What Do You Think of These Wheels?

[O's_Car]

Hi everyone. New member here, joined a few months ago. I took my ’70 Cutlass S to a friend’s house today to give it a tune-up (he’s got all the tools). Went from a sluggish, sputtering old clunker to a smooth, powerful cruiser – at least as powerful as an all-stock 350 with a 2 bbl can be. Fun summertime driving ahead!

While I was there we decided to try on some new shoes: replaced the ancient G78-14s with 225/40ZR18s in front and 255/45ZR18s in back. I was sure they wouldn’t fit, but they bolted right up with no rubbing on the body or undercarriage, even when bouncing the corners. We also checked the steering stop-to-stop and there was no interference. Man, what a difference they make in handling – I can turn corners without sliding into the next lane!

I’ve attached some pictures with both sets of wheels – I’d like to know what you Olds guys think of the look. I’ll always keep the original wheels (with newer tires) for the classic stock look, but I just might like the 18s for the better performance and a more aggressive look. I’m curious what your opinions are – hope to hear from you!

[droptopron]

I think the 18's are a bit much. Maybe 16's or 17's with a little more sidewall would look good.
I agree that with 14's you are limited.

[Pfiffle]

Too big.

[Olds64]

I think they look decent. Probably you didn't like the original wheels and tires because they were bias ply. Bias ply tires are pretty crappy when you compare them to radials, in about every way conceivable.

[daverbmxer]

I prefer the look of the original rims. The size of the new ones doesn't bug me, but there's physically too much aluminum there for me. It looks a bit goofy (I think).

If it were me I'd keep the original rims and put on BFG radials or Kellys.

[Redog]

They look like Weld Draglites, which would look good in 15's or 16's will a decent sidewall but those are just like HEY LOOK HERE.

IDK they really aren't doing it for me. Maybe Crager SS's or Torqu Thrusts in 18's would be OK

[redoldsman]

Too much. I don't care for them. But then I am probably several times your age. Remember, it is your car and your money. If you really like them, keep them. Just don't through the originals away because chances are you will regret it.

[59-59-59]

If you are going after the ghetto cruiser look, then i think you are pretty close. Go with redogs opinion and stick with Torq thrust or Cragar SS if you want aftermarket rims - in 14's or 15's..

[O's_Car]

Well, after searching some related threads on this forum I see that wheel choice can be a rather touchy subject! I guess that's how it is with matters of personal expression...

For the record, I decided to return the 18" Draglites - the initial euphoria of big shiny new wheels on my Cutlass subsided, and despite their eye-catching flash they just don't fit the image I have for my restoration. Plus I'm cheap by nature, and my wallet just wasn't opening up for those things. But for a few days though, they were a kick to show off!

Thanks for the responses and recommendations - I'll be considering my options.

[68conv455]

I put 70's style SS3 wheels on my 68 with 235-60-R15 tires. You can find 15X7 rims at a bargain price compared to aftermarket wheels. I sandblasted mine and then hit them with spray can primer and paint. After getting the tires mounted, I thought I should have gone slightly bigger in the rear.

[Oldsguy]

I had a set of the Firestone Firehawks on my Delta about six or seven years ago, except they were one version earlier than those, they were good tires.

[marcar1993]

Those SS1's are pretty nice to me. Better than the 18's. As a matter of fact, I want a set for my 87.

[Kustomolds]

Even though I am a Kustom guy, I am still a sucker for stcok wheels on muscle cars....

[JSGD1966]

It definitely comes down to what you like. I have a set of 17x8 Hot Wheels "Sixty-Eight" rims by KMC on my 1966 Cutlass convertible. Not too big and not stock either. I looked for a set of rims that resembled the SSI wheels for '66, only with a custom look. These fit the bill and didn't break the bank like some high end big name rims. Painted the drums and fresh Nitto rubber and it gives a pro touring look, but still looks classic. That is totally my opinion of course and everyone's tastes are different.

[The_Jeremiah]

I would definently go with the original wheels, with new radial tires.

[Oldsprepp]

i like the new rims!! burn up those old orginial tires and never use em again.. they make the car look ugly

[Ken Parsons]

Never thought a 2 ton automobile should have bicycle wheels and tires, just looks kinda childish to me. Sorry, don't mean to offend, but that's my feeling on the tall wheels and skinny tires. These older cars depend on the tires for some of ride characteristics anyway.

[O's_Car]

My favorite of the stock-style wheels is the SS1; for whatever reason the SS2 & SS3 don't appeal to me. I'm going to clean up my SS1s and put on some original-style G70-14s (Firestone Wide Ovals with raised white letters from Coker) - that'll make a killer original look for showing off!

For cruising, I like the idea of 235/60R15s up front and 255/60R15s in back (got that from all the good posts in this thread and others on this forum - man this site is cool!). The 255s work out to the same tire diameter as the original G78-14s, and the 235s are about the same diameter as G70-14s. With the right wheel backspacing these should fit just fine. I've got my eye on a few American Racing rims, thanks again to the recommendations above.

Two sets of wheels/tires - one for show and one for go. It may be crazy, but that's the whole fun of it!

[UCF72Cutlass]

i liked the 18s!!! i think its a good look. Not small like the 14 and 15 original rims and not ghetto giant wheels like the 20 and 22s. I'm planning on getting something like these but painted black for my cutlass.