I don't know if I can bring myself to do IT!

[Tony_SS]

Guys I have a real problem here... a serious phobia of low profile tires on my 79 Monte. I love the look of low profile tires... but I just don't think they'd look good on MY car. I keep thinking it'll just look like a big maroon elephant on roller skates. It has the big sweeping fenders that bulge out and I think would drawf the wheels/tires.

Here's the current setup:
17x8 & 9.5
255/50-17 - 27.1" tall
275/50-17 - 27.8" tall

I guess I'm happy with the rear tire size/setup. It's just flush with the inside of the fender lip, although it doesn't appear that way in some pics.

I think the front is too big. I'd like to go down to a 26" tire.. maybe a 235/50-17? But then it'll be a mismatch in brands from front to back. I tried a NanKang 255/45-17 up front and it looked too small compared to the back.

I just don't know what the $@$@ to do. Take a look at these pics.

As it sits now:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/220-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/247-1.jpg

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

And here is a chop where I took and reduced the tire sizes exactly to their respective percentages if I were to run a 245/45's and 285/40's.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/b0d-1.jpg

I just don't know. I'm afriad I won't like the car with the low profile tires. To me it just needs a bigger tire to match the bulges of the body, but I can't find a good front/back matching set.

What do you all think? You think I would be alright with a nice set of 45/40's? Does any brand tend to run Larger than normal? I really liked the look of the Kuhmo ECTSA's I saw today.

I need some honest opinions here! Please leave your knowledge and .02 - Thanks!
Tony

[matthimself456]

Thats a really sharp car you have there. Normally Im a big proponent of low profile tires but you are right it looks great with the bigger sidewalls. I would say keep the tires you have and drop the car an inch to an inch and a half all around.

[class67]

I think the chop looks good!

[dropit69]

i like the smaller sidewall..just my 2 pennies though

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i like the lower profiles.. kinda sportier looking.

[TonyL]

actually, the lower profile tires, coupled with a lower stance, make the car look smaller.

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

[eville]

I like TonyL's 'chop.

[West Texas Z]

Just drop it!!!

[Mr Nick]

Mickey Thompson has a drag radial in 295-45-17 which is 27.2"
9.5" rim is the smallest they recommend, so you would be ok.
You would have to use your current front tires, they don't have a matching front tread pattern. Or get a different tire/size up front.

Sweet car by the way!

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip.php?item=ETStreetRadial

[slck6t9]

Nice car!! I like the chopped version with the lower profile tires best.

[Tony_SS]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys.. Keep it coming.

TonyL, actually the larger wheels make the car look smaller, it looks like you chopped them to be 20"s. That just isn't an option for me.. plus I wouldn't that big of a wheel just for practical purposes.

[BADNBLK]

I really think that the first chop has the profile nailed! I do like the look of the 20's and super slammed stance, but that maybe is a project down the road?

[carguy502]

Stay wuth the side wall yu have. It gives a comfortable ride and looks great. Like it was said before, drop the car 1/2 inch all around and you'll be happy.

[01somta]

Lower it a little first with the sidewall size that you have right now and see if that works, and if not then go to the lower profile tires.

[68Formula]

I like the look you have now (wheel/tire and stance). Looks like a street-fighter.

[Spiffav8]

actually, the lower profile tires, coupled with a lower stance, make the car look smaller.

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

I like this look a lot! It really gives the car a mean, clean and fast look. TonyL hooked you up with the visual....Go for it!!

[Young Gun]

i say put the lower profile tires on it, but consider lowering it too in the future...it gives it a really good stance...but thats just my opinion

[awr68]

You have a nice car...but it does need a new stance. I'd go with the lower profile tires and if needed lower it a touch. Your chop looks great BTW!!

[Smock67]

Tony your chop is perfect of the car. 40's and 45's aren't that low of a profile, you'll feel more bumps but its not so harsh as to kill you and your car would look PERFECT. anything below 35's is like rubber bands and pretty much offers no road dampening.