Hi, everybody. Just bought a 1966 Malibu and found a great deal on a set of 17x8 Chrome Bullit wheels. They have a +30mm offset and by my reckoning I think that would be about a 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 inch backspacing. Please correct me if I am wrong. By reading It looks like I need about a 5 inch backspacing. Is this going to be close or will using a 3/4 inch or so spacer work? Any feedback on this and Tire selection would be appreciated.

I did my research on my tires here (http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/brochure/info/helpDeskHome.jsp) . Lots of information learned.

Originally posted by TomLzzz:
Hi, everybody. Just bought a 1966 Malibu and found a great deal on a set of 17x8 Chrome Bullit wheels. They have a +30mm offset and by my reckoning I think that would be about a 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 inch backspacing. Please correct me if I am wrong. By reading It looks like I need about a 5 inch backspacing. Is this going to be close or will using a 3/4 inch or so spacer work? Any feedback on this and Tire selection would be appreciated. Let's see if I can get this right this time. An 8" wide rim with "0" offset will have approx 4.5" of backspacing - (1/2 the width plus about 1/2" taking the wheel lip width into account). A +30mm offset is about 1.18" giving you a total of 5.68" backspacing.

I have 5" backspacing on my 67 (with 17" ARE 200S wheels) and have no problems and could probably go as far as 5.5" or maybe even 6". It'd be great if you could beg/borrow a wheel to test fit to ensure you have clearance for things like lower shock mounts. Again, I know I have plenty as the shock mount would actually be inside the rim on the backside on my 17's but probably would hit a 14" or 15" wheel.

I also have 255x50 on the rear but could have gone to 275x50 or 285x50 or the equivalent in a 40 or 45 ratio aspect. I have quite a bit of clearance on the fender lip. A 1/2" or even 3/4" spacer would put the tire out a little further and might even look better filling up the wheel well. As you are looking for spacers, be aware they aren't cheap. There are two types I've seen. One is simply a thick piece of aluminum with the holes drilled for multiple bolt circles such as these (http://www.pitstopusa.com/images/ALLALUMINUMWHEELSPACER.jpg) - BTW, not designed for street use. These require longer studs in your axles to compensate for the spacer thickness. The second type bolts to your existing studs and has its own studs to bolt the wheel to like these (http://www.4x4review.com/products/suspension/spacer2.jpg).

Cost is one factor - about $35.00 a pair vs. $130+ a pair. They're also illegal in many states for highway use. Probably nobody would ever know unless you broke down on the road and your friendly police officer noticed them.

Dale, Thanks for the reply. It helped a lot. I think it helped reinforce the thought they will work. I am going to give them a try.