Oldsproject

It's been awhile since my last post and appreciate everyones advice and help through this entire project. Getting to the final srokes and looking for advice on tires and rims for my 1965 F-85. I currently have a hodge podge of stuff. The back rims on the car are 15" SSIII's painted white and the front are plain standard 15" rims (non SSI, II or III). The current tires are P215/75R15's. I have two rims in the trunk one is a 15" SSIII painted black and the other is a 14" SSII (obviously a mismatch). The 15" SSIII in the trunk is stamped as a 15x7 but I don't know if the back rims on the car are 15x7 too (or different).

First question: Is there a way to tell what the back two rims are without removing the tires and looking at the stamp?

Second question: How do I determine if the offset of the three SSIII rims are the same?

Final question: What's the largest tires I can use for this car?

Obviously I'll need to buy one additional SSIII rim if I stay with the three I have AND they are compatible. I'm trying to avoid as many mistakes as I can. Let me know if additional information is required.

442scotty

As for the biggest size....my rears are 275/60R15 BFG TA's but you have to play with spacers to get them not to rub...Not a tire I would have chosen but they came with the car...just a tad too big...If you are interested in more 65 specific info you can also go to 442BRO.com...you can never belong to enough Olds forums

Oldsproject

Thanks, after alot of research and measuring here's what I'm thinking. I currently have 15x7" rims with a 4.5" BS and 225/75R/15's. In the back, I have about 1.5" on each side of the tire (left and right). The front is much closer when in full turn (inner wheel well clearance). So I'm thinking of the following combination? Back wheels - 255/60R/15's on 15x7 wheels with 4.25 BS, Front wheels - 235/60R/15's 15x7 wheels and maybe a little less BS. Anyone have anythoughs or concerns? I should be good on clearance all around, the slighly thinner tire in the front will sit better on the 7" wheel helping cornering and is only slightly smaller in diameter.

442scotty

IF YOU ARE USING DISCS ON THE FRONT BE CAREFUL...THE TIRES MAY HIT ANY MOULDINGS THAT ARE ON THE FENDER OPENING

Oldsproject

Thanks, not using disc brakes at this time so I think everything will work.

Oldsproject

As info for other "65" Olds owners. I went with 255/60R/15 BF TA's on the rear and 235/60R/15 on the front. Rims are SSIII's with 4.5 backspace. Everything bolted up beatifully and looks good. I've got as much tire as I can handle with a stock setup and drum brakes and they really look great!

442scotty

Good to know....post some pics when you get a chance so we can have a look

Oldsproject

I will as soon as I get the car painted (slated for January). I checked some of your other postings which led me to 442Bro and the forum there. I'm assuming your a 65 owner? If so, where can I get weatherstripping (roof rails and the verticle piece on the post) for a post car? I find coupe and convertible everywhere, can probably figure out how to do the roof rails but can't find anywhere to get the verticle strip for the back quarter window on the post. Any help would be appreciated. I've looked at OPGI, Year One, Paddock, Supercars, Fusick, etc. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. Thanks.

442scotty

As far as I know, all A bodies for these years are the same...so weatherstrip from a post GTO or Chevelle should work...Metro Moulded parts has a full listing on their web site but I see what you mean...a listing for doors and trunk only...You could try Ames Performance (GTOS) or the other chevelle catalogues...

My two 65's are hardtops...never had to look for what you are looking for...but it must be out there...good luck

Oldsproject

I talked to Greg over at supercarsunlimited today. They don't think they have it either but is willing to take a look. I'll drop off the old ones tomorrow for them to look at and will keep people posted on what we learn.