Bought a 1 owner 71 big block 2 weeks ago. I am having some minor work done to the car since it has been sitting for awhile. Previous owner had 245-70-15 on front and 245-80-15 on rear. I replaced with 255-60-15 all around. The space between the top of the tires on the front to the lip of the fender is about 2 fingers space. This looks fine to me. The space between the top of the tires on the rear to the lip of the fender is about 7 fingers space. This does not look fine to me. Why is this?
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Re: Jacked up 71
Tom You need to get under the rear and see if you have a glass or steel spring and how many leaves it has. If their are clamps around the leaves and the total length of the two bolts on each end.Post this information and someone can help. With 60 series tires the front may be a little low but the rear is too high. LyleLyle
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Re: Jacked up 71
Thomas-----
First of all, I've never heard of a 245-80-15 tire size.
As far as the difference in the spacing between the front and rear tires to the fender lip, does the car sit level or does it evidence a "rake". If it sits level, then I suspect that the spacing is just "natural". If it sits with a "rake", the I expect that some modifications may have been made to the suspension to accomodate the rear tires that were previously on the car, whatever actual size they were. The first thing that I'd check is the rear spring outer bolts. These should be a bolt of about 6-1/4" length with a thread length of about 3/4".
One other thing: 255-60-15 tires may seem to fit alright. However, this size may cause interference with the fenders during certain steering or suspension deflections. You should check this carefully to avoid the possibility of damage.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Jacked up 71
Thomas,
Like Joe said, clearance can be a problem with a 255/60-15. A 245/60-15 is nice but hard to find, so many go with the 235/60-15 or take their chances on the 255.
Check the rear tires where they come close to the emergency brake cable on the trailing arm. On the Corvette aluminum slots, you will clear. On Corvette Rally wheels, you may rub.Comment
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Re: Jacked up 71
Thomas:
I also have a '71 big block, a coupe. Mine is stock, with original tires. I can put 2 fingers (index and middle) on top of front fender and just over 2 fingers on top of the rear fender.
Measuring the tire height (26 1/8), properly inflated and sitting level. My fingers measure 1 5/8ths wide together.
I would think your car should have a height from ground to apex of both front and rear fender to be approximately 28 inches.Comment
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