Morris Minor Owners Club

Having enjoyed nearly twelve months as a new Morris Minor owner, I thought it was time to fit the spare wheel in the carrier rather than in the boot itself. I've realised the spare won't fit in the aperture (1967 saloon) due to the tyre being too wide. Is this because it is a radial tyre? Also, it appears there is no protection on the petrol tank where the wheel should fit with the spade connector for the fuel gauge protruding out of it. Is something missing?
Thanks.

It depends on what size tyre has been fitted. Assuming standard rims, a 145 tyre will fit with ease. A 155 will fit with a bit of care. See separate threads as to which is the best - healthy debate Anything wider than 155 will have a problem. There is nothing over the tank as standard. The sender unit is in a slight dip. and the edge of the tyre touches the rest of the tank, with the wheel held well clear. I still fit a bit of thin carpet over the tank, but it isn't really necessary.

if i recall correctly, when i fitted slightly wider wheels the problem is with the depth of the opening to the under boot floor storage area as opposed to the actual depth under the floor once it is passed the bar. I did this a fair few years ago to a 2 door saloon, so my memory might be letting me forget things but i only recall removing the spot welds holding the bar in place, raised it about a cm on the leading edge (which was all i needed) and then welded the floor back in place. Yes the boot now had a slight slope on it but nothing you would notice

Please read this with the health warning that i might have forgotten something since i did the job along time ago

The spade connector should be angled over and not sticking above the top surface of the tank - but not fully over or else the terminal will ground out.

I used a modern "emergency spare" tire on our '61. Lots of room. 2 reasons for the modern tire, 1) How many flats does one get theses days? 2) Living in Canada, I couldn't source correct size tires locally so I ordered 4 from BM.

Many thanks to all replies to my query. I bow to your informed and superior knowledge!

Room for a 6 1/2 gall tank and a 155/14 spare with a set of gaskets on top in my Series MM. Had to fit the tow hitch on to a drop plate.
A 175/80/13 spare will not fit in my Traveller so I have to carry a 155/14 "space saver"