1968 Corvette tire offset
08-25-2016, 04:39 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
1968 Corvette tire offset
Looking to buy my first pair of aftermarket rims. I've done a ton of research. 17x8 rims 245-45-17 tires. The problem is the offset. I know for 69-76 back spacing is 4 inch, offset is -11mm. The 68 rally rim has a backspace of 3 3/4. Would I still be fine with a rim with (4.5 inches) backspace, would it stick out? Would my offset be different?
ANY help would be appreciated
ANY help would be appreciated
Last edited by Thran69; 08-25-2016 at 05:05 AM.
08-25-2016, 08:44 AM
#3
Safety Car
The 68's still had 15X7" wheels.... while the 69 and later had 15X8" wheels. That's why the BS is different.
The suspension, frame and fender arches are all the same width on 68 as they are on a 69 and later in regard to the wheel offset.
8" wide wheels need 4" BS, so the offset is 0.
Will
The suspension, frame and fender arches are all the same width on 68 as they are on a 69 and later in regard to the wheel offset.
8" wide wheels need 4" BS, so the offset is 0.
Will
Last edited by rklessdriver; 08-25-2016 at 08:45 AM.
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Thran69 (08-25-2016)
08-25-2016, 08:52 AM
#4
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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Royal Canadian Navy
Give some serious consideration for 18" wheels. The tire choice is much greater. I have 18" fronts with 4-1/2" BS and they just clear the caliper.
08-25-2016, 09:52 AM
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Looking for the cheapest tire right now. Would that be 18inch? I am looking at these specifically. Would they work on my vette? Would i need adapters?
Thanks you for helping!
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...8063/overview/
Thanks you for helping!
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...8063/overview/
08-25-2016, 10:56 AM
#6
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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13" would be the cheapest but I hear what you're saying. As tire diameter increases, so does the price in performance tires.
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Kid Vette (08-25-2016)
08-25-2016, 02:27 PM
#8
Advanced
I dig finding more research on this topic!
Here are my findings on tire sizes for the 1968 Corvette, along with some information on wheels:
http://www.shredjesse.com/1968-chevy...ck-or-modified
Please note that on the 1968 Corvette I am not confident you can fit 245's up front. I put 235/60R15's up front, and as you can see in the picture at the above link I can barely fit my pinky between the tire and my front fender. A larger circumference tire would be precariously close to your fender. I've been told by those who have proceeded in this direction that you'll need to shave that down to fit 245 or even 255 up front.
Here are my findings on tire sizes for the 1968 Corvette, along with some information on wheels:
http://www.shredjesse.com/1968-chevy...ck-or-modified
Please note that on the 1968 Corvette I am not confident you can fit 245's up front. I put 235/60R15's up front, and as you can see in the picture at the above link I can barely fit my pinky between the tire and my front fender. A larger circumference tire would be precariously close to your fender. I've been told by those who have proceeded in this direction that you'll need to shave that down to fit 245 or even 255 up front.
08-25-2016, 02:43 PM
#9
On my 69 i have 255/45x17 on Amercian Racing Torque II's before that I had 265/50x15 on Amercian Racing 200S so I cannt see how a 245 would cause an issue. I think you also have to consider the spokes of the wheel hitting the calipers so I think you cannt just pick a wheel of a certain size and BS, you have to check the manufacturers website to see if they state the wheel will fit a 68 Corvette.
08-25-2016, 02:55 PM
#10
Advanced
I believe the 1968 front fender well is slightly different, and was modified to accommodate the 8" wide wheel and different size tires for 69+ corvettes.
As for 265's, I've also heard that cannot be run up front on OEM backspaced wheels without interfering with steering components. Furthermore, you can't really go much wider on the wheels with less backspace (to space the wheel further out, preventing interference) without exceeding oem standard wheel well sizing.
I could be wrong, but until I see a 1968 owner demonstrate otherwise, these are what I've seen personally for myself (see above link I posted with picture of pinky barely fitting between tire and fender with a 245/60R15 1968 on a 68 C3) and in others writing about it online.
The 1968 is a one year only car in a lot of regards. For example most people don't realize it also had one year only spindles up front, and thus different hubs and bearing sizes.
As for 265's, I've also heard that cannot be run up front on OEM backspaced wheels without interfering with steering components. Furthermore, you can't really go much wider on the wheels with less backspace (to space the wheel further out, preventing interference) without exceeding oem standard wheel well sizing.
I could be wrong, but until I see a 1968 owner demonstrate otherwise, these are what I've seen personally for myself (see above link I posted with picture of pinky barely fitting between tire and fender with a 245/60R15 1968 on a 68 C3) and in others writing about it online.
The 1968 is a one year only car in a lot of regards. For example most people don't realize it also had one year only spindles up front, and thus different hubs and bearing sizes.
08-25-2016, 03:02 PM
#11
Team Owner
C-3s have brake calipers with a LARGE cross section, and they require wheels that have plenty of clearance on the INSIDE of the wheel's center section....
08-26-2016, 11:02 AM
#12
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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Royal Canadian Navy
That's another reason why I recommended 18" wheels to the OP or anyone reading this. My US Mags Ramblers will clear the calipers with a 4.5" BS.
08-26-2016, 12:43 PM
#14
Team Owner
Clearance on a C-3 is a twofold proposition. There's the clearance of the inner center of the wheel, with respect to the caliper, as well as the clearance of the wheel/tire to the trailing arm. I strongly believe that a wheel with 5.5" of BS will interfere with the trailing arm.
08-26-2016, 12:55 PM
#15
Advanced
Yes, this much I know. I should have been more specific to the above statement about caliper clearance on 15" rally wheels with 5.5" backspacing. I'd also like to know about clearance with offset trailing arms while I'm at it 
Most specifically, I'm personally trying to find somebody who has put offset trailing arms (whether double offset or not, shortened spring needed) with 15x10 wheels with whatever backspacing was needed (5.5 or 5 inch), on a 1968 Chevy Corvette, running 295/60R15 tires... and if it required any modifications beyond what I've listed above to remain inboard of the wheel wheel.
Most specifically, I'm personally trying to find somebody who has put offset trailing arms (whether double offset or not, shortened spring needed) with 15x10 wheels with whatever backspacing was needed (5.5 or 5 inch), on a 1968 Chevy Corvette, running 295/60R15 tires... and if it required any modifications beyond what I've listed above to remain inboard of the wheel wheel.
09-16-2016, 09:36 PM
#16
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Went with the rims. They fit. Regardless you have to move the parking brake. I found that even on my 72 with (I thinK) Stock tires and Zenith rims, They were starting to rub. I think there should be a PSA on checking your parking brake to see if its rubbing. I know if i would of left it, i would of blown a tire under 300 miles.