1967 Firebird with ZR-1 wheels. . .same as Steilow's Red Witch. . .wheel spacers?

[atomicjoe23]

I have a 1967 Firebird and I just scored a set of 5-spoke ZR-1 wheels with rubber for a great deal. . .they weren't what I was going to run, but I've always liked those wheels and the price couldn't be beat. They are not the 11's in the rear so I don't have to worry about mini-tubbing for now. . .I'll wait until I'm ready to get the wheels I want and have my 3-link with Watt's link sorted for the rear before I mini-tub.

These are the same wheels that Mark Steilow ran on his 1967 Camaro, Red Witch. . .does anyone know if he had to run spacers on the fonts for clearance? If so, thickness? I don't have the DSE control arms like he did, but they are on the to buy list though. I do have taller spindles with relocated steering arm mounting locations ordered and they should be here Friday.



I'm going to be pulling everything this weekend and installing new Energy Suspension polyurethane suspension bushings, aluminum subframe mounts, new spindles, new Timken bearings and oil seals, disc brakes (from drums), and new coil springs. . .I'm ordering new shocks and a new front anti-sway bar Thursday as well, but they probably won't be here in time for the weekend.

Just wondering if I will need spacers so I could some ahead of time and save some down time. . .trying to get set-up for an Auto-X event on the 25th; I may not get the rear end upgraded in time, but if I can get the font done I feel I would be adequately set-up to enjoy the car on the course.

Thanks for any help.

[Buryingthesun]

Because there are so many variables in suspension systems I think your best bet would be to get the wheels and tires mounted up and determine on your own if you will need spacers or not and if so how thick. I've seen stock for stock cars fit differently.

EDIT: I love those ZR-1 wheels on first gens, I remember a blue 67/68 with them and they looked perfect.

[tflyboy77]

^^^^Second that.

[atomicjoe23]

That was my plan. . .I was just hoping to get a little heads up on what to potentially expect, but I see what you mean. . .

. . .if I do need them I'm going to machine my own hub centric spacers out of 17-4pH since this car will see very heavy track use. . .

[Buryingthesun]

Please post up some pics! I love these wheels

[atomicjoe23]

I should have them ready to go on this weekend. . .I'm replacing all the suspension bushings, aluminum subframe bushings, taller spindles, disc brakes, and high rate coil springs tomorrow. . .new shocks show up Tuesday, but it will be next week before I get the hub centric spacers made. I will have to take a bunch of measurements before I can even start machining them, and I will have to have everything else mounted up before I can take any measurements.

[srh3trinity]

Purely a guess, but from having looked at c5 wheels before, I think you will wind up running a 2 inch or 2.25 inch adapter. Mount them and measure.

[68Formula]

I should have them ready to go on this weekend. . .I'm replacing all the suspension bushings, aluminum subframe bushings, taller spindles, disc brakes, and high rate coil springs tomorrow. . .new shocks show up Tuesday, but it will be next week before I get the hub centric spacers made. I will have to take a bunch of measurements before I can even start machining them, and I will have to have everything else mounted up before I can take any measurements.

You'll be amazed at the handling difference with the new setup.

Since you can machine the hubs yourself, when taking measurements I say go on the too-thick side to be conservative. It's easier to remove material then add. Sometimes, measuring once, and cutting twice isn't such a bad idea.

[atomicjoe23]

That's kinda what I was thinking too srh3trinity. . .thanks for the input.

[WILWAXU]

This thread should help answer some of your questions:
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...1st-gen-Camaro