Determining max Tire and Wheel Size

[65 comet]

I have a 65 comet. I've rolled the outer wheel well. I've rolled the inner wheel well inwards...and I've removed (will re-install later slightly inboard) the axle bump stops that were located right at the inner edge of the wheel wells so I've done all I could without doing a mini tub. I've also replaced the stock axle with a ford 9"

Is there any process I could follow (measurements) to determine the max wheel and tire I can install without trial and error with different wheels and tires?

I want the rear wheels to be larger than the front.

appreciate any advice.....g

[Van B]

There is a tool that makes measuring easier. It lets you mount a tire on a fixture and adjust it in and out to figure backspacing etc.

Maybe someone can help find a link to where the tool can be found. I am looking myself for the same thing.

[redss86]

10-26-2005, 12:42 PM
JoeleanLS1 JoeleanLS1 is offline
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 133
Default Just ordered a Mount Mate
Well I finally bit the bullet and orderd a mount mate. For those of you who do not know what I'm talking about it's a wheel fitment tool and more info can be had on there web site http://www.autowaretech7.net/mmhow.html .

I know I have heard a lot of people asking if they can fit a 275 or 285 on the front of there car well know you can find out. I'm just gauging intrest right now (being that I haven't even got it yet) but would there be enough people who would want to rent this tool from me? I don't know how much shipping, or the cost to rent it would be but trust me it would be way below the 500 dollars I payed.

Just send me a pm or repost if you guys want in.
__________________
Stuart Seitz

69 Camaro: LS1+T-56
Reply With Quote

I found this doing a search. Or you could build you one of these home made wheel tool (http://chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/92318/) for a hell of alot cheaper, at least thats what I did.

Good luck,
Joe

[kmcanally]

This is the method I used to determine how much I could stuff under the back of my 68 coupe...Make sure that you consider your desired ride height as this has as a lot of impact on the space. If you want to run real low you might have to run a smaller setup than you prefer. Mount any wheel and tire on the car after taking the following measurements:

- tire section width
- overall tire height
- wheel width (remember that an 8" wheel is actually 9" wide overall)
- wheel backspacing

This works best if you borrow a buddies late model 16" or 17" wheel. You might need to use something as a spacer to get them to seat all of the way because of the amount of backspacing.

Now you can measure off of the wheel and tire to possibe areas of interference like the:

- leaf springs
- feder lip
- inner wheel house

Using the known dimensions interpolate how much tire will fit based on the amount of space measured around the "known" setup. Now go on eBay and buy a junk tire of the exact size you think will fit so that you can mock it it up.

Jack the back of the car up on the rear end housing. Remove the back tires from the car and put the junk tire under one side and check for clearance. Repeat with different sizes as necessary until you get it just right.

Good Luck!

[65 comet]

Great feedback...thank you.....