Wheel Fitment 69 camaro DSE tubs

[brgarris]

Well I got my new Rushforths wheels in and they look awesome. I called DSE to figure out the approximate backspacing I need and they told me on a rear-end with an axle flange dimension that measures 54.75" they use an 18x12" wheel with 5.5" backspacing. My rear end axle flange dimension is 54" so I ordered wheels with a 5.125" backspacing. Go to install them just to check fitment and dagumit, they almost hit the wheel house lip. There is no way that I could run the setup the way it is. Honestly, I have about 1"-1.25" of room between inner tub and tire so I could have probably went with a different backspacing on my wheels. Assuming I cant send them back to Rushforth to get redone, I am assuming I need to roll the lips? They have been ground down to the stitch welds already.

Has anyone else had to do this on a 69 camaro? Running 19x12" wheel with 335's. I guess you would rather have the wheel pushed out very close to the quarter panel compared to pulled inside the car close to the frame rail? Seems that it would give a better stance appearance. Any comments or help...thanks!!!

[jpgolf14]

Several factors. Its not actually the flange to flange distance that matters. Its the axle rotor mounting surface distance that matters. Different axles have different offsets. What axle do you have? What axle was Rushforth quoting? On top of that, every car is a little different. This is why you take a couple of hours and measure your car before ordering.

[Reactor]

When I looked at the DSE 69 camaro, I could barely get my finger between the tire and rear fender, and it was rolled. I have their 54.75" rear and 19x12 wheels with 335 nt-05 Nittos. They gave me the same offset recomendation as you. I was not wanting to roll the fender, so I went with a 5.75 backspace. Everything fits fine with no rubbing. It is tight on the fender, but no rubbing. If I had it to do over, I would have gone to a 6" backspace. I would have still had plenty of room on the inside. Another thing that I considered is that if you go to far inside, you can always run a wheel spacer to move it out. Rolling the fender is most likely the way to go. On another note, didn't I read you bought a 376/525? When you get it running, I would like to hear your comments. I am looking to do something this winter. Good luck with the project.

[brgarris]

DSE considers axle flange dimension as the distance from axle flang to axle flange not including the rotor which according to them are usually 3/16" thick where they mate to axle flange surface. Guess your right about measuring, but DSE did tell me I would have to roll my lips. I just wonder how much distance I need between tire and fender lip? Is there a good rule of thumb say 1/4"? I am running the quadralink so the suspension should not travel much side to side as leaf springs.

[Matt@BOS]

DSE considers axle flange dimension as the distance from axle flang to axle flange not including the rotor which according to them are usually 3/16" thick where they mate to axle flange surface. Guess your right about measuring, but DSE did tell me I would have to roll my lips. I just wonder how much distance I need between tire and fender lip? Is there a good rule of thumb say 1/4"? I am running the quadralink so the suspension should not travel much side to side as leaf springs.

I prefer a little more than a quarter of an inch, however I did have a set of wheels that were really tight fitting on my '69 (probably .25" at its narrowest) and after adjusting the panhard bar on the quadra-link so that the rear sat perfectly even did not have any rubbing issues on my car.

Matt

[brgarris]

Reactor, thanks for the comment. Yes I purchased the 376/525hp engine from GM. I will post comments when the car is complete on the performance of the setup