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Car came with 14" cragars, the tires were like new but way too skinny. Finding 14" tires seems to be getting tough so I sold the wheels/tires. Currently have the stock 14" wheels on the car with balding tires. Car is parked up for winter but looking to get myself an early christmas present. I was thinking to bump up the size to 15's but am not opposed to 17" either. Not looking to break the bank but was considering Vn515 (torque thrusts) or VN501. Also came across Ridler 675 polished wheels. Cheapo Chinese brand I assume but the wheels seem nice enough and 17's cost about the same as 15" Torque Thrusts.
Im in Canada so looking to buy brands that are available locally due to Covid shipping is a nightmare.
It's entirely a personal preference thing. You'll find more traditional tire tread in 15" and more modern tread in 17". There's a huge number of rims in those sizes, so maybe search based on your preferred vendor. There's also generic remakes of the SSI rim in both sizes.
Also note offset if you go larger than 7". Usually the default offset is fine, sometimes they offer options. There's plenty of info here about offsets and fits on various years.
If people stop buying 14" tires, then there won't be anyone who will make them. If you just want to have bigger tires that's up to you, but simply saying there's no choice when there is, is sort of like shooting yourself in the foot.
I'm assuming this is for a Cutlass or similar. Plenty of 14" choices in the correct size.
I personally think that these cars need a little sidewall height to look right, but it's your call. If you do choose to go with a larger wheel, pay attention to tire outside diameter. Many 17" tires are low profile and actually smaller in outside diameter than 15" tires. If you can find a 245/50-17, that's got about the same outside diameter as the original tires on that car and will fill the wheelwells nicely. As an example of my point, while the 245/50-17s are about 26.6" in diameter, just going to 245/45-17s reduces the OD to 25.6". That's Honda-sized.
Its true that the choice in tire sizes for a 14" wheel are getting limited. I like Joe P prefer a a 15" wheel where there is a good selection in size for these old cars.
My suggestion is pick a wheel/tire combo that YOU like and fits well on your car so it safe. Many folks with 60's and 70's cars that are more purists and want the traditional stock look opt for the original style SS1'S, SS2's, etc., while others prefer the more modern "torque thrust" style wheels. Then there's the component of raised white letter tires or blackwalls? I am fortunate that I have both a set of 235 60R 15's on repro SS1's and a set of 235 55R 17's on REV polished aluminum torque thrust style wheels. The tires are the same width, with the 17's being just slightly taller in overall height because of the lower profile sidewall. Attached are a couple pictures for comparison, and remember in the end, get what you like the best!
That looks great, nice stance too. I was just looking online at American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in Gray for the 63 Starfire. I think those 15's in the front and 17's in the rear would look nice and should not have any clearance issues with 15x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear..
I think those 15's in the front and 17's in the rear would look nice and should not have any clearance issues with 15x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear..
Why do you want different wheel diameters? If you keep tire OD the same, that means that the front sidewalls will be much taller than the rear, and optically it will look like the rear tires are smaller than the fronts. If you select tire sizes to keep the sidewall height comparable, then the front tire OD will be too small. Use the same diameter wheel all around. A Starfire doesn't want a big-n-little drag car look.
That looks great, nice stance too. I was just looking online at American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in Gray for the 63 Starfire. I think those 15's in the front and 17's in the rear would look nice and should not have any clearance issues with 15x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear.
Thank you! Your Starfire is gorgeous! I have to agree with Joe P. though, I think different wheel diameters would look odd on such a classic looking car. Plus, you're pretty much eliminating your ability to rotate your tires if you choose. Just my two cents . . .
Ill admit I'm vague on wheel knowledge. These are good thoughts. So, perhaps on this big Olds would 16 or 17x8 all the way around? I like the way the gray would accent the blue paint? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
Ill admit I'm vague on wheel knowledge. These are good thoughts. So, perhaps on this big Olds would 16 or 17x8 all the way around? I like the way the gray would accent the blue paint? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
I have TTOs (VN309) on my 67 Delta. 15x7 with 235/70-15 on the front and 15x8.5 with 275/60-15 on the back. I don't have a photo with the fronts in place, but here are the rears. They really fill the wheel wells.
Ill admit I'm vague on wheel knowledge. These are good thoughts. So, perhaps on this big Olds would 16 or 17x8 all the way around? I like the way the gray would accent the blue paint?
I like those torque thrust wheels with the grey center spokes and think they would look nice on your blue car. I'm no expert either, but here are some extra things to consider.
1. I can't say for sure on your car, but on mine with 235 55R 17's (Tire Ht. 27.18") with 7" wide wheels all around, if I were to go to a wider tire I would have a definite rubbing issue on the front. The wider the tire, the more the chance of having a rubbing issue when the wheels are turned all the way. With the lower sidewall height on the 17" tires you also eliminate the option of getting raised white letter tires if you want them. At least I can't find them.
2. With a 15" wheel/tire combination, you could probably go a little wider, maybe 245's or 255's, without rubbing, it's hard to tell for sure without knowing the exact dimensions and characteristics of your wheel wells. Plus with 15", 60 series tire you have the option of raised white letters if you want them.
Here is a good tire calculator tool that gives you a side by side comparison of the specs for one tire vs. another, plus gives you a visual side by side comparison. You can enter whatever two tire sizes you want to compare! https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r15-235-55r17
Last edited by Dream67Olds442; Nov 2, 2020 at 10:41 AM.
I have TTOs (VN309) on my 67 Delta. 15x7 with 235/70-15 on the front and 15x8.5 with 275/60-15 on the back. I don't have a photo with the fronts in place, but here are the rears. They really fill the wheel wells.
Joe - Love your 67 Delta. Color looks close to my 67 442, is it Color Code K, Aquamarine?
Came across American Racing Wheels locally. 17x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear. Here is a picture. Although the purists will disagree I think it looks quite good.
Came across American Racing Wheels locally. 17x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear. Here is a picture. Although the purists will disagree I think it looks quite good.
Very nice, I think they look great! Curious what tire size you went with for each wheel?
tires came with the wheels, definitely could use meatier tires. Any recommendations on size/brand?
That's part of the reason I asked what sizes you have on there now. Measure the amount of clearance you have left in your wheel wells, and then use the tire comparison calculator I sent you to see how much bigger you can go. Remember, to take suspension travel into account, you don't want them to rub if you have the front wheels turned and go over a substantial bump. Good luck.
Looks very nice. Overall I prefer the stance on the car to be lower..( I'm sticking with these 15x7 GM big car steelies and dog dish hub caps on the F-85) The Torque Thrusts would be for the Starfire..
I apologize if I am simply beating a dead horse but I want to go back to Joe Padavano’s comments on this thread about the 245/50/17’s and their “filling the wheel well nicely.” I am being “semi-forced” into a 17” wheel due to the size of brakes and rotors on a 72 442. Don’t ask why, let’s just assume for this discussion it’s a indisputable fact. And I am concerned about the look of too much wheel and not enough tire. And Joe’s comment goes there. So here’s my question: is the 245/50/17 the LARGEST tire that would nicely fill the stock height wheel well or is the size he suggested give the 68-72 the most “stock” look.. which is frankly more my preference..?
grateful in advance men..
I apologize if I am simply beating a dead horse but I want to go back to Joe Padavano’s comments on this thread about the 245/50/17’s and their “filling the wheel well nicely.” I am being “semi-forced” into a 17” wheel due to the size of brakes and rotors on a 72 442. Don’t ask why, let’s just assume for this discussion it’s a indisputable fact. And I am concerned about the look of too much wheel and not enough tire. And Joe’s comment goes there. So here’s my question: is the 245/50/17 the LARGEST tire that would nicely fill the stock height wheel well or is the size he suggested give the 68-72 the most “stock” look.. which is frankly more my preference..?
grateful in advance men..
It's nowhere near the largest, just a nice fit. You can stuff much wider tires in there with careful selection of tire size and wheel offset, but these were the ones suggested by the OP and they were a good choice in my opinion.
the 245 50 17 with 17x8 torq thrusts on my '72 ragtop make me sorry I didn't do it way sooner. Plenty of sidewall height make the look correct, but way many more modern rubber choices to pick from for better ride, wear and handling characteristics.
By "largest" do you mean "widest" or "tallest" or something else?!
thanks, I meant one that fills up the wheel well, is wide, tall and is and is without the low profile tire look..this set up looks good to me but it may look good due to the car being lowered 2”
But I think I have my answer..as always, this site is full of information with a bunch of nice knowledgeable folks.
I appreciate everyone’s input..
IMHO....all depends on the look you want. I like the older style look with more meat around the wheels but I am old school. Here are the wheels and tires I just installed on my 1971 442 for the resto.....
On the wheels and tires...here are the sizes I was able to use without issue:
Front Rims: 15x8 Billet Specialties Win Lite Front Tires: Mickey Thompson Sportsman 27x8x15
The rear wheels and tires are pretty wide but fit nicely with the 5/5" backspace. Proper backspace is key on the front and rear to get everything tucked in. There aren't any clearance issues either with the rear tail pipes. The exhaust shop tightly fit them around the contours of the fuel tank and rear coilovers.
And pics.... Rear tires are pretty wide...and still fit nicely in the rear wheel well.
I am sorry I confused you..the red convertible is NOT my car.. it’s the look I am after with regards to filling up the wheel well and seeing a fair balance of rubber & wheel..my car is not lowered..
mine has 6 piston wilwood brakes and 12.19” front rotors..therefore the 17” wheel..
but again, I think I have my answer..thanks
Great thread here, just wanted to ask another question. Anybody using REV WHEELS 109 CLASSIC SERIES MAGNUM - 17X9 - 5 - 5X4.75? These rims follow the SS1 theme , allow for more rubber on the road and seem reasonably priced. I will probably use a 245 40/R17 tire but wanted to see if anybody had an opinion on these.
Great thread here, just wanted to ask another question. Anybody using REV WHEELS 109 CLASSIC SERIES MAGNUM - 17X9 - 5 - 5X4.75? These rims follow the SS1 theme , allow for more rubber on the road and seem reasonably priced. I will probably use a 245 40/R17 tire but wanted to see if anybody had an opinion on these.
You do realize that a 245 tire isn't really "more rubber", right? I run 275/60-15s that have a lot more rubber. A 9" wide rim is probably overkill for a 245 tire.
Thanks Joe, i didnt (rim/tire novice) and have been reading up on the internet this AM (crash course on rimes/tires). But would like to hear if anybody has these rims as they seem real good.
I run 245-50-R17 Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on 17x8 polished American Racing Torq Thrust rims (4.5" BS). This size was essentially a direct-fit replacement for the 15x8 TTs on 245-60-R15 tires that I used to run - i.e. no change in overall diameter, thus no speedometer correction issues.
I researched REV wheels before choosing the AR's, I just didn't get a warm enough feeling from them in the end but that's not at all to say they're bad. I just ultimately stayed with a more familiar brand.
I run 245-50-R17 Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on 17x8 polished American Racing Torq Thrust rims (4.5" BS). This size was essentially a direct-fit replacement for the 15x8 TTs on 245-60-R15 tires that I used to run - i.e. no change in overall diameter, thus no speedometer correction issues.
^^^THIS! This is a great example of figuring out the correct tire size. The original tires were F70-14s, about 26.25" in diameter. The 245/60-15s are 26.57". The 245/50-17s are 26.65". All of those are close enough that speedo calibration differences will be in the noise (especially when you consider that radials have more flexible sidewalls than the original bias ply tires, so the effective rolling radius for the radials is even closer to the OEM tire). The 245/40-17 that was asked about is small for a Honda Civic at only 24.7" diameter. It will be lost in the wheel openings.
I'm running Schott 18" SSIs. They are expensive but really well made. Lots of tire options in 18s and allow for bigger rotors if you ever want to go there. 18x10s front on 265/40s and 18x11 rears on 305/40 drag radials. Some recent pics:
