what is largest tire I can put on my 69 442 convert? at show Sun., a guy had some M T street radials ... 295 65 15s ... wonder if they will fit under the wheel wells with out interferrence ... can someone enlighten me please? Bob Lynch ... also, is any one running the Toyo street radials? how do you like them?

 

No need for you to post in the newbie section any longer. I moved your thread for you.

 

295/65-15s are over 30" tall and nearly a foot in section width. That's pushing it on an unmodified 69. You would likely need to roll the fender lip and would still need custom offset rear wheels. A 30" tall tire will also somewhat negate your rear axle ratio, since the taller tire is equivalent to installing lower-numerical rear gears. For example, if your original tires were 26.5" in diameter (say, a 245/60-15), expect a 13% reduction is effective rear gear. That's like changing from 3.42:1 gears to 3.00:1 gears while keeping the tires the same.

 

I can tell you that I have a '72 Cutlass which I believe would have the same demensions as your '69....I have 275/60/15 on the rear. They look like they were born there...not too big! I ran against my brother on the highway and the speedo was still very close (within 2-3 mph), but I can tell you, it didn't help my bottom end. Could run 100mph at half pedal with no problem though. Stock rear, pegleg.

 

Like Eric , I'm running the same size 275/60 Ri5 [Yokohamas].Ran a thread a week or so ago about rear tire rub. Tires on Wheels Vintique rims .Had to change rear coils to those from a 1970 Olds 98,and gained 2+ inches of space.Then noted the car's right front was a bit out of level which raised the left rear a tad, so new front coils next. The car over all still has a nice level look,and just came in from a mixed road[rough/smooth] rip and had a] good handling and b] no tire rub.Already had as big a backspace as possible without hitting the undercarriage [as suggested on that thread I started]. I think Joe's point is crucial to what you decide you want your car to do.Like Eric ,I was easy 1/2 throttle cruising at good speed ,but MAY not be able to beat that pesty neighbour in his Chevelle SS....smaller rears and rear gears over 3.42[mine=3.23]. Good luck and post pics!!..........Derek

 

Nope. The 68-69 rear quarters do not have to room that the 70-72 cars do. The 70-72 Cutlass bodies have the most room of any A-body.

 

Like I said, I believe they are , not positive....from the inner wheelhouse to the inner lip of the wheel opening(dead center in the opening, measures 13 7/8 inches. You could measure you '69 to see how they compare if you wanted to run this size tire. Clearance is not an issue at all on this particular year. I'm running the tires on SSII's 15x7's. Hope this helps!

 

hey guys ... thanks to all for your feedback ... BOB