How big of a tire and wheel for a 69 bird

[drpep]

Hello, Im new to the board and was wondering if anyone can help with a wheel and tire selection for my 69 firebird convertible.

I have a stock ride hight now and would like to put American Racing Tourq thrust wheels on it. I would like to put 15x10 on the back and 15x8 on the front. Will these work? or will I have to tub the rear or get smaller wheels.

Thanks

[baz67]

Have you tried the search function yet? I am positive you will find what you are looking for.

[vanzuuk1]

Use the search when you get a chance.

Since i did the same thing when I was new I will try and help.

I love the old school torq thrust style rims but they dont have the offset (backspace) you want to position the tire in the wheel well. The torq thrust II's might. You can run a 15 x 8 rim with 4 to 4 1/2 inch offset. Go to vintage wheel work's website and check out their stuff, they even have some fitment recomendations. They have rims that look like the torque thrust in the sizes you want. I ended up getting 16's to clear aftermarket brakes and have a choice of better rubber.

Depending on your ride height , you may have run a little more camber in front to pull the tops of the tires away from the fender and replace the fender bolts with button head bolts. (if you need them pm me, I have a few extras.

In the rear you may have to roll the fender lip a little , I used a few adj. wrenches to slowly get the lip bent up and finished off with a mallet while I held a pillowcase filled with sand on the outside of the quarter. Just he upper part needs to be bent work, slowly with the wrenches.

Sorry if I misspelled anything, I am running late. If anythings not clear pm me.

[vanzuuk1]

PS Your tires may rub if the suspension is old and sloppy, then when you rebuild the front end and put in better leaf springs everything stops side to side and the rubbing stops.

Be patient and prepare for some trial and error.

[drpep]

Thanks for the help Vanzuuk1. Sorry about not checking the archives.

[vanzuuk1]

No problem, pm me if you need any more help.

[Drewhelm]

69 bird here....no mini-tubs....17x9 front and 18x10 rear with 245/45/17 and 295/35/18 rear.....no rubbing. :) Just gotta get the backspacing right. I'm pretty sure a 305-315 would fit.

I used to have a 295/50/15 on the rear with a 15x10 inch wheel. I don't remember who the maker was or the backspacing, but it fit without rubbing and the only mod was rolled fender lips.

Oh, my car is lowered 2 inches front and rear.

[RA455TA]

305 Nitto's tops