65 Pontiac

[gtome]

Does anyone know the largest tire on an 18" rim (front and rear) will fit tucked nice on my 65 Tempest? Getting ready to paint, so I can roll the fender lip etc if I need to. Also need to know what back spacing to use?

[PT Goat]

Without modification, 245/35/18s should fit, but it will be tight on width in the front, and you can go wider in the back if you want. Backspacing is VERY important on the early A-bodies.

[gtome]

Could you recommend the ideal size and back-spacing for fitting the largest tires on? How big can I go in the back? I dont want these to rub, and buying the wrong wheels is an expensive mistake to make.

[gtome]

Ok, I just found a set of TT II for sale locally for $1000. They are 17x8 and have 245/45's and 275/40's tires with 1500 miles (power tour only). Waiting to hear back from the guy on back spacing. What would the back spacing need to be work for me?

[gtome]

Found out that the rear has 6" back space, will this work? Sounds like a lot to me. The guy had them on a 70 Chevelle.

[tripower]

I'm running 245/40-18 front and 255/45-18 rears with 18x8 wheels and 4.75" BS. I could have gone with more BS on the rear with no issues. The 6" BS may work OK in the rear. You could always run a spacer if their too tight. Bust out the tape measure and do some measurements to see if it's close.

BTW, I'm using the stock 8.2" 10 bolt rear end.

Hope this helps. Let us know if they work.

[gtome]

Thanks tri, i figured the fronts would be ok. The backs are actually 7" bs but he has 1" spacers for them. I would be a little scared I think to run a 2" spacer. Maybe I would be better off to pass these up and just get what I know will work. Only thing is, I cant get what I want for $1000!

[tripower]

Only thing is, I cant get what I want for $1000!

Try this guy:

Fast Lane Speed & Rod Shop (http://fastlanespeedandrodshop.com/)

I paid $1200/set for the CL205 TT2's with the grey centers. (18x8 with BS of my choice) He had the best proces I could find. I think the polished TT2's were cheaper.

[teamplex65]

225/45/17 Front on a 17X7.5 wheel
275/40/18 Rear on a 18X9.5 wheel

I had to cut part of the front lip but that for the air ride, you shouldnt need to do that if you dont have air. The rear required a spacers and i want to say they are 7.25" backspacing. Had to "coax" the inner fender in with a big hammer but it doesnt rub at all now. Basically if you get a rear wheel as big as 9.5" deffinetly get a tire that fits good with not much sidewall bulge.

This album has a couple shots of my car with the new tires, but I can take more if you would like?

http://www.c2all.com/pictureshare/default.asp?ID=744-13.22

[tripower]

Very nice car. I'd like to see a few more shots. Thanks!

[teamplex65]

thank you, my vbgarage has a few more.

www.plex.ws has a few but no finished pics yet.

[gtome]

I would really like to put a 275/40/18 with a 9 or 9.5 wide wheel on the back, but would like to know for sure what the bs is before I buy anything. Anyone know for sure what bs fits? I think I will get the Billet Specialties Street Stars.

[teamplex65]

I am almost positive mine is 7.25" backspacing, but i will check again tonight. I have a 12 bolt out of a 67 chevelle. Both sides have different size spacers (3/8" and 1/2" i think )

to measure backspacing it is from the lip on the back to the mounting plat , correct?

If i were you i would go with the 9" which might allow a skinnier tire and cure all rubbing problems. Ill take some pics tonight as well and post them.

[gtome]

Pics would be great. I still have the 1965 10 bolt that it came stock with, that should make it 1" or 1 1/2" narrower than yours, plus the spacers. (cant remember how much exactly) I dont have a problem running a 9" wheel, but I would like to put a 275/40/18 on it and that should be pretty snug in the wheel house. So, I will have to be pretty accruate on what bs I run. Looks like a 5.5 bs would put it real close. Just thought maybe someone here had already done the reserch and found what will work for sure. Thanks for all the help! I would be lost without all the input.