My '66 442 project rolled into my garage wearing a set of vintage Foresight Ventures Drag Mags. they're aluminum 14x6. There were only 4 but I got two more off ebay. Measuring them I see the back spacing is only 3" compared to the deeper 4 1/2" of a factory wheel. Is this anything to be concerned about ? I was planning on running a stock size radial like a 70 series 215/14. I don't think it will rub but will the handling or alignment be affected?

 

Pictures? Not familiar with those.

 

Google Images is your friend...



FYI, I also found this image.




It would be nice if people would stop using backspacing and use offset instead. The problem is that backspacing is dependent on rim width, which you didn't tell us. Offhand, I'm GUESSING these are 14x7, which means that for a 3" B.S. you're looking at a negative 1.5" or so offset. Not only does this push the tire closer to the fender lip, but it also changes the scrub radius on the front tires, which will change steering effort and possibly handling. The added offset also puts additional stress on the wheel bearings.

 

I took off the dry rotted Dunlop G70-14s that were on it when I got the car and put on some steelies and roller tires. . I measured the bead to bead distance. 6". I laid a ruler across the backside and its 3" from the rim edge to where the hub meets the brake drum. Compare this to a Olds SS II which is deeper. I can see how this would increase stress on wheel bearings. I was wondering if this will affect tire wear and handling. I plan to make a few changes like stiffer springs and thicker sway bars.

 

You're unfortunately still not understanding backspace vs. offset. A 6" rim with 3" backspace has about zero offset. A 7" rim with 3.5" backspace also has about zero offset.

 

Thank you for making me understand what is right in front of my face but I was too dim to understand. I look forward to using them.

 

Those rims look pretty tight!