Be aware that there are two versions of clamshells.

A bottom pan for standard steel wheels, the other is for (factory) 205
alloys.
Same for the steel spring bars above the spare tire. One set for
standard steel, the other for 205 alloys.

I guess the spring bars are a little higher for alloys,
for the pan I know the front latch for the M12 bolt is longer.

Pan: 251801901D steel vs 255801901A alloy
Bars: 251801913/4 A steel vs 255801913/4 alloy

Raimund

Am 24.06.2022 um 19:01 schrieb David McNeely:
> If you want to keep a stock 14" spare, then go with the factory
> recommendation.  Factory also says 195R14 is acceptable, and that's what my
> tires including spare are.  The spare fits in the carrier fine.  If you
> expect to run on the spare for any extended period, you would need to make
> sure that the tire diameter matches your regular running tires, however,
> and that might not work for a 14 that will fit the carrier, depending on
> what 16s you are running.  There might not even BE a 14 that would match
> diameter on your 16s. David McNeely
>
> On Fri, Jun 24, 2022 at 9:54 AM Rick N<vwfridge@gmail.com>  wrote:
>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Looking into replacing the spare tire that is located in the clam shell.
>> What tire and tire size would you recommend?
>> The stock tire sizes listen on the door jamb are 205/70R14 97R &
>> 185R14 C 6 PR
>> I am located in Vancouver, Canada.
>>
>> Currently running on 16 inch rims but would like to keep a stock 14 inch as
>> a spare.
>>
>> Rick
>>