I have the 72 Supreme and I've read the previous thread discussing the largest tire size and have been weighing my options. I would like to get the most out of the wheel well and am trying to decide on 17" or 18" rear wheels. I've done the measuring but am unsure that they would clear. Not much room for error here. Please excuse the Chevelle example, but I was only trying to supply a frame of reference and this is the stance and look I am after. This car has the 305/45/18 on the rear. I like the beef! Not into the rubber band look and would never think of going past the 18" wheels. I plan on 10" rims with the 5.5" backspace. I understand that this is a 28.8" tall tire with a secton width of 12". Do you suppose this car has been modified to get those in? I am also considering the 275/50/17 with the same 10", 5.5 backspace (Nitto NT450). I want as much sidewall as possible along with the larger diameter wheel. The most popular choice among those running 18" rears seems to be the 285/40/18. But I think the notch back cars look best with as much beef as possible!

 

no one is running either one of these sizes?

 

Sorry Chuck. I never saw this thread. As you mentioned in your IM I'm running the 305 45 18 drag radials on 18x10s. Here are some old close up pics with my American Racing TTIIS:

wheelwellpicofreartire-1.jpg

frontviewofrearwheelwell.jpg

As I mentioned in the IM the BS on these (with stock rear drum brakes) was 5.5. My rear was not exactlly centered so one side was close to the wheel well lip and the other side rubbed on the inner wheel well a little. Did some massaging of the inner wheel well (hammered then touched up with flat black paint) and rolled the wheel well lips and bent the chrome trim ring around the rolled lip.

Brian Trick installed a new rear end on the car and it was centered. Then when the new 12" disk where added in the back it pushed the wheels out about 1/2". Ordered the new wheels with 6" BS to push them in. Here are pics of the new wheels with the same 305 45 18s:

NewGen50010.jpg

NewGen5001.jpg

NewGen5002.jpg

 

Those rims and wheels are killer on your ride. BTW, what's with the front end? Is it all fibreglass or new parts?

 

Thanks! and yes the fenders are fiberglass and the hood is a glass only (no steel) glasstech ram air hood. I also have a fiberglass decklid.

-Joe

 

Great information on the 305's. Now is anyone running 17" wheels with 275/50/17's? Nitto NT450 has this size (29.7" tall)