I have a '69 conv. that I (ultimately) plan on lowering 2" (minimum). Here's the thing...., I would like to put 19's or 20's x 10" on the back and 18's or 19's x 9" on the front. Has anyone done this, or seen it done yet? Just wondering what sort of inner fender/wheelwell/wheel-lip issues this could raise?
Would I be correct in thinking that the wheel diameter is a non-issue, as long as the overall diameter of the wheel/tire combo is roughly the same as stock? If that is true, then I could compensate for the overal height by adjusting the tires series.

Have you ever seen a Chevelle with 19's or 20's? It is a look that doesn't work too well. I would stay with either 17's, 18's max, in order to have a tire with enough sidewall that the rim doesn't look out of proportion. Around here there are several Chevelles with 17', 18's, and 20's, with the right size tire the two smaller rim sizes work, the 20's don't. Good luck.

Steve R

Actually...., no..., I haven't seen a single 'velle with 20's. I don't suppose you would know some links where I could check'em out myself?? BTW, thanks for the input.

I think you can find something under G-machine or pro-touring. I have seen some sites in the past, but don't know the exact name.

Steve R.

This is what 18s look like in the front.
http://groups.msn.com/ProjectGatTagO/coiloverinstall.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=47

Here is a shot from the rear.
http://groups.msn.com/ProjectGatTagO/coiloverinstall.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=47


Andrew

Yeah, I've seen those pics from other posts - very nice wheels, with a great overall look.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Autodata:
Actually...., no..., I haven't seen a single 'velle with 20's. I don't suppose you would know some links where I could check'em out myself?? BTW, thanks for the input.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, here's a 68 Elky with 18's on the front and 20's on the rear - http://www.bull-enterprises.com/dalesplace/htm/friends_cars/friends.htm



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TC Gold #92/ACES #1709
67 SS & 67 Elky
GR8PMKN (http://www.dalesplace.com/images/chevelle/more_pics/p001182.jpg)

Dale's Place (http://www.dalesplace.com) Team 67 (http://www.team67.com)
Midwest Chevelle Regional Governing Council (http://www.midwestchevelles.com)
Integrity: If you have it, it doesn't matter - If you don't have it, it doesn't matter.

Hmmmm.... I like the 20's, but being able to compare them to the 18's, side-by-side....., I just don't know now? I have to wonder how those 20's would look if the back of the car were sitting lower. Guess I'll have to play around in photoshop a lot before I go spending $5000 on a wheel/tire combo (Canadian funds... :-( ).

Hey, Andrewb70, is that your Lemans that you posted? If so, can I have your old wheels and tires?

(The ones in the shot of the freshly E-coated body up on the trailer)

[This message has been edited by zombie1974 (edited 09-03-2002).]

Anyone got more pics of 18-20s? I think with a level vehicle they might look a touch better...

Oh yeah.... The front wheels on the Elky aren't 18's - they're 17's (according to the write-up under the pictures). That 3" difference between front to rear wheel sizes is possibly another reason those 20's look disproportionate.

Ha, i know this isnt exactly the look you are going for, but when i went to pick up my tranny a few weeks ago, i saw this, and just had to take a picture.


Chevelle with spoked 20" Daytons (http://chevelles.com/showroom/Matt_Leuck/hahavelle20s.JPG)

I laughed til it hurt. Then i cried. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif
I think you should go no bigger than a 17/18 combo. Anything else will just look too out of place.

-Matt


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1971 Chevelle (http://chevelles.com/showroom/Matt_Leuck/IMG_0075nSmalln.JPG)
383 stroker, 200-4R (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/mattleuckassemblyhanging.jpg)
Soon to be 383 / Tremec 3550 5spd (http://chevelles.com/showroom/Matt_Leuck/TREMEC3550nSmalln.JPG)

AIM :MLeuck1651, Stroked71Bowtie
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
Mario Andretti.

If that was car was solid black, I think it would look alright IMHO.

There are several 'uglifying' factors with that ride... One is that it's a 4-door... - NEVER mod a 4-door... The next is that hideous paint scheme. And next is the fact that wheels that large need to be tucked up into the wheel-well more. In other words..., the car isn't sitting low enough. If I had to guess tho, I'd say he probably had a hydralic kit in it, and that it was at that height to be driven around town. And the final problem is the wheel design itself - too many spokes - should only be on a large truck or a Caddy IMO.

Buy a honda

...ahhh.....the witt is flowing now...

Autodata, when i was driving behind that car, i could see shocks, so i doubt it had hydraulics. Either way, with 20's they will not tuck enough to look good without cutting into the car. There is just too damn much wheel to deal with.

I still think that 17's and 18's are as big as you should go. Maybe some Fikse FM5's (http://fikse.com/images/1.gif) or some Fikse MAG's (http://fikse.com/images/mag.gif). http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif

-Matt



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1971 Chevelle (http://chevelles.com/showroom/Matt_Leuck/IMG_0075nSmalln.JPG)
383 stroker, 200-4R (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/mattleuckassemblyhanging.jpg)
Soon to be 383 / Tremec 3550 5spd (http://chevelles.com/showroom/Matt_Leuck/TREMEC3550nSmalln.JPG)

AIM :MLeuck1651, Stroked71Bowtie
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
Mario Andretti.

I have seen this picture (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/tempwheels.jpg)of a Chevelle with I'm guessing 20's.

My 68 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/fc17) has 17"s. My tires are 25" tall. The 235/15's were 26.
First of all decide what height of tire your car lowered will be able to allow. You may be able to go w/ 20's but keep in mind give your car some sidewall. It will appear better and will save your expensive rims from impact.

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SS396 (http://chevelles.com/feature/feb2000.html)
17" wheels (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/fc17.jpg)

[This message has been edited by mild68ss (edited 09-14-2002).]

[This message has been edited by mild68ss (edited 09-14-2002).]

With the right rim on a Velle 20s look good. A car's look is a personal thing and if some don't like it oh well. Autodata, a company around here called Intro makes some billet 20s that I like. that 65 conv on their site won best of show at the Super Chevy show a few years back. Definately one of the nicest cars I have seen. The photos don't show the interior www.introwheels.com (http://www.introwheels.com)

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The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.
--Humphrey Bogart

Team Chevelle Gold
1965 406 6speed
1998 Tahoe LT 4x4

[This message has been edited by David Nafarrete (edited 09-15-2002).]

Mild68: that link didn't work for me.
I think this is your car, right? http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/fc17.jpg (BTW, nice ride)

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Ron Cook TC Gold #1276 ___ ACES #5136
1969 300 Deluxe HTSS396 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/bow_tied4.jpg) The L35-325HP 396cid (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/bow_tied3.jpg) 69 Memory Lane (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/bow_tied.jpg) 1971 Malibu 2DR HT (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/bow_tied_71Malibu.jpg)
CanAm Chevelle Club (http://www.canamchevelles.com)
2003 Northern Chevelle Gathering (http://www.angelfire.com/folk/canam/page35.html)

After reviewing the pics that you guys have provided (BTW...thanks!), I've decided that 20's are too large for this particular application, and the overall desired look.
I've decided on an 18" front & 19" rear.
As for the personal taste issues that have arisen in this thread....., they're just that - personal opinion. It's great that everyone has different / varied choices & that manufacturers are caterring to virtually all of our unique and varied tastes.

To get a better idea of why I asked about the large wheels in the first place, and to understand where it is I'm going with my 'Velle...., just pic up a Super Rod or Street Rodder mag. Some may not like those cars...., but I do - and that's the sort of vehicle I intend to build. Rake, Stance, Wheels & Tires play a HUGE role in accomplishing that dream for me.

MATT - sweet wheels!
MILD 68 - those look great!
DAVID - thanks!

BTW - I ordered my Eibach lowering springs yesterday!! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

What's wrong with fixing up a 1972 4door chevelle. I have plans on putting a big block in mine in the near future.

Already have ford 9", 4 wheel disc, and hotchikis suspension with a mild 350 http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Autodata:
There are several 'uglifying' factors with that ride... One is that it's a 4-door... - NEVER mod a 4-door... The next is that hideous paint scheme. And next is the fact that wheels that large need to be tucked up into the wheel-well more. In other words..., the car isn't sitting low enough. If I had to guess tho, I'd say he probably had a hydralic kit in it, and that it was at that height to be driven around town. And the final problem is the wheel design itself - too many spokes - should only be on a large truck or a Caddy IMO.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, 20s just don't look right on muscle cars for some reason. I saw a really nice black 68 SS at Super Chevy Indy with those same wheels as the above mentioned 4dr. It looked like a Hot Wheels car. Like a cartoon.

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my 67 droptop (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/mychevelle2.jpg)

Interior (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/interior.jpg)

big block (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/motor.jpg)
-------------------
Dad's 67 droptop (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/dads67.jpg)

Chad - at the end of my post you're referring to, you'll notice I put IMO (in my opinion). My opinion has no bearing whatsoever on what you plan to do with YOUR car. Do whatever it is that makes you happy with your ride, and have fun with it! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Oops...could someone please delete this post. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/redface.gif

[This message has been edited by Autodata (edited 09-17-2002).]

Chevelle - at the end of my post you're referring to, you'll notice I put IMO (in my opinion). My opinion has no bearing whatsoever on what you plan to do with YOUR car. Do whatever it is that makes you happy with your ride, and have fun with it! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Autodata (edited 09-17-2002).]

I didn't see the IMO, my bad. Just funny how just about everyone says to me.. Why fix up a 4 door? Just gets old after awhile if you know what I mean. Just trying to figure out why every says don't fix up a 4door. Besides it not looking AS good as a 2door.


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Autodata:
Chevelle - at the end of my post you're referring to, you'll notice I put IMO (in my opinion). My opinion has no bearing whatsoever on what you plan to do with YOUR car. Do whatever it is that makes you happy with your ride, and have fun with it! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Autodata (edited 09-17-2002).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not many people do, do up a 4-door? It's a rare sight. Perhaps the reason many people (including myself) wouldn't do it - because it's just not the 'norm'??
Like I said...., build what makes YOU happy. I'm convinced that nearly any car, 2-door or 4-door, CAN look good - as long as it's done well. IMO, the 4-door pic from this thread was not done as well as it possibly could have been. But that's just my opinion. I'd love to see that same car without the graphic design (notice the bowtie on the trunk?), sitting lower, with smaller / different wheels on it. THEN I, and others, might like it.

BTW....I can't believe the interest this thread has?!?! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

That is one of the main reasons as to why I am fixing it up. My goal is not to totally restore it to original. But I want to have a nice little sleeper on the street. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif The car was giving to me by my Grandmother when she had no more use for it. The nice thing about that is I know the complete history of the car since they bought it new in 1972, and my father did all of the work on the car. Although the body has some dings and a dent in the right rear, it looks pretty good IMO. Im going to the track this weekend to see what it can do. Ill try to get some pics of it and what time it ran if you would like to see it.

Dang, I didn't mean to make such a long post.. Oh wells...

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1972 Chevelle 4 Door
350
Ford 9" w/ 3.70 gears
4 Wheel Disc
Hotchikis 1.5" lowering springs.

Sure - I'm always up for seeing pics of cars! Even better when they're in action... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
Oh...., and take satisfaction in the fact that yours is at least running - mine doesn't even have a motor in it at the moment http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

I have to keep it running, it's my only car right now. Once I get done with school (Jan.) I'll have a second car and the real fun will start on the Chevelle. Shooting for low 11's on the street http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gifThen that will probably not be fast enough ahahha

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Autodata:
Chad - at the end of my post you're referring to, you'll notice I put IMO (in my opinion). My opinion has no bearing whatsoever on what you plan to do with YOUR car. Do whatever it is that makes you happy with your ride, and have fun with it! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Oops...could someone please delete this post. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/redface.gif

[This message has been edited by Autodata (edited 09-17-2002).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did I miss something? Not sure why you felt the need to single me out here. Perhaps I should have said "looks like a cartoon, IMO."

As for the 4 dr, I didn't say anything bad about them. I just sold a 66 4dr hardtop that until it got loaded on the trailer, was destined to be black with 18" Torque Thrusts and a 402.

Not getting pissy or anything. Just confused. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif



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my 67 droptop (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/mychevelle2.jpg)

Interior (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/interior.jpg)

big block (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/motor.jpg)
-------------------
Dad's 67 droptop (http://www.mdesignstudio.com/chad/other/dads67.jpg)

Chad - I posted your name by mistake, and then edited it to say 'Oops..., could someone please delete this'. Not singling you out - wasn't even meant for you, just got the wrong name. Sorry for the confusion.

It's all good. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

I managed to stuff some 20 inch irocs with 295/45 rear - 275/30 fronts on a 72 elco. I get many compliments around my area...I guess its because its something dif- I still dont understand why most chevelle/el camino owners talk smack and are narrow minded about wheel diameter

IMO,

The reason that so many Chevelle owners talk smack about such large tire combos, is that they are so big that they look funny... Remember, The Chevelles are 30+ years old, and drastic attempts to make them look like much of the newer "poser" cars (ricers, lowered 4X4s, etc) will really look strange...

IMO, they are like the stickers/wings/6-inch exhausts you see on many ricers... They serve no purpose other than purely looks... And anyone that knows performance theories realizes they would likely decrease performance...
By the time you get to that size wheel, the tire has to be very short (or the whole combo will look too big for the wheel wells). You get to the point that from a driveability and performance standpoint, the 18s, 20's + are actually reducing the performance of the vehicle (too short and stiff, bending wheels, etc)... Sure, some like the looks, but if they actually decrease the driveability and handling, they will look funny.

I also think that most of the bigger rims are usually quite narrow for the diameter...

Its all about perception... Most of the people with the large diameter wheels seem to think that the bigger the wheel, the better, while others, (especially most classic owners) look from a different aesthetic point of view, that takes into account the proportion of the wheels to the lines of the body...

Everybody is somewhat narrow minded about their opinions, too a point...

Autodata said he didn't like that 4-door with the 20-inch Daytons, or the paint job... but someone liked it enough to do that...

Don't get me wrong, I have seen some cars with bigger wheels and tires that look okay to me, as well as (dare I admit it) some ricers that look cool, but for my taste, some of the mods are just unrealistic...

I like the "showcars", but I prefer very nice driven cars over the high dollar magazine... Show me a show winner that was put together with $$$ by some company, and show me a second place car that was built by the owner, and actually driven, and I will choose the driven car...

I like cars like Andrewb70's GTO, because the wheel/tire package completements the car, and not dominates it...

[This message has been edited by 1966_L78 (edited 11-08-2002).]

Oops...already answered this one.

[This message has been edited by Dale McIntosh (edited 11-10-2002).]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Autodata:
Oh yeah.... The front wheels on the Elky aren't 18's - they're 17's (according to the write-up under the pictures). That 3" difference between front to rear wheel sizes is possibly another reason those 20's look disproportionate.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes,if I had it to do over again(and I'm planning a new Elky project now),I would use 18" front wheels with 20" rears. 18's all around would look great too if you used something like a 245/255 front tire with a 295/35/18 rear tire. Yes,my old Elky was too high in the rear because I had not yet changed rear springs when it sold.
Since I also own a Callaway Aerobody ZR-1 with 18" OZ's,I really like the steamroller look(it has 285's on the front and 345's on the rear). A wheel that has always really intrigued me is the Halibrand Kidney Bean. PS Engineering can make me a 17x9 front and 17x11 rear wheel. With those,I could run a 275 front & 315 rear tire. Anyone running a similar combo? Anyone running a mondo tire/wheel combo with air suspension?
Clint

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jr71c:
I managed to stuff some 20 inch irocs with 295/45 rear - 275/30 fronts on a 72 elco. I get many compliments around my area...I guess its because its something dif- I still dont understand why most chevelle/el camino owners talk smack and are narrow minded about wheel diameter<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I bet your 72 looks great,JR.
It seems 50% of the Chevelles and El Caminos out there either have Ralley or Cragar SS wheels. Such original thinking,huh. Poser car? Many quality streetrods are going to the large diameter wheel look these days.
Some of you guys are still lost in the 60's and 70's with your taste in mods. That's cool but don't turn up your noses at people that try to stretch the envelope. What a boring hobby this would be if every car looked the same.

What I was meaning by a "poser car" is one thats not practical for everyday use... Sure there are guys that do run 18s and 20s everyday, but how many of those guys have bent rims because the tires are too short and stiff, or they have to slow to a crawl to avoid obsticles... They just aren't practical. The wheel wells of a car will limit how big of a tire can fit, and that will limit the wheel size...

I agree that rallys are very prevalent today, but the polished Torque Thrusts are almost more common...

Not meant to bash those that push the envelope (of either performance or looks), just that many these days are going beyond what is reasonable... Its not because I am "old Fashioned", but I like to think its more because I am an engineer and I analyse things... I look at things and if they look out of place (kind of like huge rear wings on front-wheel-drive cars or wide rims/narrow tires like the low-riders or neon lights under a car or huge exhaust tips when the actual pipe is much smaller), it makes the car look laughable... Please don't take me wrong, I like to read through the low rider and sport compact magazines, because some of the cars are absolutley incredible... Just a few aspects I don't understand... I put larger diameter wheels and tires to not only completment the looks of the car, but to actually increase the performance and driveability of the car. Big brakes, big wheels and tires, shifter exhaust mods, they all have a purpose...

As for the street-rods using bigger and bigger rubber, true, but alot of these car modify the wheel wells so there is a sense of proportion. They also usually add larger brakes that need larger wheels... They don't just throw on any old set of big wheels becuase its the new trend...

To put big wheels on a car that complement the design and lines of that particular car, yes, that is pushing the envelope (and definitely nothing wrong with that), but just putting huge wheels on to be ahead of the trend, thats not...

I am looking to put 17 or 18-inch wheels on my Chevelle and relower the car, but I haven't decided which style wheels I want... Sure I currently have rally wheels, they have been on my car for 8+ years. They may be common (too common) on these old cars, but at least they don't look out of place...



[This message has been edited by 1966_L78 (edited 11-12-2002).]

The 'current trend' isn't why I was considering running 20's on my car. The 'current trend' was, however, what PROMPTED me to at least CONSIDER them.
You see...., proportions and scale are a major driving force behind the asthetics of an overal design. Just take an old rod for example - chop the roof to make the entire shape of the body 'flow' better - fit larger rims and/OR tires, again to compliment the proportions of the body.
Like older rods, our cars have fairly large wheel well openings. It was for that reason that I will being going to a larger than stock diameter wheel and a lower profile tire - although NOT 20's anymore, they're just too large for MY taste.
Let's face it, a tire is a 'working' part of a car, and it's rare to actually want to see such a part of the vehicle exposed for all to see. Rims are much more pleasing to the eye than a 75 series wall of black. Tires can enhance ride quality, but they can also hinder performance. Also, if the owner of said vehicle is willing to make a compromise on comfort in order to gain an edge in the performance department, then that is his/or her decision - no one eleses.
Many performance cars, such as the C5, have little or virtually no 'gap' between the tire and the wheel well opening. As car guys, this 'look' instictively tells us that, that car handles well and has little body roll. Some Chevelles on the other hand look like trucks that have had a car body dropped onto the frame - they sit VERY high, and have a reverse stance (high in the front, low in the rear), and have comparitively tiny wheels & tires in rather large openings. If you're going for an accurate restorations, then that's completely fine, and totally acceptable - because it's 'right'. I am looking for a more modern interpetation tho - hence the larger wheels with lower profile tires and a lowered suspension.
All the above was just my rant, and my opinion - hope I didn't offend anyone.

Thanks clint!
Autodate- The ride is excellent and the tire combo looks good. The wheels are 9.5 inches wide and handleling didnt change one bit. I was surprised because the car sits at stock level and the wheels stuff in perfectly withought rubbing

I can understand the concern about wheel damage on 18" to 20" wheels. However,I have been running 18" wheels on my ZR-1's for over five years & 25K miles w/o any problems.
A 68-72 Chevelle or Elky rear wheelwell can handle a 31" diameter tire. A 295/40/20 tire has a decent sidewall and is 29" tall. If you want to stay with 18"s or 19"s,a 345/35/18 Michelin or 345/30/19 Michelin are both around 27" tall. Trust me,you would need to tub the car to use either one of those tires but anything smaller than a 315 would easily fit a lowered car. The most important factor to consider is the correct backspacing. If that's not correct,forget about making the big stuff fit.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
69 El Camino
91 Callaway Aerobody ZR-1