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Since I likely won't buy those US Mags wheels due to ridiculous prices, I would like to know what others have done for modern wheel choices on a build that is not factory stock, restomod if you will. The questions are
1. What is out there that is not too ridiculous in price, but is reminiscent of SSII or SSIII wheels in a multitude of size and backspacing?
2. What is the widest rim tire combo on the front and on the back of A body 1968-1972 that will fit without mods and won't rub?
Thanks guys/gals, I am back on working on the '70 S.
If you like the look of the SS II/IIIs then you might consider buying a used set. Even a set of basic Cragars or Eagle Alloys like I have on my 71 98 will run you $500. Hopefully you'd be able to get a set of SS wheels cheaper.
What I am leaning towards is a 9.5" width rim on all 4 corners. Probably 18" diameter. I just need to figure out backspacing/offset and what tire will be ok in the front as the rear probably has more space. The car will be lowered too with some UMI hardware.
9.5" is more than you need on the front. You want as close to zero offset as possible. Clearance obviously depends more on tire section and diameter than anything else. Most 18" tires are smaller in diameter than the OEM tires on these cars. Shoot for something in the 26.5" outside diameter range.
Ya, I am shooting for close to original outside tire diameter of around 26.5". Maybe a 255 tire on a 9.5" rim. I need to get one of those wheel fitment jigs...
I'm running custom Schott wheels that look like SSIs on my 71 442. These wheels definitely do NOT cover your "not too ridiculous in price" request but the details on the size and BS may be helpful. On the front for the street are 18x10 w/6"BS and 265/40/18s (26.3") no rubbing full lock to full lock or mods needed with the right sway bar. But I also have AFX spindles, 1" drop springs, and 13" rotors. A stock setup could require a slightly different BS but it would still be around 6" + or - a 1/4". Safest way to find the perfect BS for your setup is with one of those BS tools as you mentioned. How far your car is lowered matters and how tall the tire is matters. For example I had a 255/45/18 tire up front on an 18x8 and it would hit the sway bar on the inside at full lock. The problem was this tire was 27.1" tall. The taller you go and the lower you go, the skinnier you have to go on the wheel/tire combo especially w/o mods.
I also have a set of 315/30/18s on 18x11s for the front for autocross but they will require heavy mods for them fit including a different custom sway bar, fender mods, and inner wheel well mods. The only way this works even with all the mods is because that tire is so short at 25.4".
Great info from the Joes! Thx guys, I think I am gonna go with an 18x9.5 w/5.75" BS and a 255/40R18 tire (26.0") tire. There is a Firestone Firehawk Indy that I like in that size.
I'll see if I can borrow the wheel sizing tool from a friend of mine who runs a Discount Tire here in town.
If you'd consider used...I'll be selling these once my new American Racing wheels arrive from back order. They are not perfect though, and the price would reflect that. They are in no way intended to look like an Olds wheel, but the painted spoke centers do resemble argent SSII wheels.
Forgot to respond to you Mr Nick! Thanks for the offer, but I really want to get something close to those US Mags wheels. The US Mags wheels in 18x9.5 are "only" $1075/ea. I could justify this if I can make measurements and get them under there with the correct offset/BS. Otherwise, I'll be on the lookout for some like the ones on my silver car in my sig.
Thanks all!
If you're open to an SSI style, check out US Mag Bandits. It's a retro Pontiac wheel, but very close to Olds as well. Also, REV Wheels 109 Classic Magnum.
The Year One wheels are nice, but only available in 17" sizes.
The Bandit U109 is a cast aluminum (not forged) wheel with a smooth lip; in 18x8 is about $300ea. from Summit. It looks a lot like the Olds SSI wheel; I have them on my car and modified the retainers for the SSI center caps to fit. Here's some pics.
Rodney
18x8 245|45R18 on the front and 18x9 285|40R18 on the rear.
Well damn, these really look good. I could paint the centers gold to match the interior and the eventual gold rallye stripes.
Thanks for this! 17s look good on all the rides in that thread you linked. And great price in comparison to those US Mags LOL.
And they look period correct too.
Well damn, these really look good. I could paint the centers gold to match the interior and the eventual gold rallye stripes.
Thanks for this! 17s look good on all the rides in that thread you linked. And great price in comparison to those US Mags LOL.
And they look period correct too.
The pictures on the website aren’t great but after seeing that thread they are definitely on my short list now. I prefer the exclusively Olds SSII/SSIII look compared to the SSI/Magnum style used by Chevy, Buick, Ford and Dodge.
Now I am having trouble deciding between the chromed version or the powder coated version...
Of which wheel? Inventory is horrible right now, last week American Racing told me they have no ETA for the 18x8 front wheels I have on back order since Feb. Looking at Summit racing, there is almost nothing in stock.
Powder coated is probably the way to go if you plan on painting them gold. Whenever I get around to ordering some I’m going with the powder coated also, they look closer to the originals.
