I wanted to change the overall look of my 65 Cutlass so I figured a new set of wheels and tires were the best way to go. This isn't a restoration build, more of a "Resto-Mod" I guess. That being said I have always been a big fan of the way Olds SSI wheels look on a Cutlass. Here is the way it looked with the SSI's ( Air Ride at ride height in this picture )

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Well I chose a set of Ridler wheels 18 x 8 and 18 x 9.5 and now it looks like this
( The Air Ride is all the way down in this picture )

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I must admit, I'm officially an Old Fart according to my two Son's. They talked me into trying the 18" wheels, I still have the SSI's in storage.

What do my fellow CO members think of the two styles?

 

You asked so here goes. put the SS1 rims back on or a set of 15" Torque Thrust D rims with redlines. One can't improve on those looks.

 

I'm not usually a fan of bigger wheels, however yours are tasteful and fit nicely. Good choice.

 

For my taste...door #1

 

I agree with Dave.

 

Keep them both, switch them out periodically....they both look good.

 

I'd generally not like the second option...but the silver insures on the new wheels really compliment your roof color nicely!

Not MY thing, but I'd say it looks pretty damn good!

-Pete

 

It looks pretty damn good with 18s. Keep them both. I do that with my Impala, spokes for the show, stocks for driving around.

in the end who cares what everybody thinks, it's all about what do you think.

 

Since it's your car, it really is all about what you like. But you asked for opinions, and I have always thought the big wheels look fine on newer cars, but out of proportion and character for old cars like your 65. My 2007 Charger R/T came with 18 inch wheels and they look great, but I don't think it would work if I did the reverse and put 14 or 15 inch wheels on it.

 

The new wheels look awesome (and I love SS1's)!

 

All in taste
Ralleys for me / Muscle look


Or low rider look

 

Love the new look!

 

I like the larger wheel. What size tires are you running and were there any clearance issues?

 

Thanks. The tires are General G-Max 225/45R18 in front and 255/45R18 out back. I am using an ECI "narrow track" front disc brake conversion that helps move the tires inboard to add some clearance. As part of my build I replaced the original single track Olds rearend with a Ford 9" rear from Quick Performance. I had them shorten it 3/4" per side so I could make the 9.5" wide wheel fit. I believe another set of 18 x 8's would of fit at the stock width. You can't order these wheels with any custom offsets, so I adjusted the rear end width instead.

 

I like the redlines idea! Since I used the tires I had on the SSI's for another car, I could put a set of redlines on my SSI's. Does anyone know how many brands offer redline tires?

 

Thanks Pete. Its cool you picked up on the silver color thing. The look is still growing on me. My Son wanted me to go with 20" wheels! I just can't stand the tires that look like "O" rings. At least with 18" wheels you can still have some sidewall.

 

Looks great with the 18"

 

The 18's look great I think it sets the car off!

 

I attended the Street Rod Nationals North last weekend in Kalamazoo, MI and was pleasently surprised by the number of folks that loved the car and made special notice of the wheels. I was at the same show last year with my SSI's and hardly got a second glance. A few folks liked the "sleeper" aspect of the SSI's, but thats about it.

I'm going to put some redlines on the SSI's and change up the wheels/tires now and then. Kind of like wearing a different pair of shoes!

 

That means alot to me coming from you! I still love to look at your convertible and can't wait to see your next project as you go along.

 

Those wheels look great!

 

Thanks man. Can't believe it been 5 years since I sold it. Popped up on my wifes facebook of my daughter crying as it was leaving 5 years ago this week.

 

How about a picture of the 65 with the ride height and 18's at normal? Does it change the look of the car? Showing one set of tires at ride height and the other at lowered doesn't really give the same perspective, will it? If the car had been slammed and the 18's were like that at ride height, I'd probably vote for them.

 

Option one.... Stick with the SSI's.... or Torque Thrust D's as previously suggested.... Not an air ride person....

 

Love it!! Just bought air ride for my 69 cutlass. 18 inch wheels to come. Looks amazing

 

looks awesome with the new set up sets it apart!!

 

You're right about the pictures. I found some with the car slammed on the SSI's. Please never mind that ugly tail pipe hanging down. I took care of that with an exhaust upgrade later.



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That just makes it look like the springs are sagging.

 

Relax Man, its just a "feature" of having Air Ride...you can drop your car "in the weeds" when you want to. Most folks like the look of a lowered car, I would care to guess that you are not one of them. As they say, to each there own. I really enjoy the Air Ride. This 65 "A" body handles better than it ever did. The combination of the adjustable valving on the shocks and the ability to vary air pressure on each corner of the car makes for a lot of fun when driving. The all the way down or all the way up stuff is fun at car shows, even more so when you can control it with a remote. Anyone that thinks that Air Ride is just a show car thing needs to go to the RideTech website and watch the videos of how hard they race their stuff! This suspension system is proven to perform.

 

You're right, I'm not one of them. We'll just leave it at that.

 

I'm diggin it both ways but like the Ridlers mainly because I have the same wheels except I'm running a 20x10 rear.

 

Let's just say I'm with '69442.

Hubcaps are nice. Neither of the other choices looks good on this particular car.

- Eric

 

Hubcaps? Seriously? Both of my wheel choices look better than any hubcap will ever look!

 

Depends on what you're after. Sometimes nothing looks more menacing than a set of dog-dishes on black steelies.

 

Which would look great on this particular car.



Hey, just answering your question:
- Eric

 

I'm an SS1 fan, but also like the new wheels.
Keep Both!

 

My opinion was above, however the only opinion that really matters is yours.

 

Swapping wheel/tire combos are the cheapest way to remain interested in a car. I get bored with my stuff and plan projects like suspension upgrades to keep me interested. I think you've done a great job with the new look. The air ride has got to be cool. My car is lowered with tubular a arms and control arms. Hotchkis lowering springs, etc. It handles well enough where I want a quick ratio steering box. I like it more now than ever. isn't that the point?

 

It is for the eye of the beholder what looks best.

But I agree with several other guys, ditch the 18s (i omitted some other descriptions of them). It doesn't look bad, but I agree with the others on using the rims.

Have been told when you go to larger rims/tires it is best to upgrade the brakes too.

 

The new ones look great!!