Calling all Wheel/Tire guru's........In Need of help

[ProTeal55]

I finally sold my wheels that came on my 55 , and I am ready to do some larger rolling stock. I am still a bit unclear on what size wheel / tire combo to go with , that will both look good , and not have any rubbing issues...

The wheels i just sold were :

Front:
15x6 with a 215/70R/15 with 3 1/2 bs
Rear
15x8 with a 235/70R/15 with 4 1/2 bs

I would like to do atleast a 17'' wheel and tire combo , to give the car a more modern look. Something like 17x7 or 17x8 front and back would be more than fine by me...I would asume that i just need the stock dimensions transfered to a 17'' wheel / tire package ???

Bear with me , wheel/tire fitment is my weak point :hand:

Thanks for all the help............

[MrQuick]

Hi there, nice ride BTW.
The tires you had have alot of tire buldge so you can go abit wider. 15" rims and those 70 series had a total buldge of 1 -1 1/4". You could get away with 17x8 with a 245 45 17 fronts and 255 40 17 on a 17x 9 or 9 1/2" if you play your back spacing right. My WAG on BS would be 4 1/2" front and 5 1/4" rear. Your best bet would be a trial fitting.
Do you have a place to buy your rims yet? Some places offer a fitting if you purchase with them. My advice would be to find a local tire shop and go with that. That way if theres a problem they would deal with it. Im sure there are some good rep. shops around you area.

[ProTeal55]

Thanks for the comment on the car , I love it so far :usa:

I was planning on going for the same size front and back , for rotation purposes , but that isnt a major concern.

I have been trying to find a decent shop that could help me out , and so far am coming up empty handed. I called Billet Specialties , sience they are 1/2 hour away from me , and they totally blew me off. Said that they didnt have the ability to fit wheels on my car...They might make nice wheels , but their customer service blows.

Anyways , I would liek to get some more opinions on what size wheel and tire , and backspacing would fit nicely , without major modifications.
The car has disc brakes on the front , drum rear with leaf springs in stock locations.

Keep the great advice coming , it is appreciated :seizure:

[Travis B]

An 18 and 20 combo will fit with ease I will see if I can find a pic of the teal green 55 we did!

It was on air in this pic I believe that is why it is sitting a little high in the rear in the pic! This was an all original untouched car that wheel and tired and bagged!

[ProTeal55]

Travis , Sweet ride !

Would you happen to know what size wheel/tire/backspace combo you guys had to run to make it all work ??

[ILLEGAL69]

Try this site. You will find it helpfull. It will even tell you your change in speed.


http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?action=submit

[ProTeal55]

I would be perfectly happy with a 245/45/17 front and back , but i doubt it will fit. The rears that were 235's were about a 1/2 inch away from the frame rail , if that.

Would i be better off going with 235/45/17's all around , to be on the safe side ? I am going to lower the front end , so i dont want to run into clearance issues..

[USAZR1]

If your rear suspension is relatively stock,I can almost assure you a 17x9 or 17x9.5 wheel will not fit without moving the spring hangers. Tri-5 Chevys don't have cavernous fenderwells. Here's a link on how to build a simple backspace measuring tool.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/t...2318/index.html

[Travis B]

An 8in wide wheel is all that will fit on the rear!
we had a 20x8 with a 255/35R20
18x7 with a 225/40R18
no bags on the one in the picture, sorry that was a different car
I will check on backspacing tomorrow

[ProTeal55]

Travis ,

The backspacing would be great info. I figured that the largest rim i could put in the back , width wise would be 8'' , which is fine by me. Just have to figure out the backspacing to make them fit well.. Might be looking into going 18x8 on all four corners , but we will see...

Thanks for the feedback , and keep it comming....

[Travis B]

The backspacing on the rear was 4.5 I think but don't go by that! What wheel company are you going order from?

I think you should go 20's on the rear!!!!J/k

[ProTeal55]

Travis ,

Was that 4.5'' BS front and rear on that 55 ??

I think I am leaning towards either Boyds or B.Specialties for my wheels. Been doing more research on sizes than styles.

So it looks as if i finally have my sizes figured out.
I am prob. gonna run 18x7 in front with a 3.5 BS , and 18x8 with a 4.5 BS in the rear.

Now i need to figure out rubber sizes. Because the stock wheels, with a 235/70/15 was stuffed in their quite well. Dont think i can go any wider without rubbing issues...

[Travis B]

The 4.5 was on the rear 3.5 front!
The rear tire was 255/35/R20
I do not remember what the front was

[ProTeal55]

Thanks for all the great input ! It has been a great help.

I ran into a old buddy of mine , who now runs a tire shop , so him and I are gonna work togther to get me some wheels & tires.

Looking at 18x8's front & back , with 3.5'' BS Front , and 4.5'' BS Rear.
This should get me the look I am going after , without having any clearance/rubbing issues. Might end up doing 17's to save alittle $$. Still need to find a design I want.....

[Travis B]

Have you looked at Bonspeed! If I could order for my car again I would look there first and budnik second! htey have some wheels I really like! I ordered billet specialties gtx40's I like them but you know how it is you order something you see something else you want! I also have boyd magneatos on my daily driver truck and I am very happy with those also!

good luck and let us know what you decide!

[ProTeal55]

Just got off the phone with Detroit Speed. They priced me out a set of 18X8 Budnik Tiller FL's , and looks as if those are gonna be the wheels I end up going with. Just need to take a few more measurements before I go and order them.

[JV69z/28]

I hope this helps - I have a '55 Nomad with 2" dropped spindles in the front and cut springs. It has a-body disc brakes which push the wheels about .75" further out. In the rear I have a "80 F-body 10 bolt disc brake rear that is stock width. In the front I run 8x7s witha 4" backspace and a 225/40-18 tire. In the rear I have 20x8 with 4.75" backspace and a 245/40-20 tire. The rear is perfect - no rubbing anywhere no matter what the load or speed. The front should have been 4.5" backspace but Budnik could not make the Mercury 5 with that backspace. That was 1999 I don't know if that has changed. The L/F tire lightly touches the top of the inside of the wheel opening of the fender on certain curb cuts if I don't go slow enough. My advise to you would be 7" fronts with 4.5 backspace and 8" rears with 4.5 or 4.75 backspace. Just keep in mind the type of brakes will effect the overall track width - only slightly but that's may be enough to make a tire rub. Good Luck - Jack

[ProTeal55]

JV69Z/28 ,
My 55 has some sort of aftermarket / late model GM disc brakes on the front , so I am not sure how much that will affect what backspacing I will need. But I do plan on lowering the front end quite a bit , so I want to make sure the wheel will not hit the fender. So you think I should run 4.5BS on all 4 corners ?

Have any pics of your Nomad for us to see ?

[JV69z/28]

Yes I do - but still check as best as you can because every car is a little different. Also check with Budnik on how much backspace is available. I would stick to 7" wheel in the front. As has been stated before on this board Budnik is a great company and produces a great product. John is a member here and feel free to call or e-mail him for advise. Sorry I don't have pictures to post. I don't have a scanner but I am going to Goodguys Hersey Pa this weekend if anybody else is going. If I can be of any more help - just ask. Jack

[Budnik Wheels]

Just got off the phone with Detroit Speed. They priced me out a set of 18X8 Budnik Tiller FL's , and looks as if those are gonna be the wheels I end up going with. Just need to take a few more measurements before I go and order them.

Good to hear Detroit Speed helped guide you towards the light. :cheers:

If you have any questions in regards to fitment, feel free to calls us at the shop, however DSE is more than capable of guiding you down the right path. We have done plenty of 55's with 18X7's on the front, and 20X8.5's on the rear. Tri-five's are notorious for working well with 7's and 8's or 8.5's with a 0 offset (which means backspace right down the middle). Relocating the rear leafs will allow for more tire and wheel in the rear, but that's if you are wanting to do the modification.

Take care,
Jon

[ProTeal55]

Hey Jon , glad you chimed in :hail:

I need to take a few more measurements before i go ahead and order the wheels , But i am about 98% sure I will be going with the Tiller FL wheels in prob. a 18x7 up front and a 18x8 in the rear...

Backspacing is still looking to be an issue :evil:

[Budnik Wheels]

Hey my pleasure. Wheels are my life and I enjoy it. :firefire:
Don't let the backspacing get you down or get too confusing. It really isn't too hard to figure out, just take a deep breath and it can we worked out. Simple measurements from where the wheel mounts up, to the nearest obstruction on the inside, and again from the mounting surface to the inside of the outer fender lip should tell exactly what we need to do. If you need help email me: [email protected]. More than happy to help you through it.
-Jon


Hey Jon , glad you chimed in :hail:

I need to take a few more measurements before i go ahead and order the wheels , But i am about 98% sure I will be going with the Tiller FL wheels in prob. a 18x7 up front and a 18x8 in the rear...

Backspacing is still looking to be an issue :evil:

[USAZR1]

Hey Jon , glad you chimed in :hail:

I need to take a few more measurements before i go ahead and order the wheels , But i am about 98% sure I will be going with the Tiller FL wheels in prob. a 18x7 up front and a 18x8 in the rear...

Backspacing is still looking to be an issue :evil:

A 7" wheel is approximately 8" wide from the rim outer edge to outer edge. An 8" wheel is approximately 9" wide. Zero offset of the 7" would be 4" backspacing and the 8" would be 4.5" backspacing. See how I figured those numbers?
FWIW,I have a much easier time figuring backspace,instead of offset.

[ProTeal55]

So I am now looking at going with :

18x7 up front with a 4'' backspace , and 18x8 in the rear with a 4.5;; backspace. Still stuck on the Budnik Tiller FL style of wheel.

Now I need to start looking into what tires to go with. Not really concerned with high speed ratings and all that jazz , just something with a nice modern tread pattern , and won't rub !

Keep the help / comments comming , it is greatly appreciated !!!

[USAZR1]

Check out Nitto's tire line. They make some good looking stuff.

[JV69z/28]

I think the Tillers are a great choise. Check with Jon on how much backspace on the 7" wheel is available. I would go with 4.5" in the front if available. Tire sizes consider 45 series like 225/45-18s in the front and 255/45-18s in the rear. Just keep in mind if you're looking for a little rake (slightly lower in the front) you won't get from those size tires. Also I don't want to overstate the lower the car is the tighter the fit gets and consider where it will be loaded (full tank of gas - passangers - weekend luggage and all that). Good Luck - Jack

[ProTeal55]

With the suspension in the rear being stock , I don't think I will be able to get away with anything wider than a 245 , and that might even be pushing it. The tires I pulled off the car were 235/70/15's and i faught with them for about a 1/2 hour to get them out of the car. Plus their wasn't even a 1/2 of room on each side when it was mounted.

Maybe I should just go with 18x7's front and back , to be on the safe side ???

[Travis B]

A little rubing never hurt anything! :rotfl:

[ProTeal55]

Rubbing of that kind I don't mind , but I am trying to make this car the exact opposite of my last car , which was a mid 9sec street driven 1972 Nova. And let's just say it was a blast to drive around, with the 33'' tires rubbing , and the 4-link bangin around , and don't forget the drone of the 4' exhaust exiting under the car...

Want this current car to be a nice , easy free driver .... =)

[JV69z/28]

I wouldn't give up on 8s in the rear. On your 55 keep in mind the rear fender wells don't make life real easy. I'm sure you know but let the springs hang when you're changing the rear tires to make things easier. There should be room. Is there anyway to test fit something close? Keep in mind the tire you took off is harder to work with in that opening. The bigger hoop of the 18 and the shorted sidewall of the tire should make life a little easier. There is a spreadsheet on these cars over at www.chevytalk.com in the 55-57 modified forum. If anything go with the 8 wide wheel and a 245/45-18 tire. Good luck - Jack

[ProTeal55]

Thanks again for all the great info, it has really helped :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail:

I am sticking with my size , of 18x7 in the front and 18x8 in the rear. I just now need to find some time to get the car measured before I go and order the wheels, to insure they will fit with no issues.

As far as rubber goes , I think 225/45/18's in the front and 235/45/18's in the rear will look nice , and not cause any major rubbing issues.

Backspacing is still kinda up in the air , should i do 4'' or 4.5 in the front , if i plan on eventually installing a airride kit in the future ? I want the front tire to be in the wheelwell when the car is lowered , not resting on the wheelwell....

[Budnik Wheels]

If you plan on air ride later on, a 7" wide wheel with a 4.25" backspace will work well. Also, even though there is nothing wrong with your tire choice for the rear, you can use a 245 if the brand you have decided on makes one in the profile height you need.

You are right, 55's are tough to wedge in and out tires because of rear wheel well shape. You have to do what was talked about above.. You have to let the suspension hang a bit. It'll be much easier to do with the 18 and a shorter tire side wall than how it was with your smaller diameter wheel and balloon of a tire.

Sounds like you are very close to having all your ducks in a row. Email us some pictures over at Budnik when you are done. We always appreciate nice pictures of good looking cars with Budnik Wheels!

Talk later,
Jon


Thanks again for all the great info, it has really helped :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail:

I am sticking with my size , of 18x7 in the front and 18x8 in the rear. I just now need to find some time to get the car measured before I go and order the wheels, to insure they will fit with no issues.

As far as rubber goes , I think 225/45/18's in the front and 235/45/18's in the rear will look nice , and not cause any major rubbing issues.

Backspacing is still kinda up in the air , should i do 4'' or 4.5 in the front , if i plan on eventually installing a airride kit in the future ? I want the front tire to be in the wheelwell when the car is lowered , not resting on the wheelwell....

[ProTeal55]

John ,

I have almost lost all my patience on this wheel/tire search.

I am about just about ready to forget doing new wheels and just keep the stock hubcaps and whitewalls on the car. No shop , anywhere near where I live is willing , or has the common snese to help me out. They all want to help , just no one has/can/will.

I would love to go with the Tiller FL wheels , but I can't see spending that kinda cash on wheels I am not 100% sure will fit , plus I still havent even scratched the surface to what size tires to go with.

Just alittle fustrated...........

[USAZR1]

Don't panic,Pro. This stuff ain't rocket science. If you will go back to the first page of this thread,I posted a link on how to build a cheap and easy-to-build backspace tool. Total cost would probably be way less than $10. With that tool,you will not have to depend on anyone else to tell you what will fit. To me,picking out my car's rolling stock is one of the most fun things to do. Never before have we had such a huge selection of cool wheels & tires to choose from. Yet,some people always manage to screw it up because they don't ask for help & guidance. We're here to help you,pal. I'm here to help you. If you want,pm me and I'll give you my phone number to call.
I just left a message on my co-worker friend's answering machine that owns the nice 55 Chev 210. His rear suspension is mostly stock and I think it has 255's. If he can do it with Cragar SS wheels that have practically no backspacing options,it shouldn't be tough at all with Budnik wheels.

[JV69z/28]

Calm down - take a deep breath - now.....All the advise I have given you is from experience. Don't forget I own a 55 with tire and wheel sizes I spoke about and I do DRIVE the car (over 8K with the 18s and 20s and thats with wife child and luggage). I also have Budnik wheels. Have you gone over the the modified forum at www.chevytalk.com ? This should be fun not stressfull! Unless your car is "out of wack" somewhere all the advise we have given you is SAFE stuff. There are 1000s of cars with 7 wide front wheels and 225 tires with between 4 and 4.5 inches of backspace - so if they don't work on your car something is wrong. The same thing in the rear 8s with 4.5 or 4.75 backspace and a 255 tire are almost standard. So a 245 tire should be safe unless again something is wrong. Don't forget if nothing else you can judge by what's on there how much room you have. Budnik is not a good company to work with - they are a great company - Jon would never give you bad info. With that said I think if something was wrong with the car you would have issues with the wheels/tires that are on there now. If you don't you should be good to go. If you're still not sure order just the wheels and then if you want to go up or down a tire size you can. If none of this helps tell me to shut up and mind my own business and I'll leave you alone. Hang in there - Jack

[ProTeal55]

Thanks again for all the input , it is really a great help.

I just got alittle fustrated with this whole thing , but I think i am ok now. Just got back from the dragstrip with my friends 9sec LS1 car , and i now I think I am good.

So here's the wheel / tire comobo I am going to order :

Front:
18x7 with 4.25 Backspacing
with a 225/45/18 tire

Back:
18x8 with a 4.5 backspacing
with a 245/45/18 tire

Anyone have any good tire's i should look into ?
Nothing too crazy , just a good quality tire.

Once again , thanks for all the help.........

[USAZR1]

Glad to hear your Senior Moment has passed. :rolleyes5
I think the wheel & backspace combo you picked will work well.

I just bought some Michelin Pilot Sports for my El Camino. However,if Nitto would build the sizes I need,that's what I would have on it. They have a great looking pattern and work pretty well,too.

[Travis B]

Glad to hear your Senior Moment has passed. :rolleyes5
I think the wheel & backspace combo you picked will work well.

I just bought some Michelin Pilot Sports for my El Camino. However,if Nitto would build the sizes I need,that's what I would have on it. They have a great looking pattern and work pretty well,too.

I second that I like the Nitto tires

[JV69z/28]

I also agree on the Nittos - for what it's worth I also have Pilot Sports on my Nomad and to be blunt - they are overkill on that car. The car is not capable of taking advantage of the tires. If you're not sold on the Nittos BFGs are about 20% more. I would go with the Nittos because I feel they win the price vs performance battle. Glad to see you're feeling confident in your descision. Good Luck Jack.