62 with Mag Wheels

[Gary E.]

Could any members that have a 62 with after market wheel and tire combos that work well without alterations to the car please help me. I would like to put American mags with radials on my car,and was hoping that someone could help and take a lot of time out of the process of what will work and what won't. I would pefer to stay with 15 inch all the way around and have the speedo calibration, and fit be accurate as well. I hope that this doesn't offend anyone, it's just a preference I have for the street in looks and handling . The hubcaps and steel wheels are going into storage for the judging days. Thanks for the input in advance.

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 with Mag Wheels

Gary

I run 215/70/15 Radial T/A's on the front and 235/70/15 on the rear all mounted on 7 inch Chevy Rally wheels. To keep the speedo calibration accurate you need to run the same diameter tire as came on the car. If you run too big a tire up front it will rub not to mention steer a bit harder. Rear has a lot more room for bigger tires but again to keep speedo accurate you need to be concerned with diameter of tire. Exactly what is it you are after?
Terry

[Walter B.]

Re: 62 with Mag Wheels

Gary,

I own a few sets of early American 5 spokes in both magnesium and aluminum. I have been able to fit both 6 and 7 inch wide wheels on my '61. The 7 inch has the outer rim in essentially the same location as the 6 inch wheel, with the difference in overall width being taken up on the inside. The thing that sets Americans apart and gave them appeal was that they had more positive offset than standard steel wheels, so the wheel/tire combination appeared to "fill up" the wheel well more. Beware though, the rear tires may rub, unless you are willing to grind the reinforcement on the inside of the wheel well.

Have fun with what ever you decide. Hope this explanation makes sense without the benefit of a diagram.
Bert