Thanks for the replies and sorry for my late reply.
I was able to find a new tire for my spare
Nankang - HEAVY DUTY 185/14 INCH 8 PLY RADIAL at an acceptable price.

Thanks again.

Rick

On Fri, Jun 24, 2022 at 11:26 AM Raimund Feussner <ray@v6bus.de> wrote:

> 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
> >>
>