1973 Laguna PT build

[sr73bu]

FWIW I ran 17x9.5s all around my 73 Century a few years ago. I ran 275/40/17s front and rear w no rub issues. I wish I had a pic of those.

I was going to stuff 315/35/17s all around before I started my 84 Vette project (w 315/35/17s all around). Here is a pic of the 315s up front. Obviously the car is on stands (not a ride height), but you get kind of an idea. These 73-77 A-bodies swallow up a lot of tire.

P.S. Don't mind my dust either.

I dig your build! I actually ran blacked out Corvette rallies w police caps years back also (15x8s all around).

I love that it is a 4 speed!

my problem is finding 16" tires... they just dont make any sizes. From a pretty extensive search 255/50/16 was the largest "performance" 16" tire available... i should have really searched BEFORE i ordered the rims...haha. I plan on stepping up to 18's next year... just have to convince my wife..

probably easier convincing BFGoodrich to make a 315/50/16 tire.. haha

the 16's will do for now, I love the rear offset, but if you look under the car there is a ton of room just wasted.

[BryanG]

315's on a 10" - 11" rim will fit just fine with the correct backspacing.

[68firebird]

I always had a liking for the lagunas. I don't think I've seen one in that good of shape for years! great choice for a project.

[srh3trinity]

315's on a 10" - 11" rim will fit just fine with the correct backspacing.

This is the car that really put Laguna's on my map. Somebody posted a video and pics of the car a year or so ago. Beautiful car.

Sean, the car looks awesome with the new stance.

[sr73bu]

Thanks for the comments, I hope to get it washed and out for some better photos this weekend....

I wanted to post a few pics of the Before and After under the car... its not "show" quality, but it looks clean and presentable enough for my goals with this particular car... While I had the rear out I undercoated the floors and brushed semi-gloss on the frame... I didnt mind some overspray on the exhaust, since i'm working on a side exit system now....

[subtlez28]

I hear you on the 16 inch tire limitations. I would consider running wide 15s all around if they offered good (road race) tires in 15s.

Have you put your rear rims up front to see if they clear?

In all honesty (fashion aside) a 245 or 255 is plenty of rubber for a street car.

Any plans to hit the road course?

[sr73bu]

I hear you on the 16 inch tire limitations. I would consider running wide 15s all around if they offered good (road race) tires in 15s.

Have you put your rear rims up front to see if they clear?

In all honesty (fashion aside) a 245 or 255 is plenty of rubber for a street car.

Any plans to hit the road course?

The Rear rims/tires do clear in the front... I wanted less lip up front however.... Because of the wide flare of the fenders the offset looks a little too inward... I'll run some wheel spacers to bring them out... only for the street , although Transdapt says they are for "race applications"...

I mentioned going up to 18's, but i think 15x10 rally wheels with 295/50/15 rubber might be cool... and much cheaper

One day i'd love to hit the road coarse, i'd like to try an autocross or two this summer first... The car needs way more brakes and a better front suspension, but everything is sound enough to give it a try... i'm not affraid to make a fool of myself..haha

Love your Buick, scrap the vette and finish it! j/k

[BryanG]

In all honesty (fashion aside) a 245 or 255 is plenty of rubber for a street car.

Beg to differ. If your power numbers are half way decent, neither of those tires will do you any good. Now, if that's the biggest you can fit, then so be it. However, if you can go larger, then do it.

[subtlez28]

Beg to differ. If your power numbers are half way decent, neither of those tires will do you any good. Now, if that's the biggest you can fit, then so be it. However, if you can go larger, then do it.

I was thinking in terms of cornering grip. Truth is you should never really find the limits on the street. A good 245 with soft compound will provide more cornering force on the street than you can safely or responsibly use.

Now putting down power is another story, I agree.

And if you intend to go to the track where it is ok to find the limits, more is better.

[PhillipM]

I was thinking in terms of cornering grip. Truth is you should never really find the limits on the street. A good 245 with soft compound will provide more cornering force on the street than you can safely or responsibly use.

Now putting down power is another story, I agree.

And if you intend to go to the track where it is ok to find the limits, more is better.

Ummm... Wow. I think you should just lock up some larger tires instead of justifying the smaller ones. It would look Sooooo much more bitchin.

[sr73bu]

Ummm... Wow. I think you should just lock up some larger tires instead of justifying the smaller ones. It would look Sooooo much more bitchin.

I'm not justifying anything... i'd love to get larger tires...
Like I said they dont make larger sizes in 16"... a 275, 295, 305 /16 just doesnt exist.... so 255 will have to do for now until i upgrade to 18" wheels.

Tell you what Phil.. send me a check for $3,500 and i'll put the biggest set of tires I can fit on 18" Forgelines

To be honset, I've got way more important things to worry about than this car... Like a house, wife , baby... the car falls somewhere around 50 on the priority list... I dont need to be another burden on society by falling into debt to make my car more "bitchin"...

Sorry its not bitchin enough guys... I tried.

Does this mean I have to leave now?

[sr73bu]

I installed the wheel spacers today... they brought the front wheels out just enough to look better... a big difference in person, but may be tough to notice in the photo... Hopefully i'll get it out for a cruise after work tomorrow, still need to install inner/outer tierods... and hope that i finally got the banjo fitting on my driver side caliper to stop leaking...

[sr73bu]

a pic outside of my garage... just finshed building the Cedar barn style doors.. a few months back

As for the car, i'm installing new Moog inner/Outer tie rods and sleeves tonight... hope to have a video of the test drive next week.. can't wait

[1360]

Great car, one of my favorite "over looked" rides......

[73ssbb]

sorry to bring this back from the dead,but was wondering what the off set and backspacing was on these rims.

[alowerlevel]

sorry to bring this back from the dead,but was wondering what the off set and backspacing was on these rims.

It might be mentioned in his other build thread https://www.pro-touring.com/showthre...velle-PT-Build

[73ssbb]

still no dice,