I need a measurement. I'm going to buy new tires next week, and don't know if I've got clearance to upgrade from 255s to 275s

I need the measurement of the widest part of the sidewall of the tire. Tread-width isn't really a concern, just the TOTAL WIDTH. The measurement needs to be done with it mounted an 8" wheel.

Thanks

I cant tell you what the widths are, but I do have 275/60's on the back on an 8" rally. fits fine. and 255's on the front with no probs.

my combo is a bit screwy. I have a '69 malibu with a '66 olds rear with disc brakes, lowered 1" and TTIIs with something like 3 3/4" BS. What fits for some might not fit for me. I'm pretty close to my fender-lip as it is, so the measurement compared to what I already have is the only way to tell if it'll fit.

well i wont be home till sunday, but i can check it out for you then and letcha know..

I have a 69 chevelle with 295/50x15 on the back
with 8in. cragors,not a problem.

'66 Chevelle rearends are 1" narrower than the 68-72 rearend, so I would assume that to be true for the olds rear. my concern would be with that backspacing. I would say its gonna be close. I have a 68 malibu with hotchkis 1" lowering springs, 275/60s on 15X8" with a 68 rear end, drum brakes, and they fit under the car great, no rubbing.

I am running BFG 275/60 15's TAs on my 66 Chevelle - 8 inch Draglite 4.5 BS Sidewall to sidewall looks to be right at 11 inches.

I've got them also, on a 70 with room to spare. I like 295/50x15's on 8" rims, but not many makes in that size anymore!

The spec you're looking for is called section width.
Go to TireRack's site and look up the tire you're interested in, then click "specs" - they have all kinds of specs listed.

Derek,
Something you could do also is ask the tire store if you could test fit a 275. Most tire shops will mount a tire on your rim and check it... if it doesnt fit, they're still selling you the smaller tire anyway so most of them don't care. They'll do it because they know they have made a sale no matter what and thats what they're in business doing... selling tires! smile.gif
Try it, I bet they say fine.

Derek, My 275/60 BFG's on 15x8 Weld Draglites measure in from sidewall to sidewall right at 11 inches. They are on my 72 Chevelle with a 68-72 Chevy 12 bolt rear and using 4.5"backspacing fit with no problems.

Hi Derek,

I had 295-50s BFGs on 15x8s w/4.5ins. of backspacing on a 70 Chevelle. They fit perfect!
I'm not sure about your 69 Chevelle. I would think there about the same.
Good luck! :D Brian

As Glenn said above.If you go to the web sites for the various tire companies most list the tire section width, which is sidewall to sidewall width in inches. And recommended rim size for each tire size. This may help you with your tire selection. Dave

I have 275 60's on my 70 and they fit no problems. FWIW the widest part of the sidewall is 6.5" give or take a little. That tire is 28" in overall diameter, minus the 15" wheel, leaves 13 inches/2 = 6.5.

i've got tt2's 15 inch and just put BFG radial TA's 275 60's on the back and have about 3/4 to 1 inch clearance on the rears.

Originally posted by Rick Bandy:
Sidewall to sidewall looks to be right at 11 inches. Originally posted by BK72SS:
My 275/60 BFG's on 15x8 Weld Draglites measure in from sidewall to sidewall right at 11 inches. Thanks guys, this is the measurement I needed. I'm currently running 255/60s and it's tight, but I wanted the 275s if they'd fit. It looks like the 275s will be too close. They would work if the rear was perfectly centered, but it's tighter on the right side :(

I'm buying the tires from a wholesale guy at a swap-meet, so test fitting isn't an option. (BTW, my dad is a tire-dealer, and this guy blows dad's prices away :eek: )

This is just a thought, but if it is tight on the right side only, it is possible that the body has shifted on the frame. It might be time for some new body mounts.