Hi everyone. New member here, joined a few months ago. I took my ’70 Cutlass S to a friend’s house today to give it a tune-up (he’s got all the tools). Went from a sluggish, sputtering old clunker to a smooth, powerful cruiser – at least as powerful as an all-stock 350 with a 2 bbl can be. Fun summertime driving ahead!

While I was there we decided to try on some new shoes: replaced the ancient G78-14s with 225/40ZR18s in front and 255/45ZR18s in back. I was sure they wouldn’t fit, but they bolted right up with no rubbing on the body or undercarriage, even when bouncing the corners. We also checked the steering stop-to-stop and there was no interference. Man, what a difference they make in handling – I can turn corners without sliding into the next lane!

I’ve attached some pictures with both sets of wheels – I’d like to know what you Olds guys think of the look. I’ll always keep the original wheels (with newer tires) for the classic stock look, but I just might like the 18s for the better performance and a more aggressive look. I’m curious what your opinions are – hope to hear from you!

 

I think the 18's are a bit much. Maybe 16's or 17's with a little more sidewall would look good.
I agree that with 14's you are limited.

 

Too big.

 

I think they look decent. Probably you didn't like the original wheels and tires because they were bias ply. Bias ply tires are pretty crappy when you compare them to radials, in about every way conceivable.

 

I prefer the look of the original rims. The size of the new ones doesn't bug me, but there's physically too much aluminum there for me. It looks a bit goofy (I think).

If it were me I'd keep the original rims and put on BFG radials or Kellys.

 

They look like Weld Draglites, which would look good in 15's or 16's will a decent sidewall but those are just like HEY LOOK HERE.

IDK they really aren't doing it for me. Maybe Crager SS's or Torqu Thrusts in 18's would be OK

 

Too much. I don't care for them. But then I am probably several times your age. Remember, it is your car and your money. If you really like them, keep them. Just don't through the originals away because chances are you will regret it.

 

If you are going after the ghetto cruiser look, then i think you are pretty close. Go with redogs opinion and stick with Torq thrust or Cragar SS if you want aftermarket rims - in 14's or 15's..

 

Well, after searching some related threads on this forum I see that wheel choice can be a rather touchy subject! I guess that's how it is with matters of personal expression...

For the record, I decided to return the 18" Draglites - the initial euphoria of big shiny new wheels on my Cutlass subsided, and despite their eye-catching flash they just don't fit the image I have for my restoration. Plus I'm cheap by nature, and my wallet just wasn't opening up for those things. But for a few days though, they were a kick to show off!

Thanks for the responses and recommendations - I'll be considering my options.

 

I put 70's style SS3 wheels on my 68 with 235-60-R15 tires. You can find 15X7 rims at a bargain price compared to aftermarket wheels. I sandblasted mine and then hit them with spray can primer and paint. After getting the tires mounted, I thought I should have gone slightly bigger in the rear.

 

I had a set of the Firestone Firehawks on my Delta about six or seven years ago, except they were one version earlier than those, they were good tires.

 

Those SS1's are pretty nice to me. Better than the 18's. As a matter of fact, I want a set for my 87.

 

Even though I am a Kustom guy, I am still a sucker for stcok wheels on muscle cars....

 

It definitely comes down to what you like. I have a set of 17x8 Hot Wheels "Sixty-Eight" rims by KMC on my 1966 Cutlass convertible. Not too big and not stock either. I looked for a set of rims that resembled the SSI wheels for '66, only with a custom look. These fit the bill and didn't break the bank like some high end big name rims. Painted the drums and fresh Nitto rubber and it gives a pro touring look, but still looks classic. That is totally my opinion of course and everyone's tastes are different.

 

I would definently go with the original wheels, with new radial tires.

 

i like the new rims!! burn up those old orginial tires and never use em again.. they make the car look ugly

 

Never thought a 2 ton automobile should have bicycle wheels and tires, just looks kinda childish to me. Sorry, don't mean to offend, but that's my feeling on the tall wheels and skinny tires. These older cars depend on the tires for some of ride characteristics anyway.

 

My favorite of the stock-style wheels is the SS1; for whatever reason the SS2 & SS3 don't appeal to me. I'm going to clean up my SS1s and put on some original-style G70-14s (Firestone Wide Ovals with raised white letters from Coker) - that'll make a killer original look for showing off!

For cruising, I like the idea of 235/60R15s up front and 255/60R15s in back (got that from all the good posts in this thread and others on this forum - man this site is cool!). The 255s work out to the same tire diameter as the original G78-14s, and the 235s are about the same diameter as G70-14s. With the right wheel backspacing these should fit just fine. I've got my eye on a few American Racing rims, thanks again to the recommendations above.

Two sets of wheels/tires - one for show and one for go. It may be crazy, but that's the whole fun of it!

 

i liked the 18s!!! i think its a good look. Not small like the 14 and 15 original rims and not ghetto giant wheels like the 20 and 22s. I'm planning on getting something like these but painted black for my cutlass.

2644706_5_full.jpg2644706_3_full.jpg

 

After you look at them a couple of times, they look ok.

In 1978 one of my buddies bought a new Pontiac with wheelcovers that had the circular cutouts like yours. His car was called the Cheezegrater. Not really fair, but it stuck because of the wheel cover design.

I think what you've seen from others is that most prefer the classic look of the Olds wheels. Glad to hear that you're keeping the SS1's.

If you're having trouble with handling using SS1's you should check out your suspension and sway bars. They may be worn, bushings gone, ball joints etc. The 18's may be only a temporary fix to something that could be underlying. I also noticed a big difference going from bias ply tires to radials on my car.

 

Those are a little big but in a 17 or 16' I'm thinkin that would be sharrrrp. what are those and who makes em?

 

OK. Your asking for an opinion. Nice car. Wheels are way too big. In my opinion the older cars need some sidewall to look "right". Not "correct" but "right". I just don't get this big wheel trend.

 

In the original post the size is not the problem its the style. Drag lights only look right in 15"

The 5 spokes above are made by a company named Coys Wheels. They look like 20"s on that car and are too big.

For everyone else this is how it is period end of story. Take notes

There 3 basic tire/wheel themes that look right on these cars. I see people violate the rules all the time.

1. stock 14" or a 15" version of a stock wheel same size all around. Requires stock height suspension

2. hotrod/drag race look requires 15" drag wheels or even stock looking wheels as big as you to can fit in back and much thinner up front. Also requires a slight rake in the suspension.

3. Big wheels (not 22-24" big sorry dub city guys) Abody 17" or 18" is just right. You still have plenty of rubber sidewall height but enough wheel that will clear larger modern brakes and feels the wheel well. Requires a slight stagger in size 8" front 10" rear is the most common. Suspension stance should be as low as you can poosibly get away with. You can also use 19" but the cost just about doubles in tires and 50% more for wheels so for me its not worth it. One last nost on the big wheel subject if you have a B-body you can get away with 20" or even a 20" fnt / 22" rear stagger as long as you don't use rubber bands for tires.

 

I think I agree with your three rules. The move to huge wheels is just taking something to the extreme. Cars now come from the factory with 16, 17, 18 and probably even 19 inch wheels BUT they have very sophisticated suspensions and different weight distributions than our older (sixties and seventies) cars did. Plus, many are front wheel drive, all this makes a car that handle better. If a person puts huge wheels with rubber band tires on a classic 70s Cutlass he gets a car that rides like a hay wagon unless he spends lots and lots of time and money improving the chassis and suspension.

 

i think they look super. 18' is perfect !

 

Sorry Dude - dont like em

 

Not real crazy about the bigger tire thing. Like redoldsman said I'm older than you and have different tastes. Glad you went the other route. This is what's on my 68 and I find them to be the pinnacle of rim design.
By z11375ss, shot with Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi at 2008-09-20

 

I agree that drag lites only look good in smaller sizes, but I dont fault you for plus sizing a few inches. 20 inchers are going on my B-body after its cleaned up.

 

I think they look nice no matter what, I'm not good on details.

 

I think they look good. However, you need to be showing discs all around with those big openings on those wheels (imho). Being a bit of an old-timer myself, I'd have to say that I'm on board with sticking to the 14" to 15" wheels. Having said that, there's noting wrong with going all-chrome or all-aluminum. Remember, that's what a lot of people did when these cars were new (chrome, at least).
Wheels aside, that is a way awesome looking ride!