68 Camino, front wheel size..

[sagacious]

im looking to see the widest tire/rim combination i can fit on my '68 el camino. (front) 15'' rims. backspacing, etc. help! thanks. btw, i have drums now and plan to add discs later if that makes a difference.

[derekf]

It's not the 15"s you're asking about, but I had 275/40-17s on 17x9.5 wheels (Cragar Soft 8s) on my 69.

[sagacious]

What was the backspacing on those rims? I WOULD get 17's but i already have centerline auto drags on it with 295/50/15s on back that actually fit after i rolled the inner fender lips. looks good like it is. but im basically running bicycle tires up front. not my style, so i gotta change 'em.

[derekf]

Summit says they're a 5 inch backspace.

[sagacious]

is it safe to assume a 15x9.5 with 5'' backspace and 275/50/15 tire combo would be the same as yours?

[USAZR1]

is it safe to assume a 15x9.5 with 5'' backspace and 275/50/15 tire combo would be the same as yours?

That wheel size will probably have interference issues with the A-arms.
My 69 Elky had 17x9's w/5" backspacing and 275/40/17 Kumhos. Clearance was really tight and I had to go to buttonhead fasteners on the inner wheelwells. IMO,a 17x9.5 really needs 5.5" backspace on the front.

[sagacious]

thanks a lot for the information guys, this is my first elky. ive had a nova for several years and i know that thing inside and out. does anyone know what the bolt circle dimensions are for elkys? dont know if it takes truck or car rims.

[derekf]

Never safe to assume

I'd expect you'd have more sidewall bulge with your 50-series tire; not sure how much though or if it'd rub on yours. The 275/50-15s I had on the back (also on a 9.5) had some serious bulge going on but I think it varies by manufacturer.

Otherwise should be pretty similar.

[454ragtop]

Bolt pattern is same as Chevelle, 5 on 4 3/4".