nj_cutlass72

I think the title says it all, a guy is selling a set of 442 rims from his 84 model, will it fit the bolt pattern on my 72 cutlass?

Also I'm looking at big blocks and if I do get one does it mean I have also find matching tranny? I was wondering if the tranny for my 350 would fit and it wouldn't be necessary to swap.

Thanks

starfire

The Chrome SSIII's from my '87 442 fit just fine on my '68 Cutlass S (and look sweet on there as well!).

joe_padavano

All RWD Cutlass/442 models from 1964-1988 use the same 5 x 4.75" bolt circle.

nj_cutlass72

thanks for the info guys.

I found a site called originalwheels.com, I may get my spare from there.

nj_cutlass72

starfire, are these decent size = P235/60R15 ?

starfire

nj,

The tires on my '68 with the 15" Chrome SSIII's are P215/65R15. They fit without rubbing and look nice. They just happen to be the tires that were on the wheels when they were on my 442, I don't know if I could go bigger.

The tires currently on my 87 442 are P235/60R15. They look really good on the car, but rub if the wheels are turned to the stop. I just make sure to never turn the wheels to the stop. I have not tried them on my '68, but I'm guessing they might be a tad too big.

BlackGold

Make sure you know exactly what you're buying. There's no such thing as an '84 442, which calls into question if the guy knows what he has.

There was an '84 Hurst/Olds, and its 15x7 chrome wheels were identical to the '85-87 442 wheels (with the exception of a different stripe color, I believe). However, there was also a 14" chrome wheel available on the '80s G-bodies (not sure if it was x6 or x7). If that's what he's selling, it might not be what you want.

Bill in NC

SSIII's ftw!

nj_cutlass72

I actually had to look up what "ftw" meant, "for the win" I presume

svnt442

I like em.

1970_442006.jpg

nj_cutlass72

I just drooled... wow, great color and rims do look sick....

below is my work in progress, I am sickly looking for big block and in the meantime the rims gotta go...

svnt442

The car was originally "bamboo" (code 50), but when I got it back in 95 it was already in primer. That is a Maaco cheapo spray job just to get some color on it. The tan roof goes amazingly well with those wheels on the car.

nj_cutlass72

maybe i'll throw some black stripes on mine, what's your tire specs?

svnt442

235/60/15 up front and 255/60/15 out back.

starfire

Here's my '68 with my Chrome SSIII's:

starfire

Very good point!

Bill in NC

Yes sir

nj_cutlass72

so how do you tell if a rim is SSIII's? here is a pic of what im about to buy - can anyone tell by looking or is there a marking I can check, sorry not the best pic. He did mention that they are chrome wheels!

joe_padavano

If it looks like the wheel in the picture you posted.

scott_442

Just installed a set of the mid 80's 442 rims today on my 72. Running 215/65/15 front and 255/60/15 rear. I've heard some say that a 255 is too wide for a 7 inch rim but I don't notice any bulging. Unfortunately, my set didn't come with centers. Anybody got a nice set they're willing to part with? Thanks!

nj_cutlass72

well, I went and saw the rims... first of all the guy painted over the gold center with a gray color and the center caps had 442 on them which would be weird since my car is a cutlass.. regardless, he wanted $300 - way too much for me right now... I may save up and buy them new.

nj_cutlass72

hey fellaz,

I've been looking hard and it's tough finding used 15s of SSIIIs. A new set is gonna run me $800 and I dont have that kind of budget,

But Ive been lucky to find 14's, my question is if I would regret settling for 14's when I could keep looking to find 15s. Do you guys notice a big difference?

Would I be able to compensate by throwing on bigger tires on the back and have a beefier look in that aspect?

thanks

1969w3155

The problem with 14's is finding decently sized tires in the width and diameter that you want. The choices are becoming more and more limited.

nj_cutlass72

my manual is not delivered yet and it's on it's way and appreciate the feedback. I did find a used set from a 87 442 after web surfing for hours, they are 15x7s, is the width of 7 ok or a concern, not sure if my cutlass was 14x6 as stock.

thanks

1969w3155

15x7 are fine, I have 245-60x15 on mine, and there is no problem. I believe others here have wider tires.

onetogofast

I have 245/60/14's on mine and my father-in-law is rocking 245/60/15's in front and used to have 255/70's all around but they looked too tall, personal preference. 245's are a good look!!!

svnt442

I have 235/60/15 on the front and 255/60/15 on the rear on 87 442 rims and it looks good and fits well.

nj_cutlass72

and I ended with these, they're off a 87 model, pretty happy since I didnt pay that much.. now I have to save up for some tire money.. btw, they are 15x7s and locally found a 14x6 for $20 to use as spare ..

svnt442- what type of BF Good rich's are they? there are so many, i dont want to end up with winter tires... thanks

The red centers are making me wanna change the color scheme of my car... white exterior with red stripes on hood/trunk lid to match the rims and the interior / convertible top black... havent seen one of those yet.

svnt442

Radial T/A's

nj_cutlass72

finally got em on! same size, 235s on the front and 255s in the rear.

svnt442

Looks good man!

sammy

Hey-these are 14"s - just blasted and painted-came up okay- going on my 70 cutlass.Always keeping an eye open for 14"s tires-NJ, those look awesome on your car