Front tire clearence on '67 firebird

[Magntik]

I have a major problem with my front tires rubbing the front fenders of my '67 Firebird. Most turns cause the tires to rub the rear of the fender opening, and I'm only running 15's for the time being. I'm worrined about destroying an expensive set of tires let alone my new paint. I have installed Hotchkis 2" drop springs. Anybody have any ideas?

[awr68]

Sounds like your tire diam is too large...you want it to be around 26" tall, much taller or you will run into problems.

Also your wheel back space may not be enough to tuck the wheel/tire under the car properly...do you know what width wheel and B.S. you have? Also what size tire? A 245 width tire is max for a first gen F-body using a stock frame/suspension, but must have the proper width wheel/b.s. to make it all work.

[qwik1320]

Not a permanent fix (or the best thing to do): They sell rubber spacers you can slide in between the coils to raise the car about 1/2"-1" Jack the car up and squeeze them in. Any auto parts place should have them (AutoZone, PepBoys, etc.)

[baz67]

Tony is on the right track here. With a 15" wheel it is either you BS or tire height. I would guess that you do not have enough BS. I say this because you did not stat that you had rubbing on the inner wheelwell. What size tires do you have anyway?
Brian

[Magntik]

Thanks, guys. My tire size is 235/60/15 and the backspacing 3.75". Ihaven't measured the overall diam. yet. but i will. What should the backspacing be? What size wheel do you guys reccommend?

[Magntik]

I don't think it's the springs because I was rubbing before too.

[baz67]

I beleive the BS for the fronts on a first gen is 4.5 or 4.75, I am not quite sure. So there lies the rub so to speak. How did you arrive at that BS figure?

What tire size do we recommend? Well, most of the guys here run either 17s or 18s. I am going with 17s on my 67. You could go with a lower profile tire, but that may look silly on your Firebird with 15s, IMHO.
Brian

[awr68]

Your tire is 26" tall so that isn't the problem. I beleive it's all in the b.s. of your wheel. What width wheel do you have? If it's a 15x8 wheel you will want 4.75-5'' bs, if it's a 15x7 I don't see why the 3.75 bs wont work...might not be optimum..but should work?

[Magntik]

I set a straight across the back lip and measured down to the mounting flange. The wheel is 15x7.5 How's the ride quality on 17's? I drive this everyday weather permits. I have kids and a wife that might not take to a super rough ride. Heard 17's with short sidewalls could be that way.

[awr68]

I haven't driven my car yet, but I hear 17s are fine and 18s are a little worse...I'd save a buck and go for the better riding 17s.....