What should I look for to determine if the spare is original? I know it has been in the trunk since 1974. Black on both sides, plain steel 14x6 rim(has a F78 bias on it). I don't see any stamps or markings on the rim.
Thanks

Well, ya got the F78 bias ID, which was the forerunner to the polyglass, then radial...so coming close to orig. Guys would often change the 4 on the ground and leave the spare alone...you might be lucky. Some with the spacesaver spare really had it good, as it gave you more room in the trunk, but even these are getting really difficult to find.

capt

I'm almost positive ALL factory steel painted rims have an alpha code stamped on them somewhere close to the valve stem hole............. look on both sides, inside and by the stem..

Mine does as well as it's painted the same color as the other four!

pdq67