biggest wheel on a 55 Bel Air

[Moabdude]

Hej guys, I recently bought a 55 Bel Air hardtop.
I did not see it yet because I am in the Netherlands and the car is still in LA. I will pick it up in about 4 weeks when I visit LA.

Does anyone know what the widest wheel is I can put in the back without doing any modifications?
Does a 20x10"fit? 285 or 295 tires?

[DriverzInc]

Without modifications, you can fit a 20x8.5 with a 4.75" backspace and a 255-265 wide tire.
Fronts are a 18x7 with a 4.25" backspace.

We can build you a set of wheels by the time you pick up the car in 4 weeks. Check us out: www.driverzinc.com

[go-fish]

I think you should plan on mini-tubbing and go with a 10" wheel. 8.5" looks really skinnny on 20's.
If all your after is the diameter then go for it.

[ProdigyCustoms]

No need to mini tub for a 10. Only move the springs in. The is a kit that lets you move the springs inboard putting them inside the rear frame rail. Not on the inside of the frame rail, but IN the frame rail. Works real well, and with that you can run a 10" and 315 easy with NO MINI TUB.

I agree with go-fish, tall narrow 20s look like wagon wheels.

Here is a pic of one we did finished last year.

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

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

[Moabdude]

Okay Frank, so without moving the spring to the inside, the 10"wheel won’t fit?
So I have to cut a hole in the frame rails, make the end of the spring fit inside and than bold it up into the frame rail? (picture is not that clear) Hmm, doesn’t that effect the strength of the frame?

so if I put the spring inside the frame rail, I can run 20x10’s without mini tub and with 315 tires without any problem?
I have 20x10” Billet Specialties SLX 37 already with 5.75BS. Must fit. 18x8 for the front.

Is it a lot of work?

Frank, I am waiting for pictures of George’s 350 crate engine (project flyin blind). Thinking of buying it from him. Would like to see pictures first.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Here ya go, here is a link to the kit. To comrpromise of the rail, makes it very strong! nice kit

http://www.classicchevy.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=21%2D131&dept%5Fid=1821

[fun2gofast]

I think you will have to mini tub for a 10" wheel. You only gain about 3/4 inch by moving springs in. It's the mini tub plus moving the springs in that gets you some room. Take a look on Trifive.com. Do a search on mini tub and you'll get some info. There is a link on there to a wheel and tire fitment guide also.

[wwolfe]

nice 57!!!

[ProdigyCustoms]

I think you will have to mini tub for a 10" wheel. You only gain about 3/4 inch by moving springs in. It's the mini tub plus moving the springs in that gets you some room. Take a look on Trifive.com. Do a search on mini tub and you'll get some info. There is a link on there to a wheel and tire fitment guide also.

That is bad information. The car pictured was done with my own hands and HAS NOT been mini tubed, and could carry even more tire. And that is a 10" rim and 315 tire.

If the fitment guide says something different............................it is simply wrong.

Backspace is important, but it can be done.