[Udnudn1968]

OK, probably a dumb question, but will ask it anyway. I have 17" wheels with my front discs on my 64 Chevelle. I am hitting top lip of front wheel well when I hit a dip. Not much, but I don't like it. Too late to return wheels, so I was thinking if I could machine off about 1/2" of material off the surface that the wheel studs go in and inside back of wheel mounts to, so I get a little more backspacing on the wheel and a half inch more inward in wheel well. Obviously would have to shorten studs to normal length. Is this doable or am I just doing a little wishful thinking?
Thanks for any ideas you guys might have.:yes:

Steve

 

[thunderstruck507]

1/2" is a lot of material to remove willy nilly from the mounting area of a wheel, if the wheel flanges are extremely thick and high quality it might be ok, but cast aluminum wheels..I wouldn't even consider it

 

[-SS454-]

I agree with Kevin, 1/2" is a LOT of material. Also by doing that, you bring the brake calipers closer to the spokes which may cause interference.

 

[novaderrik]

Either roll the wheelwell lip or put more camber into the alignment to tuck the top of the wheel in. This might cause the tires to wear out faster, or it might make it handle better without extra tire wear..

Skinnier tires might help, too, and stiffer springs would limit suspension travel.

 

[amx364]

You got the wrong spec rims. You are not the first to do this, I have once. Either put the rims on another car or change rims to correct offset and sell the other rims. It will cost you money either way and you will not do that twice, I hope.

 

[Philip]

Both the wheel and rotor have been designed to work properly with the thickness of the castings as they are. Removing material from either may weaken the part causing failure and damage to the car (or worse) that would cost more than buying new wheels with more backspacing.

I once enlarged the holes in a fan by 1/32" and it came apart going through the hood, fan shroud and every hose in its path.

 

[Udnudn1968]

Sounds like I better not even try this! The car is out of alignment for sure, so I guess I will get that done this Spring. I put big block springs in the front when I put in the motor last Spring. They didn't feel that stiff at all. What type spring that would be stiffer would you guys recommend. Granted I don't want it to ride like a truck.

Thanks for the help guys!

Steve

 

[72ragtop]

Not that familiar with earlier cars, but the 70-72 have a bolt that holds the inner fender to the fender right at the top center of the wheel opening that is often a source of interference. Switching to a button head socket bolt, or leaving that bolt out often solves, or helps, clearance issues.
Jim