[fusion_ta66]

I am getting around to the time to get some wheels and tires for my 65 chevelle SS 2dr. I really like the look of 69/70 SS rims. I was wondering if everyone who has a 64 or 65 could fill me in on how wide of tires you can fit in the rear and what rims and backspacing you have used. I was also wondering if "rolling the lip" on the quarters is a good idea and how many of you do it. I really need to get my power to the ground. I will be running a 475 horse 454.

I really could use some help here, any advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Also, it is a 12-bolt rear end....is that any different than 10 bolt for tire and rim sizes that will fit?

thanks in advance,
Joe

[This message has been edited by fusion_ta66 (edited 05-30-2001).]

 

[SS 327 65 malibu]

I put 15x8's with 4 1/2 inch backspacing on mine. 5 inch backspacing should work fine too. I did roll the lip on mine. But I didn't need to to fit the tires I have on there now. I did it so I could get a 10 inch slick back there one of these days. I have been told by a few people that a ten inch tire is about all you can get back there with out some kind of tubing.

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SS 327 65 malibu
SF CA
1965 SS
There is Nothing like An SS Made your way
65 SS Chevelle

 

[Al Haas]

I had a friend with a '65 who fit N50 Pro-Tracs under his. He rolled the outside lip and did a little massaging to the inside wheel wells along the frame rails with a hammer. Not the most politically correct way to fit them but it did work and you couldn't tell he did it from the outside.

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Al Haas
'72 Elky

 

[fusion_ta66]

Thanks for the responses guys,
I was just wondering how beneficial rolling the lip is? Is it reversible and can you keep the chrome trim on the wheelwells when you roll the lip? How much more clearance do you think you gain? Also, I think from all that I have picked up here, 5" backspacing would be optimum, do you agree? Do you guys have the same backspacing on the front as on the rear?

Any more 64/65 owners with some input?

thanks
Joe

 

[harleighguy]

Fusion,

I don't think you'll be able to put the trim on with rolled lips as the trim has a flat portion that snugs up against the flat lip and then the screws go in to that too. I'm sure a rolled lip is reversible, but might over fatigue the steel if bent too many times and crack. I run a 275/60 15 on 15x7 rims with 4.5" back spacing and no rolled lips... does rub a bit on the inside against the frame in hard turns otherwise is ok.

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'65 Maliblue 406SBC/PG TC #811
'94 Camaro 1LE (original owner)
'97 HD Softtail Springer

 

[Rich-L79]

I can't add much on the wheels size and backspacing issues, but rolling the lips could probably only gain about a 1/2-3/4 inch per side maximum.

The lip could be rolled WITH the trim piece being rolled as well (this had been done, by hammer, on a parts car I had once) but it would likely distort your trim somewhat.

I'd think your best bet would be to leave the lip as is and do what you can to fit the tires with the space you have, especially if you are concerned with rolling and un-rolling the lips. Just don't go nuts and radius the wheel opennings!

 

[fusion_ta66]

harleighguy, do you think that you would have more room with a 5" backspace as opposed to 4.5"?

Also, would 8" wide rims leave me less room than 7" wide rims?

I am trying to figure out what backspacing will give me the most room

thanks
Joe

 

[65elcamino]

Check out my signature for my 65 Elky. I have 255/45R17s rubber on the rear and 235/45R17s up front. These are mounted on 17X8 with 5" BS front and rear. I have not rolled the rear wheel lip and use the trim. I have 3/4" outside and 1" inside clearances. I have lowered the back 1/2" and the front 1". I used hotchkiss lowering springs up front and stock springs with 1/2 coil cut off for the rear.

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Brian TC#1092, ACES#4374
My Garage
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1964 Malibu SS Convertible (Restored Garage Queen)
1965 El Camino (Current project)
1974 Midget (Next project, maybe)
1981 Corvette (Daily driver)

 

[Hotrod65SS]

I have 15"x8" Chevy Rally wheels with 5" backspacing on the rear of my '65 Chevelle with 255/60 Radial T/A's. I could put larger tires in the rear and wouldn't have a problem with the fit. There is about a 1" spacing between the outside tire wall and fender lip, and almost that much spacing between the inner tire wall and the frame/body. I have a 12-bolt rear end and nothing rubs. Be sure your car has new rubber or poly rear suspension bushings to keep the rear axle from having any side to side motion under hard cornering. I also have a 7/8" rear sway bar that helps to stabalize the rear axle and eliminate any rubbing while cornering.

[This message has been edited by Hotrod65SS (edited 06-01-2001).]

 

[Greg 65 SS]

245x14 on 7" VERY OLD slotted E.T. mags I rolled the lips on mine use a Hi Lift bumper jack, and dropped the air pressure down to 5 lbs or so to get them in, getting them in is were the real problem occures most of the time.

 

[harleighguy]

I might gain some extra clearence with 8" rims and 5" BS. the 275's are a bit bowed across the middle of the sidewall. They do look bitchin though~ However I have a set of 71/72 SS wheels going on soon and am going to lower the car so a set of 245's will go on in the back to allow me to drop the rear over the wheels a bit
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'65 Maliblue 406SBC/PG TC #811
'94 Camaro 1LE (original owner)
'97 HD Softtail Springer

[This message has been edited by harleighguy (edited 06-01-2001).]