doneugene

Hello,

I have a 1970 442 I am restoring.

I have a lead on some 14x6 rally wheels. I understand this car would have come with 14x7 rally wheels. Do you think there is enough difference to worry about it? I would think for purist restoration I should go 14x7 but I personally am not that concerned. Should I wait for some 14x7's to come up? As well, if I am not going pure stock...ie 14x7, should I go 15x7??

Thoughts?

Thank you!! Don

patshotrods

Don,

Being a 442 I would go with the 14"x7" SSII Wheels. That is what I put on my 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Also the 14"x6" SSIII Wheels have a Snap-On Center Cap that sticks out further than the 14"x7" SSII Wheels with a Bolt-On Center Cap.

oldcutlass

15" wheels have a better following for tire sizes, 14's are extremely limited.

Fun71

Personally, I would skip on the 14" wheels unless you are wanting a "period correct" restoration. If you are going for that, be aware that the early 14x6 wheels (late 60s) have bolt on center caps whereas the later (80s G-Body days?) have snap on center caps.

Below are pics of my old setup (14x7 SSIII wheels, bolt on center caps, 245-60-14 tires) and the new setup (15x7 SSIII wheels, snap-on center caps, 245-60-15 tires).
As you can see, the differences are subtle and most folks won't be able to tell the difference.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ost-yours.html

doneugene

Thank you all for the insight and advice! Great to have a resource like this for research and comparisons such as wheel size. The side by side photos of the 14 vs 15 is great for perpective.

Much appreciated!!

Don

mrolds69

You should state your location. I don't know how much of a purist you are. 1970 SSII wheels should have bolt on center caps. W/o looking, I'm pretty sure 1968-69 SS11 wheels are 14x 6 and have bolt on center caps. Bolt on center cap wheels are pretty easy to spot, vs snap on center cap wheels. If you plan to show the car or points, judges would dock you for that. What you decide to use is up to you. Anyways, there's a lot of those 14x 7's around. I think I have a set or 2 kicking around here (MA) I'd sell. It's possible there's somebody here that's near you has some. In any event, I would pass on the 14x6 and look for at least 14x7's.

doneugene

Thanks again regarding location and interest in finding wheels from forum members!

I am in Tucson Arizona. My interest has been piqued by the idea of 15" wheels and also 14x7 SSII wheels with bolt on caps.

If anyone has some for sale please let me know.

I have not visited the classified area of this site but feel I should head there next!?

My Best, Don

Fun71

Don, there are a lot of Olds Club of Arizona members in the Tucson area. You should consider joining the club as they would be a good local resource for finding a set of wheels, and whatever other parts you may need.

https://azoldsclub.com/

stevengerard

You can also find 15 x 7 bolt-on center cap rims. They were a '73 only option (maybe part of "74) if you want the look of bolt-ons and go up an inch. The extra inch rim also provides a better ride. If yo aren't too worried about it I'd look for the 15 inch snap-ons - those rims are a lot cheaper than the rarer 15 inch bolt-ons

Carsick

I have a 442 that I'm building I want it to look correct but am not a big fan of the 14" wheels. Is there an aftermarket ssll?

Thanks

JohnnyBs68S

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...wheels-140750/

cdrod

If you're looking for better tire selection using modern tires, here's some links to the US Mag website. They sell a forged aluminum wheel in 17"-28" diameters called the Saber U497 that is a similar style to the SSII Olds wheel, and I've seen some pics with an Olds center cap too. US Mags also sell a similarly styled SSI wheel in 17" & 18" sizes in cast or forged aluminum. These rims will accept the stock Olds SSI center caps with a little modification to the retainers. The cast wheel is less expensive and called the Bandit U109, the forged wheel is called the Bandit U304. Here are the links:

http://us-mags.com/saber-u497-w-5714.htm

http://us-mags.com/bandit-u109-w-3303.htm

http://us-mags.com/bandit-u304-w-1318.htm

Carsick

I like the bandits but the ones in the first part take the cake

ericisback

Did the 69 Hurst Olds 442 come with 15x7 SSII’s too (code 890)?