Style has nothing to do with proper fit. It all comes down to one factor;correct backspacing. On a 64-65,to run a 15x8 wheel,you need at least 4.75" backspace in the front and 5" in the rear. With those numbers,you can probably squeeze a 275 tire on the rear and maybe a 245 on the front. A 255/60/15 tire is close to 27" diameter,way too tall for the front of 64-65,IMO. I wouldn't run anything taller than 26" on the front. On the rear,a 28" tall tire is about max. I know most of you don't like taller diameter wheels but they actually make it easier to fit big rubber due to their shorter,stiffer sidewalls. The taller the sidewall,the more room you have to allow for flex and therefore that limits the possible width. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino protourer http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm http://www.lateral-g.net/members/hooper/ "You may find me dead one day in a ditch. But by God,you'll find me in a pile of brass."
----- Original Message ----- From: Devin Dan- How wide the wheels you can run depends much on the style you choose. Most any 15x6 will fit, but 7s can rub and 8s usually have to be custom made. Years ago I had a set of 15x7 rally wheels all the way around on my 64 with 255/60/15s on them. The wheels were 70’s era Monte Carlo wheels, the most common, with 4.5 inches of backspacing. Never had a problem with the wheels, but the front end was lowered a couple of inches and I could either hit a dip or turn, but not both at the same time. The rears fit fine with room to spare. Most aftermarket 15x7s will not have this much backspacing though. Most are set up with a deep dish in the front, so they look nice and wide but will not fit early a-bodies. Depending n the disk brakes you have in mind, many 14” wheels will not fit, but rub on the caliper. I currently have a set of 15x6 steel wheels on my car I bought from the boneyard a few years ago. I have 225/75/15s on them with a white stripe. I like the look they give with original 64 center caps. I also have a set of 15x8s for the rear with 28x9” slicks for the dragstrip. I had them custom made for me by Pete Paulsen. In order to fit a wheel that wide you need 5” of backspacing. Devin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Daniel De Smet Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 8:06 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Chevelle-list] 64 Chevelle tire & wheel question I am hoping to get the body done and painted this summer. I am going to put some wheels on it when it gets done. I am debating on keeping 14" or upgrading to 15" wheels. I do not care for the big wheel craze so 15's are as big as I would consider. What backspacing is proper for the 64 in stock configuration? I would probably stay with 6" wide wheels. How wide of a tire can I put in the rear wheel wells? I am also planning on installing front disc, will the factory front disc brakes fit under aftermarket 14" wheels? I am thinking about either Weld draglite's, dragstars or American torq thrusts unless someone has any other ideas of what would look good on a 64. Thanks for the help Dan 1964 Chevelle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Refi Now: Rates near 39yr lows! $430,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo - Calculate new payment -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.1/690 - Release Date: 2/16/2007 2:25 PM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.1/691 - Release Date: 2/17/2007 5:06 PM
