Re: [Chevelle-list] Tire - Wheel Backspacing

[Clint Hooper]

You want to try to center the tire & wheel combo you're using, in the wheelwell. A common size used on A-bodies is a 15x8 wheel. An 8" wheel is actually closer to 9" wide,measured from outer lip to outer lip. Half of 9" is 4.5". So,zero offset on an 8" is actually 4.5" backspace,not 4". Offset is a little harder term to understand than backspacing as the latter is pretty much self-explanatory. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino ProTourer 2001 H-D FLHR custom bagger http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: John Nasta I can start by attempting to pass on some things I've recently either learned or misconceived about this.   The backspacing is the distance from the outer lip of the rim to the mounting surface where the wheel meets the brake drum or rotor. You can measure it by laying the wheel on a flat surface and dropping a ruler straight down, and measuring from the surface the wheel is on to the lowest point that contacts the brake drum or rotor. So, if you have an 8" wide wheel, increasing the backspace (and thus decreasing the "front space" by moving all of the stuff in the middle outward) can, I presume, prevent the tire from rubbing by moving it a little bit more inward in relationship to the mounting surface of the wheel.   Is that right or am I still totally clueless about this?       -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Steve Haines   Question;   Would someone on the list mind explaining wheel / tire backspacing? Remember on the Chevelle I had in high school when I put bigger tires on I had scraping issues. Especially on the rear. Been reading some posts on Team Chevelle and everyone talks about wheel and tire combinations in conjunction with backspacing. Is this some new stuff? I will probably be changing the tires and or wheels on the car I bought so I though I would start asking now. I believe the wheels on the car now are the stock 14" type SS wheel.   Thanks   Steve Haines Granbury, Texas