Would a 69 442 require a 4 inch or 4.25 inch backspace for replacement wheels? I am going with 14 X 7 wheel and 235 70 tire. I think a 4.25 will work but want to be sure. Thanks

 

Please share where you are buying 235 70 14 tires.

 

I can find 225/70/14 in a couple of brands, but 235's seem to be unobtanium.

 

Thats why I did this....new 15s. These replace the 14" 1973, SS3 that has 235/70R14s

 

They have not been made in a decade or more. That is why I asked.

Perhaps there is a typo in the tire size or wheel size. Did you mean 15" wheel?

 

Once again, the RWD GM cars of that vintage use wheels with zero offset. Backspace dimension varies as a function of wheel width, but offset is absolute. It is also difficult to measure correctly, which is why wheel vendors list backspace instead.

Note that offset is measured relative to the center of the rim, which is the distance BETWEEN the tire sealing surfaces. Backspace is measured relative to the inboard lip, which can vary due to wheel design or material. For example, a 15x7 steel rim with zero offset usually has a backspace of 3.75" (3.5 = half the 7" width plus about 1/4" for the inboard lip). An aluminum wheel of the same size might have a 4" backspace due to the larger lip on an aluminum wheel. A 15x8 aluminum wheel with zero offset would have about a 4.5" backspace.

 

Should have said 225 70 14, wanted to use B F Goodrich Radial TA but local dealer said they were not available so I guess I have to go blackwall. Thanks

 

Most tire shops that are a BFG dealer can order them in. Summit stocks them and will ship free to your door.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bfg-37137/overview/

 

Tire rack has them as well.

 

Thanks for the info