Min backspace on a 67 FRONT rim

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Chuck

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Discussion starter · #1 · Aug 7, 2005

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I am using 15x7 Corvette style ralley wheels on the front of my 67 SS. They have a 3.75 inch back space. When I have two or more people in the car and I hit a bump the front tire side wall scrapes against the inside edge of the fender. Yesterday I changed from 235 60 to 225 70 series tires to get a little narrower and taller profile.

I am also considering changing the front wheels to new ones with a larger back space. A 4 inch and 4.5 inch back space is available. I'd rather go with the 4 inch back space to preserve as much front side depth as possible but I don't know if that is sufficiant to clear the rub.

Anyone have any experience with this on a 67 Chevelle?

Thanks
Chuck

 

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sinned

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#2 · Aug 7, 2005

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Hey Chuck, my 67 with 16X8's had 5" of b/s and was dropped about 3". Granted I ran no inner fenders for clearance but never had a problem with the outer fenders rubbing. Tires were 255/50R16's. I would say a wheel with 4" of b/s would solve your issue, if you are just rubbing slightly a 1/4" would make all the difference.

 

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Chuck

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Discussion starter · #3 · Aug 8, 2005

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I agree. I was looking for confirmation. Others are welcome to comment if you have specific experience with a 67.

Thanks Denny. We really ARE going to have to go to lunch. I'll buy!!!
Chuck

 

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67chevelle-rms

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#4 · Aug 8, 2005

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i ran 15x8 with 4" bs with 235/70 tires on the front of mine, never had any issues

 

Clint44

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#5 · Aug 9, 2005

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67chevelle-rms said:

i ran 15x8 with 4" bs with 235/70 tires on the front of mine, never had any issues

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Normally that combo will cause clearance problems but the front end of your 67 looks pretty high.

 

Clint44

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#6 · Aug 25, 2005

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Chuck B said:

I am using 15x7 Corvette style ralley wheels on the front of my 67 SS. They have a 3.75 inch back space. When I have two or more people in the car and I hit a bump the front tire side wall scrapes against the inside edge of the fender. Yesterday I changed from 235 60 to 225 70 series tires to get a little narrower and taller profile.

I am also considering changing the front wheels to new ones with a larger back space. A 4 inch and 4.5 inch back space is available. I'd rather go with the 4 inch back space to preserve as much front side depth as possible but I don't know if that is sufficiant to clear the rub.

Anyone have any experience with this on a 67 Chevelle?

Thanks
Chuck

Click to expand...

A 225/70/15 is a tall tire,Chuck. Does the tire rub on turns,driveways,or straight ahead bumps? How bad is the rubbing? Minor noise or is it marring the tire? The inner to outer fender bolts have a rather large head that can contribute to the problem. You can swap them out for some buttonhead fasteners. I solved a minor rubbing problem on my 69 Elky by doing this.
Are you sure your front wheels are 15x7's and not 15x8's? Something does not compute here as your combo wouldn't seem to have this problem. When the car is sitting on level ground and the tires pointed straight ahead,how much clearance is there between the inner fender & bolts and the tire sidewall?
Wheels with more backspacing will most likely solve the problem but just want to touch all the bases,first.