 2007

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From: DC

Are you really us asking to compare bulges?

Apr 13, 2008 | 06:37 PM

hexamine

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Joined: Mar 2006

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From: nc

More information on the spare tire cit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by howardde

Where can I get a quote?

Apr 13, 2008 | 07:28 PM

Yes

Pole Position

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,090

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From: NM

i've been reading up on car detailing. there's a section of this forum dedicated to it. if you don't mind putting some time in, i'd recommend doing it yourself. they might use something with a solvent in it which could strip the clear coat off your leather. woolite seems to be the way to go. about 1 part detergent to 4 or 5 parts water if it's really dirty. use a sponge to wash it, wiping it dry with a soft cloth as you go. then use a conditioner like mcguires when you're done. will take a few hours but you'd probably get better results. i doubt most detailing shops would put the time in to do it right.

Apr 13, 2008 | 07:51 PM

robsvdp

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Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 219

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From: CA

Zaino

I like Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner. A little pricey, but not terrible. Run you about $30 shipped for a bottle of each (the cleaner is just called cleaner, the conditioner is called "leather in a bottle). Great stuff. www.zainostore.com

Apr 18, 2008 | 07:23 AM

nicklore

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 3

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From: MD

Why is the kit necessary? - Why not just buy a wheel/tire?

I would rather not spend $600 for the spare tire kit and instead just spend $200 for the tire and wheel. I remember someone wrote that if you don't get the whole kit the spare won't be stable. Is this a big deal? Can't it be tied down? Is this mostly a cosmetics issue or???