futura

Elected to go with what I know which is 15" Cragars. The next question is to go with reversed wheels in back? What size rim will fit and stay inside the wheel wells? What width tires does everyone recommend for front and back? Looks like a 70 or 75 aspect ratio for the tires is the way to go. Also going with the Diamond Back redline radial tires.

Link to my project is attached.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2041016

Thanks in advance, Art

vettes1st

215-70X15 is closest to original diameter, so the speedometer will still read about correct.

Plasticman

As for max. width of the tires on the rear, I determined that 245's would be really the absolute max for a stock bodied 61/62, and went with 235's to be on the safe side (235/R60X15). Earlier C1's probably have different dimensions due to the body shape difference in the wheel well area. In the 6 years I have had the 235's on the rear, I have had no issues whatsoever (no sign of body or spring contact). Note that these tires are 1" shorter in diameter than the originals.

I am running 215 wide tires up front (215/R60X15), and again no issues. The smaller (in width and diameter) tires up front add a little rake and are easier to steer.

Good luck,
Plasticman

drewdog66vette

nice pics. especially of engine. do you like the wheel dollys and do they work well. i am thinking of using them, but afraid i will push car into side wall of garage or something. nice car....

Syclone007

Not sure what look you are going after or how big but I have used 215/65/r15's on 5.5" early wheels and no problem other than they were a lot shorter than the standard tire. I did a lot of research when I was preparing the above car for the Autorama in Detroit and also went to Diamondback and bought their smoothies. The rears are 215/75/r15 and the front are 205/75/r15. Since I'm showing it with Halibrand Kidney Bean Mags and they are 6" front and 7" rear I wanted the rear tires to be a little wider and taller. It gave the right look for me and were larger than the original 670/15 tires. I have seen a 60 and 62 Corvette with the 205/75/r15's all around with normal wheels and covers and they look good. My friend also has a 61 with 225/70/r15's which is another match for correct height of tire but you have to be careful with the wheel offset so there isn't interference with either the rear spring or turning with the front tires. He was using older polyester tires that weren't quite as wide as current radials and he had no interference. I would suggest first decide the look you want. Is it wide with no interference and don't care if the tire isn't as tall to fill the wheel well or do you want it to fill the wheel well better and don't need it as wide. The last is you can go wider on the rear with larger offset if you don't mind going outside the rear wheel well. I did this on a 58 with Americans and it looked good but could still kick up dirt. Hey most of us don't drive are Vettes when it's wet or dirty anyway. Good luck and have fun.

Syclone007

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...orama_012a.jpg

Sorry, here's a better picture.

JohnFromVentura

I have been playing with tire size, rim width and back spacing on my 57. I currently have 215/70/15's on the rears mounted on steel 6" rims with 4" backspacing. This is a real safe bet and fits quite comfortably. I plan to move these to the front and use 225/70/15's on 7" rims with 4 1/2" back spacing on the rear next. This will be close to the spring but should clear by 1/4". If it doesn't I can always use spacers to move the wheels outboard.

firstgear

sorry to sidetrack your thread.....but looking at your photos...saw the fuel injection system.....who makes that? was it easy to put in? anything you can share on it would be appreciated.....


I am putting 17" Cragars on my car, but I have changed the rear end out for a Ford 9"...right now I am using a 8" rim with 3.5" back space....consdiering going to a 9" rim with 5.5" back space....I will need to trim and tub the inner fenders slightly to the frame....but no big deal....soft top will still work and stow in stock location.....just wanted to have enough meat in the back to get some traction.....

let me know about the FI.

Pat Balch

I just had new wheels (AR TT D's) and tires put on my 62. 215 65/R15 on 6" up front and 235 60/R15 on 7" on the back. Nothing rubs anywhere. The only difference seems to be the amount of road dirt that gets kicked behind the rear wheels. I had them mounted with raised white letters out and I love the new look. If anyone wants to buy a new set of 62 hubcaps let me know. They were never on the car and they never will be now.

futura

Great feedback, thank you all for taking the time to respond. No takers on the reverse wheel question.

The roller dollys are a great tool. I now own two sets. It takes a bit of effort to get them moving but one person can position just about anyting in my garage with a set of these under a car. I've never had any problems or accidents.

The FI crate motor is from GM, I love the look and in speaking to several forum members, it's a fine motor. Here is a link:
http://www.goautocenter.com/350%20ram%20jet.htm

Thanks again, Art