I'm picking out a new set of rims and tires for my '71 Chevelle. I wanted a 15x10 rim for the rear but some people have said thats too big, i should go with a 15x8.5 and if i do go with one of these rims what backspacing do i need? I want to put as wide a tire on as possible without tubbing the rear and without any rubbing at all. What do you suggest? Also what should i get for the front. I have a 245/60/R14 tire on the front and i like the handling, i want to keep that size tire on the front, but how wide of a rim do i need? Thanks for your help.

In general you'll need a rim with backspacing slightly over half the rim width. An 8.5" rim with 4.25" to 5" backspace is a good choice to get it centered in the well. This size will work well with a 275-50 tire and gives you 9.5" tread width and 11" at the widest part of the tire. Some guys have gotten a 295-50 tire to work with this wheel size but it's a really tight fit.

A 15x10 rim is do-able, but tight, with 5.5" backspace. Depending on the tire size, you might still get some rubbing. Several people have rolled up the inner lip on the rear fenders to make this work.

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Bob Von Kaenel
70 SS 54k orig miles
My car. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70front.jpg)
The red interior. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70interior2.jpg)
The engine. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70engine.jpg)
Hood trim. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/baristasgirls.jpg)

The biggest tire I have seen on the rear of a 70-72 chevelle without a modified wheel well is a 275/60 this is what I am using on the rear of my 72 chevelle I'm using a 15x8 weld draglite rim with 4.5 backspacing this fits perfectly and I have had no problems with rubbing. For your front wheel I think a 14x7 should work fine.

Here is a pic of my 71 Chevelle with a 15x8 witha 4.5 BS Weld superlite. I have 285/60 McCreary street/strip tire mounted on them. They fit very snugly even with the car dropped.
Brian http://photo.starblvd.net/~CHELK/2-1-2.jpg