If you could run 14-16 inch wheels on your PT/g Machine build without ANY sacrifices?

[tyoneal]

To Everyone:


If you could run a 15 or 16 inch wheels, and not sacrifice large Disc Brakes and "R" compound tires, handling etc., would you choose that option over these larger "HOOPS"?


I personally would like to have "Pseudo-Period" correct looking wheels/tires on my g-machine. To me the Large wheel often become a glaring reminder they don't fit with the classic car styles.


What are your thoughts?


Thanks,


Ty O'Neal

[minendrews68]

Very good question, I am waiting to see what everyone's reaction is on this. I'm thinking along the same lines for my '68 Camaro.

[TheJDMan]

I have entertained the idea of going back to 15" wheels on occasion. But that obviously opens up a whole can of worms with respect to brakes and suspension. Brakes are a known issue and I think a set of surplus NASCAR intermediate track brakes would be the solution. The bigger problem at least for my build would be what to do about my DSE subframe suspension clearance. With the AFX uprights, there is no physical way my current suspension will fit inside a 15" wheel. So that means a new suspension which would be very problematic not to mention pricey. At least for the time being I'm probably locked into my current 18" wheels. If I could fit a 15" wheel I would likely go with the classic Mini-lite wheels popular in late 60's Trans-Am racing.

140884

[slimjim]

I have also gone down the path of 14" rotors tucked inside 19" wheels and I really like the look. I suppose this is partly because I come from an import background where bigger is always better and a similar mentality hangs around 'pro-touring'
But in saying that, I have since come across a single picture of a 69 Camaro running what appear to be 16" weld wheels and small wilwood discs, and something about it is screaming "next project" to me, even to the point I have almost considered selling my large brakes and wheels to follow this path. I think in general a lot of wheels now used are oversized, and finding the perfect fit is commonly missed.
If anyone does choose to use NASCAR brakes, I could probably visit a dozen shops within an hour where I live.

[Build-It-Break-It]

16" I think is an ideal wheel for me. The look would be nascar style or trans am but I'd need 11 to 12" wide and fit 14"front brakes. I forget the speedtech extreme subframe offset needed but that's what I would need.
I love the handling that these cars are now capable of but I'm not really into the wheels offered. Nothing against them but for my personal car old school looks better.

I'm also with Steve on the surplus nascar brakes. If they could be made to fit my spindles I'd switch my brake set up and run a nascar style wheel.

[USAZR1]

I like 17" wheels and really wish tire selection was as varied as 19's and 20's.

[wendell]

JL-8s in minilites

[Peter Mc Mahon]

What are the wheel sizes on your Camaro? Looks good.

[CliffsBlueCamaro]

I've really learned to love 16's. I think they are a very nice balance for pro-touring cars trying to stay somewhat old-school. I really like the way my "medium" sized LS1 discs completely fill the spoke windows. I'm currently in the process of finding new wheels just to freshen things up and get some bigger tires under the car, but I have absolutely considered sticking with 16's - something like a 16x9.5 on all four corners. But, the biggest draw back is the tire selection. I think I will end up with 17's just because there are more tire options.

Front 16x7, 4" BS, 225/55/16 BFG Sport Comp II
Rear 16x8, 4" BS, 255/50/16 BFG Sport Comp II

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/IMG_1835_zps2sduumiv-1.jpg (http://s642.photobucket.com/user/Klaverweiden/media/IMG_1835_zps2sduumiv.jpg.html)

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

I just want a legit set of minilites that fit over big brakes.. I want them VintTranAmShoes.

[Craig510]

Form follows function. At this point the only competitive diameter wheel is an 18. You need at least 10.5" and preferably 12" of width wrapped with 315's or 335's tires. There are a couple of decent 305 19s. Nothing in 20s. 17s limit you to 255 or 275 depending on diameter. 16s max out at 225.

Every top car at Optima events are running 315 or 335 wide tires.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Nope. I think many of these cars look better with larger wheels personally. Like I think 18's fill the wheelwells up so well on cars like my 71 Firebird, and the 71 Chevelle I did a few years back. Some cars like the 66 Mustang coupe I preferred 17's, at it is a smaller car.

I think it's all relative to the size of the car. My current project that I finally got on the road after fighting with it for many years is my 58 Edsel Pacer. It's a boat of a car, and I think the 18/20" Boyd Magneato combination looks badass, and I wouldn't have it any other way, even though I only have Granada front disc brakes, and Mark IV disc rears. Still rides outstanding, and handles much better as well, I can't see any reason why anyone would want to run smaller wheels, other than for nostalgic reasons.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rbohm]

when it comes to wheels, i personally like wheels no larger than 17" on cars, and 18" on 1/2 ton trucks.

[tyoneal]

Given the availability of so many surplus NASCAR brake setups which fit inside a 15" wheel, I think that would be a viable alternative to big rotors. I always thought the mini-lite style wheels like those used in the late 60s early 70s Trans-am cars were an iconic look. I like my current look but if I were to build the car now knowing what I know now I would probably look seriously at surplus NASCAR brakes and mini-lite wheels.
===========================================

How do the NASCAR Brakes compete to other brakes?

What types of pads are available for the street:

What hubs are required to make them work?

What are the street tire choices for them?

[tyoneal]

I have also gone down the path of 14" rotors tucked inside 19" wheels and I really like the look. I suppose this is partly because I come from an import background where bigger is always better and a similar mentality hangs around 'pro-touring'
But in saying that, I have since come across a single picture of a 69 Camaro running what appear to be 16" weld wheels and small wilwood discs, and something about it is screaming "next project" to me, even to the point I have almost considered selling my large brakes and wheels to follow this path. I think in general a lot of wheels now used are oversized, and finding the perfect fit is commonly missed.
If anyone does choose to use NASCAR brakes, I could probably visit a dozen shops within an hour where I live.
========================================
I had some 18 inch on my Camaro for a while and then moved back down to 17 inch mini-lite wheels.

As posted if there was a choice would you definitely run a 16 inch or smaller wheel?

[tyoneal]

16" I think is an ideal wheel for me. The look would be nascar style or trans am but I'd need 11 to 12" wide and fit 14"front brakes. I forget the speedtech extreme subframe offset needed but that's what I would need.
I love the handling that these cars are now capable of but I'm not really into the wheels offered. Nothing against them but for my personal car old school looks better.

I'm also with Steve on the surplus nascar brakes. If they could be made to fit my spindles I'd switch my brake set up and run a nascar style wheel.
======================================

Do you have any good links, sources, or examples you are particularly interested in, or like?

[tyoneal]

I like 17" wheels and really wish tire selection was as varied as 19's and 20's.


There is some new technology that hopefully will be introduced before long that will allow a 14-16 inch wheel without the drawbacks of the one currently on the market. Tire size, width, and type, that you want should no t be an issue.

Then one could maintain the Vintage "Trans Am" / NASCAR Look that is really cool.

I am a fan of the Vintage look and have been working on the problem personally. I think I have the answer and will make it available soon once some of the finer points are worked out. This is the reason I really wanted to get as much feedback as possible, and an idea of what issues/types everyone wanted or issues they had to work around.

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

I just want a legit set of minilites that fit over big brakes.. I want them VintTranAmShoes.


Mr Vengeance:

I'm with you 100%.

Vintage cars whether, stock, rest-mod, Pro-Touring or other, to me always look out of place to some extent unless, there is some unique styling cues on the car where the larger wheel/tire combinations would add to the look instead of looking like they were used because there wasn't any choice other than being forced to use the larger wheels.

Just my .02 worth, hence why I've been working this issue of quite a while now.

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

Love the Falcon!

Your use of the Custom "light" duty limit straps (9000# breaking strength rock climbing webbing) are cool, I don't see them used very often. Great idea!

BTW: Did you do your own pictures of the wheel cut-away on your build site? If you did, it looks really nice. What program did you use to create it?

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

You car is one of the better exceptions where the larger wheels don't stand out, in an overtly unusual manner.

What did you do with your suspension to get the car to handle, other than the wheels?

[tyoneal]

Nope. I think many of these cars look better with larger wheels personally. Like I think 18's fill the wheelwells up so well on cars like my 71 Firebird, and the 71 Chevelle I did a few years back. Some cars like the 66 Mustang coupe I preferred 17's, at it is a smaller car.

I think it's all relative to the size of the car. My current project that I finally got on the road after fighting with it for many years is my 58 Edsel Pacer. It's a boat of a car, and I think the 18/20" Boyd Magneato combination looks badass, and I wouldn't have it any other way, even though I only have Granada front disc brakes, and Mark IV disc rears. Still rides outstanding, and handles much better as well, I can't see any reason why anyone would want to run smaller wheels, other than for nostalgic reasons.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

=========================================

You car is one of the better exceptions where the larger wheels don't stand out, in an overtly unusual manner.

What did you do with your suspension to get the car to handle, other than the wheels?

[Build-It-Break-It]

This is one example. He's actually a member on here. I think his car looks killer on the wheels he's running. The problem is brake size,offset and proper width.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

That is the wheel setup that I am aiming for so I am following along closely. Bassett makes DOT rims in 8 or 10" width in multiple offsets. Tire selection is obviously very limited

[rbohm]

===========================================

How do the NASCAR Brakes compete to other brakes?

the teams use brakes from the same manufacturers as anyone else does, wilwood, baer, etc.


What types of pads are available for the street:

you would have to decide on who's caliper you choose and what pads are available for those calipers


What hubs are required to make them work?

again that depends on the rotors you choose to use. lets say you are building a pro street camaro, and you are NOT going racing. you just choose the rotor you want that fits the camaro hub, as well as the calipers you choose.


What are the street tire choices for them?

what tire do you want to run? its not the tires you should worry about, its the wheels. if you want to run a nascar sized rotor, 12.19" on all four corners, and nascar calipers, six piston fronts and four piston rears, you need a wheel that will clear those brakes, the nascar spec bart wheel for instance. they are generally 15x8+ in size, and have either a 5x4.75 or 5x5 bolt pattern.

by the way, nascar stock cars do not use the same brakes at every track. at tracks like daytona and talledega, they use a rotor that is .810" thick, and pads that are about the same thickness as ones you would find on a street car, though they are race pads. this is because at those tracks they only use the brakes to slow the cars for getting into the pits, in general.

at tracks like pocono, indy, and michigan they use rotors that are 1.25" thick in front and .810 thick in the rear, again mostly because they dont use as much brake as they would at tracks like bristol, watkins glenn and similar tracks, where they use a 1.25" thick rotor on all four corners, and pads about 2 1/2 times as thick as street pads with calipers to match.

[Yukon Cornelius]

I like 17" wheels and really wish tire selection was as varied as 19's and 20's.

I'm with you. I remember reading a few years back that 17" wheel and tire combos were the best in terms of performance vs unsprung weight, better than 18", etc. Now, tire manufacturers are discontinuing 17" sizes. IDK.

[USAZR1]

I just purchased new 18" and 20" wheels and tires. Seriously considered going back to 17's and found that tire selection is still not too bad. But, I plan on running 14" rotors in the near future.

[Curt C]

17's Here

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/ea018becad1e4463af91c605669d3b5a_zpse11c-1.jpg (http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/1curtc/media/ea018bec-ad1e-4463-af91-c605669d3b5a_zpse11c819e.jpg.html)

[tyoneal]

To Everyone:

So far so good, I appreciate all the input, and the pictures that have been posted are killer.

I also, posted a thread that is in the "Wheels" Section of this site. If you have the time to give me some more specific opinions about the wheels you have, or the wheels you want I would appreciate it.

As you know I'm trying to gather information from the users to see if I can get a product launched that might be a good fit for many of us.

The thread in the "Wheels" section of the site also asked about who make the best wheels, in the different manufacturing techniques. (Cast, Forged, Billet, etc.)

There are several questions, as not everyone wants or needs the same thing, nor does everyone have the same amount of money to spend on wheels.

If you have the time take a look at the questions, and feel free to offer as much information as you think would allow you to make your point, as to your wants, likes, and needs.

As well as who does which types of wheels are "Best" in your opinion.

I know there is some overlap in these statements, but I trying to get some very specific information on who I should contact based on the users of the products.

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

This is one example. He's actually a member on here. I think his car looks killer on the wheels he's running. The problem is brake size,offset and proper width.


I remember this car I think.

Wasn't he located on Europe (possibly Northern?)

His tire/wheel combination are simply "Bad Ass" beautiful.

Thanks for posting the photos.

[OldTimer]

Ty... I'm a retired industrial designer, and although I always had a passion for car design, my department head talked me out of it with horror stories about the reality of it he experienced at Chrysler. I wound up in the toy business, and the closest I got to cars were either designing hobby kits or AFX slot cars.

Anyway, I've owned cars with all sorts of wheels from the old Mickey Thompsons and Cragars to those with BBS and FOOSE wheels. Right now I'm driving a '69 Camaro with stock wheel tubs, running chrome rally's until I decide what to do. I think 16" wheels would be great on this car if you could get the right look, fit and performance. So let's break that down.

Look - All of us like a deep lipped wheel, most prefer a staggered width, so if it's a 16" wheel, I'm thinking a 9" or 9.5" wide rear, maybe a 8" for the front. As far as spokes go, I kinda like the five spoke design with each of the five divided in two. We want to see those Wilwood/Brembos and we want heat to escape. I've always been intrigued by the true "staggered" look, meaning say... a 17" front and 18" rear because there's a cool look to that approach... suggests a lot of power. I'm also not a fan of the "rubber band" look. I like some sidewall, and as we increase wheel size and pretty much maintain wheel OD, we decrease sidewall, which affects performance on everyday lumpy bumpy roads which are not near dead flat, well-maintained road courses.

Fit - Of course the 16's will fit standard dual piston calipers and 11" rotors, but it would be nice to know that they would work with a 12" or maybe a little larger rotor. Maybe an easy fit for some certain year Corvette brakes which would make them more attractive. Rubbing is always a problem, so it's important to think about the biggest potential market (stock tubs) and have the backspacing options everybody needs.

Performance - Hard to quantify, but certainly enough space to clear calipers and rotors. Weight... always nice to have lighter wheels. Durability is also important and if you're considering a "hybrid" like an old school aluminum center with a steel hoop, you may want to ensure the hardness of the center. Anodized or powder coated centers, maybe powder coated or chromed hoops.

Tires - One thing that would make me lean to something bigger than 15" would be tire compounds and speed rating. My BFG radials with RWLs look cool but are not terribly grippy, and I think they are speed rated for 115-120 mph? Tire companies can make higher speed rated tires in almost any size for the track, but not for the street. Drag radials are great for the track, but grippy tires like GoodYear Eagle F1's give you decent wear and plenty of G's. Just one example, there are others.

It's been a while but my Porsche 944 had the huge 16" BBS 3-piece wheels with 245/45-16 on the rears, 225/50-16 up front. That car cornered like crazy. So while the Porsche weighs less than the Camaro, I think the right 16" tire could perform well and look great on my current car.

I don't know if you're thinking about a NASCAR/TransAm type steel wheel, or a cast or forged sports car wheel like a minilite... or something else. We don't even think about spare tires anymore, especially with 50 year old muscle cars, mainly because we don't always daily drive these cars. And many of us aren't concerned about getting 50,000 miles out of a set.

Sorry for the long post, but it's an interesting question, and worth a rant LOL.-Mike

[tyoneal]

Mike:

I love your "rant" and the information you relayed to me. The details you gave have been on my mind literally for a decade, especially when they got rid of the 50 Series "Cobra" Rear tires. I tried like help to get their production continued, but without success obviously.

Your story of the AFX Cars gave me a grin, I had a mess of those especially the "Can Am" car. I graduated to the AFX after being hooked on Aurora Slot cars. I could take some of the parts of my Hot Wheels Like the "Zoomies", and the "Stack Injection" and glue those pieces onto my 67 Camaro Aurora Car. It looked awesome, or as they said at the time, "Boss!"

It's sad in a way to think how long I have been enjoying, and modifying cars. On the other hand my wife has been trying to get me into the Automotive Industry full Time for many years as an independent business owner.

Honestly, there has to be something Genetic about the love of cars, I was always getting into trouble sneaking in my "HotRod" magazine into Elementary School, so i know I could have been older than 9 or 10.

I was a "Car Geek" before anyelse I knew, and i got into trouble with the teachers for drawing the old "Sling Shot" Dragsters, and the "ProStock", cars. The Green Monster, The Little Red Wagon, Hemi Under Glass, and of course my favorite, "The Blue Flame", or the "Spirit of America" depending on how I felt on any given day.

When I turned 15 I bought a $500 1967 Camaro and promptly put some 14 inch Cragar SS wheels with some "M/50/14's" in the rear and skyjacker air shocks. It's sounds cliche now looking backward.

I looked at Engineering for College, but went into Finance and got my MBA. My first job was selling Chemicals for prototype Tooling non the Automotive and Aerospace Industries.

The guy at Chrysler that you knew, did he work in "Highland Park" MI.? They were one old business locations, with Ford in Dearborn, and GM in Madison Heights. There were many little shops I went to as well. It was always cool seeing what cars would look like 2-3 years in the future.

The other area I spent my time doing was calling on all the Airplane manufacturers. I remember using all the prepress back in the mid 1980's so while new in the aftermarket somewhat, it is really been around awhile. Did some work for the F-117 fighter, the B-1 and B-2, and well as the constant flow of F-16's being produced, and the F-111'a that were brought back from Israel after being shot all to pieces. The repairs for those sometimes were such you wondered how they got back home.

Anyway spent a bunch of time in the foundry area, with the Drop Hammer, Stretch-draw machines, and the "New " Car Sized Autoclaves. iIt was a blast until 1989 when the "Wall Fell", boy everything came to a screeching halt/ (It was actually a good thing, but bad for the airplane business. Commercial was the bulk of everything after that.

Got into Real Estate afterwards. Now that is the place you make money. It isn't always quite as fun but, it allowed me to "retire" early even though I work everyday. (I like to)

Anyway enough about me, I sincerely hope my Patent does well I truly love the creation part of working on and with cars.

The Wheels you are looking for would definitely be perfect application, and I am going to make a set of killer wheels for my 64 Corvette GS Build whether they catch on or not. I do think however they would be a match for so many of us, that unless they just take a ton of money to make at a production level.

I just don't know yet.

I appreciate the time you took to tell about yourself and your background, it helps me gather more of an idea of the different applications these could be used in, and where, and how deep the market might be.

If you think of anything else please chime in along with everyone else.

Thanks again for the "Rant".

I enjoyed it, plus I hope a bit of background about me will at least communicate to the other people reading, I do have some background in Engineering, and a mind that likes solving problems.
================================================== ==
================================================== ==
I still hope I hear from other people regarding the questions I asked, I think it will really help bring things along quicker.

If anyone has the chance please comment on:


Please consider the following categories in your answers:


What Manufacturer Builds the best Forged Wheels?


What Manufacturer Builds the best Cast Wheels?


What Manufacturer can produce the best Billet Wheels?


What wheel Manufacturer do you think offers the most options, or has the capability of building the most unique Wheels?


What Manufacturer Builds the best Carbon Graphite Wheels?


What Wheel Manufacturer gives the customer the best, "Bang for the Buck?


What Wheel Manufacturer has the highest quality control?


What Wheel manufacturer is best capable of offering a Custom Wheel at a fair price?


What Wheel Manufacturer has the best Customer Service?

What are you opinions of American Racing Wheels?


Is being built in the USA an important factor in your buying decision even if it means you have to spent a bit more money?


All input is greatly appreciated.


I am trying to find out what peoples perspective and experiences, have been with the different Wheel manufacturers, and what do they wish had been different?

==================================================
==================================================
Thanks again for any feedback regarding these specific questions.
==================================================
==================================================


Ty... I'm a retired industrial designer, and although I always had a passion for car design, my department head talked me out of it with horror stories about the reality of it he experienced at Chrysler. I wound up in the toy business, and the closest I got to cars were either designing hobby kits or AFX slot cars.

Anyway, I've owned cars with all sorts of wheels from the old Mickey Thompsons and Cragars to those with BBS and FOOSE wheels. Right now I'm driving a '69 Camaro with stock wheel tubs, running chrome rally's until I decide what to do. I think 16" wheels would be great on this car if you could get the right look, fit and performance. So let's break that down.

Look - All of us like a deep lipped wheel, most prefer a staggered width, so if it's a 16" wheel, I'm thinking a 9" or 9.5" wide rear, maybe a 8" for the front. As far as spokes go, I kinda like the five spoke design with each of the five divided in two. We want to see those Wilwood/Brembos and we want heat to escape. I've always been intrigued by the true "staggered" look, meaning say... a 17" front and 18" rear because there's a cool look to that approach... suggests a lot of power. I'm also not a fan of the "rubber band" look. I like some sidewall, and as we increase wheel size and pretty much maintain wheel OD, we decrease sidewall, which affects performance on everyday lumpy bumpy roads which are not near dead flat, well-maintained road courses.

Fit - Of course the 16's will fit standard dual piston calipers and 11" rotors, but it would be nice to know that they would work with a 12" or maybe a little larger rotor. Maybe an easy fit for some certain year Corvette brakes which would make them more attractive. Rubbing is always a problem, so it's important to think about the biggest potential market (stock tubs) and have the backspacing options everybody needs.

Performance - Hard to quantify, but certainly enough space to clear calipers and rotors. Weight... always nice to have lighter wheels. Durability is also important and if you're considering a "hybrid" like an old school aluminum center with a steel hoop, you may want to ensure the hardness of the center. Anodized or powder coated centers, maybe powder coated or chromed hoops.

Tires - One thing that would make me lean to something bigger than 15" would be tire compounds and speed rating. My BFG radials with RWLs look cool but are not terribly grippy, and I think they are speed rated for 115-120 mph? Tire companies can make higher speed rated tires in almost any size for the track, but not for the street. Drag radials are great for the track, but grippy tires like GoodYear Eagle F1's give you decent wear and plenty of G's. Just one example, there are others.

It's been a while but my Porsche 944 had the huge 16" BBS 3-piece wheels with 245/45-16 on the rears, 225/50-16 up front. That car cornered like crazy. So while the Porsche weighs less than the Camaro, I think the right 16" tire could perform well and look great on my current car.

I don't know if you're thinking about a NASCAR/TransAm type steel wheel, or a cast or forged sports car wheel like a minilite... or something else. We don't even think about spare tires anymore, especially with 50 year old muscle cars, mainly because we don't always daily drive these cars. And many of us aren't concerned about getting 50,000 miles out of a set.

Sorry for the long post, but it's an interesting question, and worth a rant LOL.-Mike

[andrewb70]

Ty,

See my PM.

Andrew

[wendell]

What are the wheel sizes on your Camaro? Looks good.

Those are 15X8 inch minilites.

[OldTimer]

Call me old school, but I think fat, meaty tires _look_ 10 times better than 35 profile rubber bands on these 50 year old cars. At least in my opinion, a 1st Gen Camaro is not a candidate for a low-rider look. It's a very "sporty" looking car, kinda deserves to have some serious rubber on the wheels. I think it's why so many owners still gravitate towards the classic muscle look and 15" rims. I'm not saying 17's or 18's don't work, but I've seen a few 19's and maybe 20's and they don't fit my idea of what the car should have... but of course, it's upmto the individual owner to please himself.

The picture below says performance to me. And with regard to those who like the wheel well "filled" with 90% polished metal and 10% rubber... it still never screams performance like that shot does. Another issue with extreme low profiles is the issue of messing up an expensive rim by hitting a pothole. Here in the northeast potholes are taken for granted like the four seasons. If money was no object, and I could actually find the right tires, I'd be very happy with a 16" wheel, maybe mini-tubs, and gonas wide as possible but tucked 1/4" inside the wheel well. I personally don't like rubber or wheels that stick out so far the springs have to be jacked to keep the tires from hitting.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

old school
meaty tires _look_ 10 times better than 35 profile rubber bands
low-rider
gravitate towards the classic muscle look and 15" rims
it still never screams performance
potholes

You use the same terminology as all the grouchy purists on Facebook that complain anything without rallys or Cragars is posted!

Are you sure you're on the right forum?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

=========================================

You car is one of the better exceptions where the larger wheels don't stand out, in an overtly unusual manner.

What did you do with your suspension to get the car to handle, other than the wheels?

Thanks. It's not designed to be a total pro-touring car, which is why I never mentioned it up till now. It's more of a low n slow cruiser. I didn't do all that much honestly. Spindles are Granada, rearend is Mark IV, so it has 4 wheel discs. I cut the coils up front, which gives it a nice, firmer ride, and threw 1" blocks out back. Car surprisingly handles well (well, for a 1958 Edsel) considering I still need to find the sway bar... but I might not even bother, it's like 1/2", it's kinda pathetic.

I needed to step away from the 71 Firebird for awhile as it's breaking the bank, lol.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Not sure what you are making , but please let it be 17 or 18" NASCAR styled wheels!

[TheJDMan]

You use the same terminology as all the grouchy purists on Facebook that complain anything without rallys or Cragars is posted!

Are you sure you're on the right forum?

I was wondering the same thing. I was one of those grouchy purists only happy with 15" wheels once upon a time. That is until I installed 14" brakes and wrapped them with 18" wheels. It becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly that the shorter tire side wall dramatically improves the handling. Oh, and just for the record, my younger brother once flattened a 15" Crager wheel on a pot hole so don't kid yourself it can happen to anyone with any size wheel.

[Elhanan]

If possible, i'd like to run 15's without sacrificing large disk brakes and "R" compound tires, yes. A lot of people have moved up to 17's and 18's because of limitations now in place on the smaller sizes, such as disk brakes and compounds as you have mentioned. If these limitations were not there, I'm sure many would appreciate the benefits of less unspring weight and the ability to absorb impacts better. It wouldn't be for everyone, but there would definitely be a market for it.

[PT Sportwagon]

Interesting topic. For me I am also old school. For the wagon I have a set of 14" Motor Wheel Spyders. I eventually want to get them re-hooped to a 15". They cannot be re-hooped to anything larger. I checked. I would love to find performance brakes, Etc for them.
For my 85 Two door crown Victoria I was able to find a speed rated tire for it. V rated. Kumho Ecsta LX platinum in a 215/60R15 94V unfortunately a 600
tread wear. While out of USCA specs at 180 Tread wear makes one Perelli I plan on running a set of Weld drag pros on it with a dog dish cap to disguise them.

I cannot afford a set of performance wheels in the larger size 17-18-19" let alone $200-$500 for the rubber band to put on them. plus some are just butt ugly.
Where can one find NASCAR leftovers?

Tim

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I was wondering the same thing. I was one of those grouchy purists only happy with 15" wheels once upon a time. That is until I installed 14" brakes and wrapped them with 18" wheels. It becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly that the shorter tire side wall dramatically improves the handling. Oh, and just for the record, my younger brother once flattened a 15" Crager wheel on a pot hole so don't kid yourself it can happen to anyone with any size wheel.

I don't have anything against 15's... or I didn't used to. It's the people that make snide comments like "rubber band" tires, "low-rider", and talk about bending wheels on potholes all the time that make me never want to use another 15" wheel on anything I have. There's room for it all. I'm anxious to get the 18's on my 71 Firebird, yet I'm getting excited for 15" Halibrands, pie-crust slicks, and runners on my Edsel gasser project.

[my79f]

140994

I have always wanted to build a 67-68 coupe. Something along these lines, to me it is a gorgeous look and throwback to past days.

[OldTimer]

LOL... I'm far from being a "grouchy purist" just re-read my post. I noted that 17'sor 18's are fine, and in answering Ty's question I kinda agree that 16" might really appeal to me. And my personal preference for tires with a little more sidewall is based on my aesthetic taste, my experience, and my logistics. New England roads are not the same as those in Virginia or Arizona. I've driven in California and Nevada and can only dream about how well their roads are maintained. I've got to be practical, and deal with what I have. Variety is what makes everything in life so special, and like I said before I have no problem with rims bigger than 15".

[rbohm]

Interesting topic. For me I am also old school. For the wagon I have a set of 14" Motor Wheel Spyders. I eventually want to get them re-hooped to a 15". They cannot be re-hooped to anything larger. I checked. I would love to find performance brakes, Etc for them.
For my 85 Two door crown Victoria I was able to find a speed rated tire for it. V rated. Kumho Ecsta LX platinum in a 215/60R15 94V unfortunately a 600
tread wear. While out of USCA specs at 180 Tread wear makes one Perelli I plan on running a set of Weld drag pros on it with a dog dish cap to disguise them.

I cannot afford a set of performance wheels in the larger size 17-18-19" let alone $200-$500 for the rubber band to put on them. plus some are just butt ugly.
Where can one find NASCAR leftovers?

Tim

here are three places that sell used nascar equipment;

http://2ndchanceraceparts.com/

https://www.circletracksupply.com/used-nascar-parts-and-used-race-parts/

http://circletrackwarehouse.com/

[tyoneal]

JL-8s in minilites

At least the wheels look the same. ;)

Do you have a profile picture you would post?

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

I just want a legit set of minilites that fit over big brakes.. I want them VintTranAmShoes.

Mr Vengeance:

I might have a fix for you.

I want the same thing with the right, "Look".

Regards,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

Not sure what you are making , but please let it be 17 or 18" NASCAR styled wheels!

Peter:

Thanks for your thoughts.

With my design, I also hope that will be one of the choices. I hope a wheel manufacturer will indeed embrace many of the smaller diameter looking wheels.

Those are all I would buy given a choice.

I sincerely hope this will create a viable choice.

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

If possible, i'd like to run 15's without sacrificing large disk brakes and "R" compound tires, yes. A lot of people have moved up to 17's and 18's because of limitations now in place on the smaller sizes, such as disk brakes and compounds as you have mentioned. If these limitations were not there, I'm sure many would appreciate the benefits of less unspring weight and the ability to absorb impacts better. It wouldn't be for everyone, but there would definitely be a market for it.

I agree with you.

Unsprung weight is a killer.

Lighter Wheels, or Lighter Tires, or Lighter Brakes, all three are huge cuprite's with bringing massive amounts of unsprung weight to our Cars.

I think Tires will always be heavy until new materials can be sourced and the DOT can be convinced to change things. Brakes have come along with CF, however it will take awhile for the pricing to come down. Same with CF wheels.

Seems the best you can do is lighten your car to the max. So wheel, tire, and brake combinations can ALL be reduced in size and weight to still allow great performance.

At the extreme edge of this thought is the Aerial Atom.

Small Brakes, Small Tires, Small Wheels, and fast as hell around a track.

You at least could inboard mount the rear brakes for a little help, but the rest, to give the desired handling wanted, without massive amounts of weight loss overall, or massively deep pockets, all we can do is the best with what we have to work with.

Maybe a Pro-Touring Go-Cart! :)

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[tyoneal]

140994

I have always wanted to build a 67-68 coupe. Something along these lines, to me it is a gorgeous look and throwback to past days.

That Golden Stang is the Nuts!

It looks great. Is it yours?

Thanks,

Ty O'Neal

[Peter Mc Mahon]

i am not sure but I think the theory is that a larger rim with a lower profile tire is lighter than a smaller rim with a taller profile tire. That and the inertia effect of the weight being further from the centre makes the large rim/small tire combo, the lighter of the 2 choices. But I still like nascar rims!

[BlackHD]

This is one example. He's actually a member on here. I think his car looks killer on the wheels he's running. The problem is brake size,offset and proper width.

What's his user name? That setup looks killer.

[Bugzilla]

You guys are lucky! I am stuck with running 15" wheels. I would like to go to 17s so I can run a fatter tire but guess what? Try finding a 17 with a 4x100 bolt pattern. 16 is as big as they go with a 4 bolt pattern and all the offsets suck. And I can only go with a 8" wide wheel since they dont seem to make anything wider. I have 12" rotors with Wilwood 6 piston calipers and they just barely clear. But that is alright since my car only weighs 2000 lbs! I dont need anything bigger.

141137

[USAZR1]

Bugzilla, when building my custom Harley trike conversion, which uses a 4x100 bolt pattern, I had Intro build me a pair of 17x7 Rocksters, to my specs. Cost was $475/each. Boze, ZE, and Intro were just a few of the custom wheel makers that could have built what I wanted. Just because they don't advertise what you want, doesn't mean they don't make them. Yes, I only needed a 17x7 but they could build them wider, if desired.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[OldTimer]

Scrounging around... I found these American Racing wheels that looked interesting. Tried google for images on cars there's only two pictures, a Mustang and a slammed truck.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/sl500-1.jpg

They are also available with powder coated centers and polished hoops.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Available in 14", 15", 16" and 17" sizes. These are custom ordered and AR allows you to pick a half dozen different aspects of the wheel and select finish and color. There's no fixed bolt pattern so they will take your specs and build the wheel that way. Not a bad looking wheel.

[USAZR1]

Those look good,Mike. What wheels are on your 69?

[ccmc]

Billet Specialties Street Lites in 17"
141153

[USAZR1]

PS Engineering Kidney Bean 17x9 and 17x13 pindrive knockoffs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/cb05-1.jpg

[OldTimer]

Those look good,Mike. What wheels are on your 69?

For the time being Clint, I'm running ho-hum 15" Chrome Rallys. Got a bunch of other stuff going going on with the car that needs to get done before I commit to wheels. Doing a pretty much complete front-end (Wilwood Calipers/MC, CCP rotors, TuffStuff Booster, JGC Steering Box, ProForged BJ's and tie rods) plus we're going to try and install the Hooker Competition headers. Also waiting for my SpeedHut gauges to be made, and I want to do Vintage Air and a RS grill LOL. Wheels?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/BlueBeast007_zpsb2g0o8bj-1.jpg

I'm flexible when it comes to the wheels, but budget is not unlimited, can't justify $3K or more for the ultra stuff. If I go 17" its probably going to something along the lines of Ramblers, Riddlers, or Street Lites... but I'll still want some sidewall so I'd look at around 27-1/2" OD on the rears, 26-1/2" up front if I can find something. I did see a '69 with 17/18's that looked decent with Riddlers. Those AR Customs can be had for less than $500 each... still a lot, but nice.

BTW... the ElCam is gorgeous! So sleek!

[BMR Sales]

I just want a legit set of minilites that fit over big brakes.. I want them VintTranAmShoes.

You mean like my car, except mine aren't "Real" Minilites?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/TractionControl/media/posted/73Camaro/20170311_131213_zpshohcmlfu.jpg.html)

[BMR Sales]

You guys are lucky! I am stuck with running 15" wheels. I would like to go to 17s so I can run a fatter tire but guess what? Try finding a 17 with a 4x100 bolt pattern. 16 is as big as they go with a 4 bolt pattern and all the offsets suck. And I can only go with a 8" wide wheel since they dont seem to make anything wider. I have 12" rotors with Wilwood 6 piston calipers and they just barely clear. But that is alright since my car only weighs 2000 lbs! I dont need anything bigger.

141137

These are available in 4x100 17". They were made by Revolution - they are hard to find, but out there

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/images_zpsebu5rszr-1.jpg (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/TCammera/media/Posted/1stPT/images_zpsebu5rszr.jpg.html)

[ITLBTU]

I really liked the look of my 69 Camaro with the 15x8 Rally Wheels, but with the big brakes and poor tires choice I went with a stock 17" 2000 SS Camaro wheel. I believe I have 255's up front and 285's in back. The picture with the rally wheels was taken in 1984 when I first fixed up the Camaro. I was a very early pro-touring kind of guy...

[Wraith]

I'd love to run 16's myself, 16x10 all around if I could. My dad runs 16x8's all around on his Malibu wagon but yes, the tire selection sucks.

[tyoneal]

i am not sure but I think the theory is that a larger rim with a lower profile tire is lighter than a smaller rim with a taller profile tire. That and the inertia effect of the weight being further from the centre makes the large rim/small tire combo, the lighter of the 2 choices. But I still like nascar rims!

Agreed, I think it was probably an evolution of a combination of things.

Apart from what you mentioned above, minimizing the adverse effects of sidewall tire flex on handling, and the added safety issues involved, in addition to needing the packaging advantages for the larger more efficient disc brakes that have become available over the years.

==================================
"Our mission, since we have chosen to accept it, is to create the best of both worlds through creativity and inspiration."

Pro-Touring cars in particular are a testament to this.

Who could have even imagined back in the 60's, without sounding like someone needing a rubber room, that street cars in the future would be capable of having 1500+ horsepower, and speeds of over 200 mph.

Ty O'Neal

[Twentyover]

You mean like my car, except mine aren't "Real" Minilites?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/TractionControl/media/posted/73Camaro/20170311_131213_zpshohcmlfu.jpg.html)


Or Mine. Also not real Minilites, on PSE 17" repops (IMO probably the best non-Minilite Minilite)



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/22618178717-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=178717)



Also like PSE wheels for vintage look race wheels

[BMR Sales]

Or Mine. Also not real Minilites, on PSE 17" repops (IMO probably the best non-Minilite Minilite)



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/22618178717-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=178717)



Also like PSE wheels for vintage look race wheels



What size are yours? I went with Vintage Wheel Works as they had a 9" Rear - many others, including Superlite only had a 8"

[Twentyover]

17 x 8 in the front, 17 x 9 in the rear. I seem to remember his available sizes were 17 x 8, 17 x 9, 17 x 9.5, qnd 17 x 11 for 17" Minilite replicas

IIRC, he gets hoops and centers (I believe the centers are cast in OZ) and welds to your backspace, I think he can go as wide as 17 x 11 with a Minilte style center.

[wendell]

Still don't have any good shots of the car but this gives you a feel for it. 141595141597

is it any wonder why people dont use forums anymore? Why is this stuff upside down?

[rbohm]

Still don't have any good shots of the car but this gives you a feel for it. 141595141597

is it any wonder why people dont use forums anymore? Why is this stuff upside down?

anti gravity??

[T_Raven]

Depends on the overall theme, but I don't really like the look of anything under 17". I think 18s look good on most muscle cars, but the problem I have is tire selection. Too many tires are only ~25.5" tall and 26.5"-27" fills a rear wheel well better. I wish 315/35/18s were a thing because 315/30/18s are too short. I may just have to run a 18/19 combo or 19s all around in the future.

[tyoneal]

What size are yours? I went with Vintage Wheel Works as they had a 9" Rear - many others, including Superlite only had a 8"

I love the PSE Miniiites. That is what I put on my Camaro, here are a few on my car. Unfortunately, the wheel/tire combinations look wrong.

Here is a tire I would like to have on it. (Last Picture is the perfect Tire for my car, Orange Center)

[tyoneal]

anti gravity??

I thought you were South of the Equator? ;)

Love the car though.

Ty O'Neal

[BMR Sales]

Still don't have any good shots of the car but this gives you a feel for it.

is it any wonder why people dont use forums anymore? Why is this stuff upside down?

Fixed it for you!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/IMG_5479_zpsvxav0eay-1.jpg (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/TCammera/media/Posted/1stPT/IMG_5479_zpsvxav0eay.jpg.html)

[wendell]

Fixed it for you!


thanks. Now I've got to clean those wheels!

[DualQuadDave]

For me it's either 15in steelies or 20/22's. To me, nothing looks right on an old car other than that. Of course, 20's will not fit your Camaro/Mustang, but - do not build any of those anymore. Doing all either modern LS builds or early 60's/50's builds. At least in SoFlo, the taste has changed. For Camaro/Mustang, Minilites/Cragers are king. For B Body Mopar/GM A Body, 15x10 slots or Motorwheel Fly's. The big billet wheels are nice quality, but only occasionally do they nail "the look" on a vintage. This is JMO, everybody has their own take.