<VV> Spare in Engine Bay

[P.H. Raker]

Mike wrote:I've learned a whole bunch on vv. thanks. Now my question. I've had unvoiced concerns. About the spare in the heat of the engine bay. I mean doesn't that severe heat degrade the rubber over time? I drive a 63 Monza and the spare as you know is right there next to the turbo. Would I be enough better off to move the spare up front or is it really ok to leave it where the factory put it? Thanks for your thoughts

Mike in Michigan
      No, Mike it's not an issue.  Remember that our 'Vairs have air-cooled engines, and the cooling air flows downward, away from the spare.  The air on top is mostly ambient temperature or slightly elevated from that.  The real heat is on the bottom side of the engine.  The only time that changes is immediately after shut-down.  Then convection carries some hot air into the top of the engine compartment, but it's pretty brief.  That hot air exits the same way the cooling air normally enters: hood louvers on an early, grate below the backlight on a late.  If that concerns you, when you park the car open the engine lid for 5-10 minutes and the heat will be gone.     I've carried the same spare tire in my '65 Corsa for 10 years with no problem.  Since it's getting old, I wouldn't rely on it for any high speed stuff, but as a spare, I'm confident that it'll get me home. Phil Raker'65 Corsa Cpe - 140/4'63 Greenbrier - 95/4