mcutlass1969

I am swapping out the factory rims for custom rims. Nothing fancy like 20's. I am old school. Currently my 69 Cutlass S has 14s on the front and 15s on the rear. Over the years I have redone the springs on the car so that it has the heavy springs on it to make it look like a gasser. The question is or what would be the benefit of changing the front to 15s. What could I run into for issues, besides tire rub if I get to large of rubber?

joe_padavano

Don't confuse rim diameter with tire diameter. The only things that matter as far as tire rubbing are:

1) Tire (not wheel) outside diameter
2) Tire (not wheel) width
3) Wheel offset

You can easily find a lower profile 15" tire that's no larger in diameter than your current 14" tires.

Oldsguy

Are you wanting to change the gasser look or keep it?

mcutlass1969

Keep the gasser look. I think it is a mean look and something different. I have found the rims 5 slot in both sizes used. I know that if I did a disk conversion that it would come into play but at this time I am getting by on drums. I put stationwagon springs all the way around. Had to put the heavy springs in the front due to a 350 to 455 swap. At this time I have 14 with 215 on the front and 15 with 255 big meats on the rear. If I go with 15's on the front will I run into anything funky or just keep my space involved.

Oldsguy

This car is a little older but you could use it as a guidline for appearances. I think a 15 inch wheel would be ok but you should concentrate on a taller tire size instead of a wider tire size. If you were using bias ply tires I would recommend a J78x15. Notice that for a true gasser look you should have a straight front axle.

edit: The style of wheels that car used is pretty typical of those used on gassers in the sixties, as you said, a five spoke pattern. The term "Radir" comes to mind, I think they were a wheel manufacturer back then.

second edit: I just found this link, I think it may help.