I have 2- 16" spare tire rims that I'm thinking about using for "skinnies" up front.
Jegs sells a 4.5X16 Tire that I can put on them.
Has anybody used these rims for skinnies? Are they strong enough?

 

I have two spares in my garage and was planning on doing the same thing. I was a little discouraged when I found out how much "skinnies" cost. From what I remember, I think they were almost as much as the slicks. To answer your question, I don't see why it won't work.

 

they say keep below 50mph on them. thats the only issue i see.

 

that would concern me too

 

these guys are talking about replacing them with bias ply skinny front tires that are properly speed rated.

To run the stock spare tires well past 100mph you would have to be an idiot.

-Mark

 

I dont see why it wouldnt work......although ive never tried

 

The rim is fine, but the stock spare tire is a no no. Another option would motorcycle tires. Something beefy that can hold the weight.

 

Ari Yallon used to run spares up front back in the day. Id say that qualifies them as ok to use.

Edit: I of course mean he used the spare wheels not the tires. IIRC he used motorcycle tires up front back then. I could be wrong though. I wouldnt personally recommend bike tires as they are made to handle high speed but not the heavy weight of a car.

 

Ari used the stock spare monkey tires back in the early days, saw his guys using a sanding disc to remove the speed ratings from the OE monkey tires. Would not have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes.

For a single pass it should not overheat the tires but not sure if the risk was worth the cost saving. The one time I raced him head to head I was not aware they were doing this, otherwise, I might have been concerned about them losing a tire on the far end of the track.

 

Nobody sell 16" skinnies. Guess I will have to go with a motorcycle tire.