Wheels and tires

[Don M.]

I have a non-technical NCRS question: I would like to put American racing, or other similar mag on my Topflite 67 Big block. What 15" wheel will fit? What offset, width, etc, plus what size tire (Radial) will conservatively fit in the wheel well without hitting the fenders,???

[Terry Westrick]

Re: Wheels and tires

Depending on what you want, the Appliance wheels will fit without spacers.

I have 15x7 on my car. I wanted a period correct wheel.

The wheels are not off the shelf, you would need find some.

[Duke W.]

Re: Wheels and tires

The '67 15" x 6" x +0.060" Rally wheels with 215/70s will fit. Any interference with the fender lips can be addressed by moving camber in the negative direction. Front and rear camber up to -1 degree is no problem and will improve steering response and handling.

Some aftermarket wheels will not clear disk brakes - including the vintage TTDs made by American that are SUPPOSED to clear. That's what the "D" meant in the originals from the sixties.

There are other TTD lookalikes that do clear disk brakes. Go to the following Corvette Forum thread and check out Paul's set up including the picture and his comments:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=887347

Duke

[Yoram Leitner #27470]

Re: Wheels and tires

I have a 1967 big block coupe, PG with A/C (nice but not top flite). I put on repro 1968 rallys, 15x7. Uniroyal Tiger Paw radials: 205-75R15 in front, and 215-75R15 on back. These fill the wheel openings and look good, and there is no interference with the body. The 1" wider wheels add a little unsprung weight, but seem to give a more stable ride and slightly better handling than the 6" wheels. Helps the 502HO get a decent launch, too.

[Jim W.]

Re: Wheels and tires

Don, I wanted the period look for my Top Flight convertible so I got 6" Torq-Thrusts custom made by PS Engineering in Torrance, California. They have zero offset and like the original American Racing Torq Thrust D's, they clear the calipers. I went with polished outer rims and natural spokes. They were mounted with 215-65-15 Eagle GA's with no clearance problems. Good luck. Jim Weeks, Member #2978

[Gary S.]

Waaay cool.

Great looking wheels and, yes, they do look correct for the period. Do you have any photos of them on your car?
Gary

[Paul L.]

Re: Wheels and tires

Thanks Duke. I appreciate the advice given last winter. The wheels and tires have performed flawlessly this summer!

[Paul L.]

Re: Wheels and tires

Oops. The pic did not work. Here it is.

[Richard D.]

Re: Wheels and tires

Jim:

Does look nice with those wheels on it!

Rich

[Jim W.]

Re: Wheels and tires

Thanks Rich. Personally, with the Torq Thrusts, it's my favorite look. The car has had real bolt-on's and rally wheels but with these, it captures the '60's street look that I fondly remember. Thanks again, Jim

[Terry Westrick]

Re: Waaay cool. *NM*