Kensmith

Ok, I told you I would post the results of what I had to do to put the 17X8" wheels and 225/50 tires on my stock 65 coupe. Well, here are the pics and the only thing I did was buy the VB&P shortened mono spring kit. I did not have to remove the e-brake bracket and the cables cleared. Stock trailing arms. Pattie at VB&P was very helpful in getting me the correct spring. Thanks Pattie! Photos are attached. Also I use to have a rubbing issue with the l-front tire against the front of the l-fender. No more! The 225/50X17 tires are 1/2" shorter and 1" wider than the 215/70X15 I was using. I also am now 25 1/2" front and rear so I was able to lower the rear 1" to match the front and still have about 3/4" before the end of the 8" bolt. No problems with turning but did not check to see if the tires would hit the frame in front. Did some tight turns but not a super tight u-turn. Anyway, hope this helps and if any of you like the Cragar SS 610 wheels, let me know and I will put you in touch with the person I got them from. Great deal! Around $600 for the set! Cragars are 17X8 with 4 1/2" backspacing (0 offset). No spacers used.

SMOKINGJOE

Looking GOOD Ken
I'm thinking about changing my wheels and tires.
I'm leaning towards Coy's wheels 17x7 font and 18x7in the rear with Goodyear Eagle F1. Still undecided if I want to give up my 15x7 Rallies.

64 roach

looks great is there anything I would have to do (besides the spring) to make these tires and rims fit on my 64 stock drum brake setup

Rob-classof'64

'64 roach;

I just put 17's on my '64 roadster, discs up front and left the drums in the back. No problems at all with the wheels. Running the same size tires he is. You just want to blast and paint the drums, since they will be very visible and rusty drums just don't get it.

Rob

Rob-classof'64

Hey Ken;

They look great!! What are you doing for a spare?

Rob

Kensmith

I still have the 2001 Chevy S-10 spare that will still work if I take a little air out of it.

Kensmith

Not sure with drums as I have disk but if the hub is in the same place, they will fit. I do have very close clearance with the E-brake cable but it does not touch. Worst case, move the cable to the top of the trailing arm.

Kensmith

Just an added note, I replaced the spring because I had a 9 leaf that was getting a little old and was too close to the wheel but did not touch. You might be able to use the stock spring with this wheel/tire setup!

raytex

Which spring did you use from VBandP?
Is it the normal monospring from their website they sell in different lbs ratings?
I am asking because I got a 360lbs from VBandP and in future would like to have 17'' also.

Ray

Kensmith

Ray,

It was the 360# shortened an additional 1/2" but didn't need to be as they are already shorter than stock 9 leaf.

michael65

Ken

I'm glad you went for it with the Cragars and the fitment wasn't a problem. They look superb!

Regards,

Michael

66since71

Ken, very nice! Glad it worked out for you. Just out of curiosity, how is the tie rod end / steering knuckle clearance?

Harry

Kensmith

No issues with the front steering/suspension. Have not tried to crank the wheel all the way to see if it might rub on the frame. Did make some sharp turns with no issues. If it does rub the frame, it will only be slightly I would think. I will be driving it today and see how tight of a U-turn I can make.

Kensmith

Thanks Michael, I am a fan of Cragar and American 5 spoke wheels. Nothing better on a muscle car!

woodsdesign

Nice looking Ken. You got me thinking about retiring my knock offs

avideo

ZEEEE06

Who did you get the wheels from?

Kensmith

From a dealer in Southern California.

SPLITRAY

[QUOTE=Kensmith;1565094262]Ok, I told you I would post the results of what I had to do to put the 17X8" wheels and 225/50 tires on my stock 65 coupe. Well, here are the pics and the only thing I did was buy the VB&P shortened mono spring kit. I did not have to remove the e-brake bracket and the cables cleared. Stock trailing arms. Pattie at VB&P was very helpful in getting me the correct spring. Thanks Pattie! Photos are attached. Also I use to have a rubbing issue with the l-front tire against the front of the l-fender. No more! The 225/50X17 tires are 1/2" shorter and 1" wider than the 215/70X15 I was using. I also am now 25 1/2" front and rear so I was able to lower the rear 1" to match the front and still have about 3/4" before the end of the 8" bolt. No problems with turning but did not check to see if the tires would hit the frame in front. Did some tight turns but not a super tight u-turn. Anyway, hope this helps and if any of you like the Cragar SS 610 wheels, let me know and I will put you in touch with the person I got them from. Great deal! Around $600 for the set! Cragars are 17X8 with 4 1/2" backspacing (0 offset). No spacers used.

WOW! Looks great, and really good information for shopping...Thanx!

ZEEEE06

Which dealer?