65 F85 Front Wheel/Tire Size

[littlejm3]

Appreciate any suggestions on tire size. Recently installed American Racing Torq Thrust D, 15x7, 3.75in backspacing with Cooper P215R70 tires. New stock height springs all way around so spring sag is not a problem. The front tires are rubbing on tight turns and large dips/bumps. From what I have read, 15x8 will work with 4.5" backspacing on the GM A-Body. Will 60 profile give me the clearance I need or do I need to go smaller on width as well, say P205? Anyone else running 15x7 American Racing wheels on a 1965 F85?

Thank you.
Mark

[Rallye469]

Sorry, can't help but someone should chime in...
I just bought a 65 f-85 myself.
Love to see pictures of your '65!
-Pete

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by littlejm3

Appreciate any suggestions on tire size. Recently installed American Racing Torq Thrust D, 15x7, 3.75in backspacing with Cooper P215R70 tires. New stock height springs all way around so spring sag is not a problem. The front tires are rubbing on tight turns and large dips/bumps. From what I have read, 15x8 will work with 4.5" backspacing on the GM A-Body. Will 60 profile give me the clearance I need or do I need to go smaller on width as well, say P205? Anyone else running 15x7 American Racing wheels on a 1965 F85?

Thank you.
Mark

First, the 215/70-15 tires are just under 27" tall, so that may be your first problem. 205/70-15s will be about 26.3" tall. Second, the 4.5" backspacing on the 8" rims will pull the tires in slightly as compared to 3.75" backspacing on 7" rims. Alternatively, 4" backspacing on the 7" rims will likely work also. note that 235/60-15s are 26.1" tall, but about 3/4" wider than your 215/70s at the section width. My gut says they should work fine also.

[littlejm3]

Joe, thank you for the reply. Everything I read indicated 15x8 with 4.5" backspacing would work so my quick math indicated 15x7 with 3.75" would be just slightly off. Height is definitely an issue just wanted to make an educated guess before I spend more money. Putting 4 people in the car creates enough sag on the springs that the front tires rub on the smallest of turns.

Mark