I just purchased a set of 15x10 wheels for the rear of my 72 chevelle. I bought them with a 5.25 backspacing. I plan on using a 295-50-15 tire with those wheels. I do NOT want to modify the wheel wells in any way shape or form. Any commentary on this combo would be greatly appreciated. Maybe one of you have tried this combo?????

It's going to be very close with that backspacing and tire size. Any particular reason you didn't order the correct 5.5" backspaced wheels?

I really dont think you will get by with that size tire. 5.5" of backspacing is an absolute must if you want to run a 10" wheel with 295/50's

I run a 15x10 with 5.5 BS, 295/50's and I get a slight rub going over bumps. Every car is different but I'm willing to bet you will get tire rub on the wheel opening. You probably would be safer with 275/60.

You can see pics of what a 295 tire looks like on a 71 by visiting my website here: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/adamlym/chevellepics.html

adam,
do your tires rub on the inside or the outside of the wheel well?

Your tires are going to rub on the outside if you plan on running 295 tires with the 5.25 BS (back spacing). Chevelles can take a lot of beef out back however, the combo has to be exact in order to prevent any damage to the tires, fenders, or shock towers. Clint44 is correct in wondering why you didn't get 5.5 BS. I just recently purchased Weld Pro Stars and tires for my 71 however, I did a lot of research here on Team Chevelle prior to purchase. If you really want that Pro Street look with 295 tires take the 5.25 BS wheels back before you mount any tires on them and get 5.5 BS.
You can see pics of my 71 at: Russ' 71 Chevelle (http://imrussman.tripod.com)
graemlins/beers.gif

I was going off what a friend of ours said worked on his 70 with 295's and he said 5.25. I didnt know about this site yet so i ordered and had the wheels custom made to that offset. Called today and the wheels are in, so looks like ill be rolling that outer lip :(

hey russ, just wondering what rims with backspacing and tires you are using. That is the exact look I'm looking for. Great looking car!! Thanks for the help. Also any mods to your fenders or any rubbing!! Thanks again!!

The wheels are Weld Pro Stars. The fronts are 15 x 31/2 with a 165R15 tire (Volkswagon Bug). The rear is 15 x 10 with 5.5 BS and BF Goodrich TA radial 295/50/15 tire. I have lowered the front end even more since I took the pics for the web site. I'll try to change the pics today. I took a ball bat and rolled the inner lip (easy to do with air shocks) however, I really didn't have to. I have no rubbing anywhere.
Russ' 71 Chevelle (http://imrussman.tripod.com)

Bad,you might have to drop down one tire size to get everything to fit right. A 275/60/15 would be a good place to start.

i figure i should be alright with a set of gabriel hi-jackers in the rear???

anyone?

nobody?

As you might have surmised by now,none of us think jacking up the car for tire clearance is the way to go. That stuff went out in the 70's.

does anyone have anything to say other than if they think it will fit todays "look"? That doesnt mean anything to me, all I need to know is if it will fit.

I think a couple of people have already said it, but I'll chime in and agree. It's very doubtful that the 295's will work, unless you roll up that inner lip. Even then, you're going to be close. I would not recommend using air shocks to solve this. You'd be asking for trouble, not to mention a really sucky ride quality. But hey...roll that lip and run em', with some good regular shocks. It will look great that way!

yea you think the hijackers will bring the ride quality down?

putting air shocks on will make ride harsh.... not to mention the turning (wallowing) lean problems .... I'm not sure about you but I like my cars to do everything well :D & jackin up the rear to clear tires DOESN"T help handling !!but hey its your car ... make it how YOU want thats what this hobby is all about graemlins/beers.gif my 2 cents says roll the fender lip & keep car as low as possible JMHO graemlins/waving.gif

no rubbing problems if i roll the lip you think?

IMO, I believe that you will still have rubbing problems with a 295 tire even if you roll the lip. I have 295 tires with a 5.5 BS and I have absolutely no room for error. A 275 is the largest that you can go with a 5.25 BS and you may still have to roll the outer lip. You can put the high-jacker shocks on it to lift it, it's your choice. However, you will have handling problems.
Russ' 71 Chevelle (http://imrussman.tripod.com)

i have 275's now with plenty of room without the lip rolled... im gonna shoot and hope they make it... ill let you all kno

Since you are determined to run 295's with that backspacing,may I make a suggestion? Buy the cheapest 295's you can find 'cause you're going to chew them up,anyway.

determined is a good way to put it, others say stubborn... i figure if people are using 295's with 5.50 backspacing and they arent rubbing, if i roll the lip then im sure i can make the extra .25 that i need? make sense??

Good luck. Hope it works out for you.

thanx