[fusion_ta66]

I just came to the realization that I probably wont be able to fit any good tires on the back of my 65 chevelle with 3.73 12-bolt posi. What sizes of tires can I fit without making major changes to the car?? Also, does anyone have a recommended offeset and spacing to get optimum tire width? This is driving me crazy thinking I won't be able to get any of my power to the ground!!!! Please help!

PS I also posted this in the wheels and tires section

thanks a lot guys,
Joe

[This message has been edited by fusion_ta66 (edited 05-24-2001).]

 

[72sselcamino]

Go back to tires and wheels and search back a few weeks. I can't remember who, but some really smart guy actually started a list.

You have to go to his web site. Hope this helps.

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http://72sselcamino1.tripod.com/calscaminos/

 

[jeffc]

I have 275/60R 15s on my 65. I believe the backspace is 4 3/4 or 4 1/2. I know a guy who runs 295/60R 15s without a massaged wheel well lip. You'll have to make sure the body is centered to make it work and changing tires is not pleasant.

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Got Chevelles?
Jeff Carpenter
65 Chevelle/65 Elky
67 Elky Project
Team Chevelle Gold #61

 

[fusion_ta66]

72ss and Jeff, thanks for replying! Jeff, what rims are you using on the rear of your chevelle? Do you have any pictures? Also, do the tires rub when you take corners and did you have to do anything to the car to make it fit, or did you just bolt up the rims and voila!?

thanks,
Joe

 

[jeffc]

I'm using 15" Rally wheels. I believe they were from a Monte Carlo. I don't have a picture from the back, but the picture in my signature is with the 275s. They are tall, so you might want a different profile depending on your gear. My vert is in storage right now while I'm putting an Elky together.

I put new body bushings in, so I centered the body when I changed them out. I'm also running on all new poly suspension bushings front and rear. No rubbing at all, but I have never had anyone in the back seat.

I would recommend going to your local tire shop and have them measure. Good Luck!

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Got Chevelles?
Jeff Carpenter
65 Chevelle/65 Elky
67 Elky Project
Team Chevelle Gold #61

 

[cperrell]

I have also been wondering how much wheel / tire I could get under my 65. I am hoping to go with 16 x 8 torque thrust or similiar wheels with 245/50 all the way around. right now I have 15 x 7 w/ 225/70. The main thing I would be worried about is changing the rears. right now, I have to do a lot of shoving to squeeze them past the drums.

jeffc, how do you get the back one on your car? Do you have to do anything special to get them on?

On a different topic, JEFFC, I am thinking about changing my body bushings. Did you use rubber or polyeurthane? Did they change the ride / handeling compared to the old ones? I am trying to stiffen up my chassis (it shakes a lot when going over bumps). I am wondering if poly body bushings will stiffen up the body without causing it to ride to rough.

thanks,



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Charles Perrell
[email protected]
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

 

[jeffc]

Charles,

I don't have to do anything special to get the back wheels on, but I do jack it up on the side frame rail. I'm not sure I could do it if I jacked under the axle or under the pumpkin.

I bought my body bushing kit from PST and I believe it was Polygraphite. I'm not certain, but I believe it was. It rides great!! I didn't drive it before I rebuilt everything, so I don't have a great comparison, but the ride now is much better than any of my other cars (2 other 65's, a 67 Elky and a 68 Camaro). I don't know how to describe it other than solid. The body bushings did seem to raise my car a little, and with a convertible you will have to replace (I believe) 14 body bushings. I greased mine up really good and I have never heard a squeek from that car in the last two years.

That was part of my reason in suggesting measurements on the tires because of the difference the body bushings will make. New bushings will probably change the way your car sits on the frame (more than a few of mine were gone or half rotton). If it were me, I'd replace my bushings before I ordered tires - If I were going to replace bushings anyway. Also, check the placement of the body on the frame. Whenever I go to shows I check it out, and you wouldn't believe the number of cars that aren't even on their frame!

 

[Greg 65 SS]

I have 245 70 on my 65 just let the air out like down to 5-10 lbs and push.