Hello. I'm new to the forum. I wanted to know if anyone knows the largest rim width and backspace I can fit on a 69 442? And what the biggest tire I can fit front and back would be great. I'm looking to put 15 inch or maybe 17 inch rims. Thank you in advance for any help. John

 

You shouldn't have any trouble with 15 inch as they were used back then. The wheels were between 7.5 inches wide and 8 inches wide depending on the car and the style of wheel. I have no idea about the 17 inch rims. I would think a good tire and wheel shop should be able to help you find the largest size tire/wheel combo that you could use safely. I think I recall reading some threads over at Realoldspower.com about this about a year ago. You might want to go over there and do a search. I am quite sure you will find some goodies there.

 

15x10 on the rear with 5.5" backspace with a 295/50/15 looks great. 15x7 or 15x8 w/4" or 4.5" bs. respectively w/a 235/60 or 245/60/15 tire. I have 17x11 w/6" bs. and a 315/35/17 tire on the back of my 72. I have not tried these on the 68/9 body but I am sure they would fit. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

Thank you for your help.

 

I'd love to see pictures of the 295's...I'm building a 69 442 right now. I want to keep the og 14" rims. I was thinking 245 60 14 all around but would like to tuck as much tire in the back as possible

Thanks