The '78 280Z is coming along, and completely drivable now. However, the space-saver rim and tire are original, with the rim having rusted on the felt pad that it rests on. I'd like to put a full-size spare in there, but it looks like there's not enough room for one. What are my options for a spare tire for this car?

Thanks for the help.

Full size spares are over rated, especially if you have nice wheels on the car. You're gonna change the spare as soon as possible so the car doesn't look like it has a spare on it.

You could sand, prime and paint the space-saver, as well as the mounting bracket. A nice piece of rubber between the two (such as a cut-up tire tube) will keep it from rusting again.

We must bear in mind that the 280Z version was the first generation of space-saver spare - the collapsed inflatable one. These require a source of compressed air to inflate, and there is generally very little storage room for anything larger than the very small overall diameter of the collapsed spare.

Does anyone still make the collapsible mini-spares? I haven't seen one in years.

I know the Porsche Cayenne uses a collapsible spare. They're roughly $500 at the Porsche dealer for the 17" and a little more for the 18" according to my cousin who drives one.