I picked up four 15x7 SSIII wheels, pics of one included.
I intend to have them blasted and powdercoated, then use them on my '69 442 vert. the car has 1" lower Hotchkiss springs in the front, and the heavy-duty springs in the rear, stock front disk brakes.
I have been reading thru the threads in the tires/wheels section, but still have a few questions:
1. Can you decode the wheels (date of manufacture, or anything else relevant)?


2. The wheels came with snap-on center caps but no outer trim rings. I see that OPGI has several different sizes (width) and either a rounded or stepped edge. What size and edge is most appropriate for these wheels and my '69? My current 14" wheels have stepped edge rings that extend from the tire bead to 1/8" from the bezel rings.


3. I'm considering the T/A 245/60/15, or possibly 255/60/15. Would both clear the fender wells, front and rear?


thanks,
Rattlcan

 

I have 255/60-15s on the stock SSII wheels on all four corners of my 69 H/O with suspension at stock ride height. The fronts rub ever so slightly if you hit a bump with the wheels turned hard (when turning into a driveway, for example). If your front end is lowered, I'd go with the 245s on the front.

 

I purchased the 3"rounded trims rings on EBay for cheap. I only use them on the back wheels since I'm running 14" on the front. They look OK and don't stand out too much. I like the factory stepped rims better though.

 

I bought wheels like yours for my '70 Cutlass, but they came with all the bling. I still need to paint them, but should get that done this week. I have five so I can have a spare tire. I went with Cooper Cobra radials in the P245/60R15 size for all five wheels. Walmart sells them online for less than $100 (I think I paid $97 each) with free shipping. I have Cooper tires on one of my trucks and they work just fine, so I decided to give them a try.

 

F60-15 Polyglas or G60-15 Polyglas would fill the bill as well.

 

Do you have the trim pieces for the wheel openings (five per wheel)?



The ones from 14" wheels should work on the 15" wheels.

 

I have the same exact set up as Joe, same issue. Next time I get new tires I am putting a narrower tire on the front.

 

Word of advice. Put them on a spin balancer and check for run-out before refinishing.
Heres 245/60/15 and 255/60/15s on new SS1s...The look and fit is good IMO.

 

with a lug centric adapter.

FWIW My previous front tires were 245-60-15's. I had an oversize sway bar and they rubbed at lock too.

 

I ran a set of SSIII for the first year I had my 69 Cutlass S. I had them powder coated and I liked them. I ran across a set of SSii wheels so I had them sand blasted and powder coated. When I put them on the car I could see a little difference in the way the tires looked on the wheels as compared to the SSIIIs.

During the first year I did lose one of my repo center caps. That hurt a little.

 

I am not following your logic. They are the same wheel and only differ in paint. What am I not understanding?

 

Yes what Mike said!

 

I'll post pic's tonight, but they look good!
I'm searching for repro SSIII centers. OPGI, PP, and Ebay.
I want centers that are nice and look original, but this car is a driver and not a garage queen.
Does anyone have a recommendation?

 

There are lots of good used ones around that will clean up nice enough. You can buy New centre logos that will make them pop and save a ton of money.

 

M5/6

M = Motor Wheel Corp.
5 = plant #5 - Chatham, Ontario CANADA (1966-'91)
6 = 1976

 

Fusick has exact repro centers. Pricing not bad either. High quality pieces too.