wider tire and rims

[Don B.]

I'd like to run wider rear rims, but don't know what size above 6" will clear the wheel wells on my '64 coupe. If a wider rim (say 7" or 8") can be accommodated, what would be the appropriate tire size?? I intend to keep the front rims at 6" and all rims at 15" in diameter. If anyone can tell me what the stock rim back-spacing is, it would be appreciated, too.
TNX, Don

[Terry D.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Don

The stock rim has a 7/16 offset according to my 67 parts book. GM measures offset from center of rim to back of mounting holes. This is a 5.5 inch wide rim.

Don't know how big you are planning to go, but I run 7 inch ralley wheels (9/32 offset) with 235x70x15 Radial TA's on the back of my 64 Coupe and there is plenty of clearance.
Terry

[Gary C.]

Re: wider tire and rims - 205R75x15 max

without hitting the inside front fenders. Any larger sizes will hit the fender. Gary....

[Terry D.]

Re: wider tire and rims - 205R75x15 max

Gary

First he is talking about rear rims. Second I run 225x70x15 Radial TA'S on the front of my 64 Coupe with no clearance problems.
Terry

[Don B.]

Re: wider tire and rims - 205R75x15 max

Terry & Gary -

Thanks for the inputs. I currently have 215x70x15 tires on 6" after-market knockoffs and wish to change to TTDs which is why I'm asking about widths, tire sizes and offsets. My original thought was to maintain 6" wide fronts and go to 7" in the rears since the HP has been raised with a new engine.

Terry: Are you running 7" wide rims all around??

TNX, Don

[Red63SW]

Re: wider tire and rims

Don,

I read on the Corvette Forum recently that 15X7 torque-thrusts fit just fine on a mid-year with 215/70/15s. Hope this helps.

Chris

[Don B.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Thank you, Chris. Yes, all opinions help and the more the better since I don't want to make an expensive mistake. Although the American Racing web site suggests that the appropriate size is 6"x15", I'm sure the company is limiting its liability by not suggesting larger widths.

Don

[Red63SW]

Re: wider tire and rims

Don,

I understand. Wheels aren't cheap! I'm going with 15X7 Torque-Thrust Ds on my coupe. I like the old-school look they give the car and by my measurements and the research I've done, they should fit fine.

Here's the thread I was referring to. The white coupe owned by Cobra66 is the one with 15X7s. On page one of the same thread, there is a white coupe (revupL78) that runs 15X6 Torque-Thrust lookalikes also with 215s (I know they are 6s because I asked him). It looks good, too.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=thrust

Chris

[Don B.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Chris -

That's the 'look' that I wish to achieve on my coupe while increasing safety. I have been told by more than one local vette expert that knock offs are risky, even when 'pinned' as mine are. So, I have a good excuse for investing another grand on the '64.

Thanks for the link and additional info.
Don

[Paul L.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Don,
I have the AR Torq Thrust IIs in the 15 x 6" size. According to AR the backspacing is 3 3/8" and the offset is +1/8". The tires are 215-70s. Things come together very nicely as seen in the side pic. I too have read that 7" wheels will fit but I would worry about them. I will post a second pic in a minute or so showing the fender clearance.

The AR IIs are custom made and I don't know if you can return them.

[Paul L.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Sorry about the size of that pic. It should have been reduced. And there is no edit function here! In any case here is the fender clearance (suitably sized).

[Don B.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Paul -

Thanks for the info which helps to make educated decisions on my part. Your '67 is a beautiful example and I've always liked the way the TTDs looked on 'sporty' vehicles.

I thought that TTD2s were chromed (as opposed to TTDs which are painted aluminum). Did you have your TTD2s painted??

Judging by the last picture, I'd guess 7" rims might work fine in the rear, but it might be wise to keep to 6" rims in the front.

GReat looking ride, Paul.
Don

[Paul L.]

Re: wider tire and rims

Don,
My wheels are not Ds, they are Torq Thrust IIs. That is a two-piece wheel with the spoked section mated/welded to the outer section to give the dimensional specs for the vehicle application. The specs I gave above were recommended by American Racing (AR) for my 1967. Fabrication and delivery time was 8-9 weeks.

The wheel (see pic) is alloy and came with a grey, powder-coated spoked section. I painted that black with caliper paint. Having bought one set of wheels, I am not an expert and do not wish to mislead you re fitment. When I did my homework in 2004 I read that some D wheels (early on) cleared the 1965-67 brake calipers. Later models of D may have not. To further muddy the waters there have been reports that the latest D offerings do clear the calipers. But in 2004 I opted for the IIs, not wishing to take chances. If you look at the spokes in the pic (left at high-resolution at the photo host site) you will note the curve/wow in the spokes for caliper clearance. Other AR wheels have more straight spokes and caliper interference results.

All this verbiage may be irrelevant if you still have drum brakes on your 1964. I do not know if the straight-spoke design will work given that circumstance. Or if the curved spoke design will not. Perhaps others with more knowledge will join the thread.

I would urge you to consult others at cruise days or AR directly before ordering. It was a major expenditure for me and I tried to minimize the chances of disappointment.

I thank you for your kind comments on my 1967!




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[Paul L.]

I'll Try Pic Again *NM*

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[Paul L.]

Re: I'll Try Pic Again *NM*