Reply to "15" collapsible spare tire"

Ford began using thin high-pressure (60 psi!) spare tires in the late '80s on cars like the 4 cylinder Thunderbird. These things looked like motorcycle tires (size T-135x18) and on the 'bird, they used a forged aluminum solid disc wheel about 4 wide x 18" OD. The wheel used a 4-bolt pattern; out of curiosity I welded one of these wheels up and re-drilled it to fit the Pantera's five-bolt pattern. NO problem with clearance for big brakes with this spare. They will not fit in front trunk and barely in the rear. Never used it- 10 yrs later, sold it to an owner back east. In 2015, one authority said ALL spares seem to have been discontinued since tire reliability went up to about 99+% and everyone carried a cell phone. Way-cheaper for mfgrs, too.