chris383

Hello,

I want to change my wheels on my 72 LT-1.

I've currently alu wheels from a 76 later model with 255/60 x 15 tires.

I would like to have a more original look. Of course, I can buy a set of 15" Rallye Wheels (original or reproduction). But, with these 15" wheels, I've always the problem of tires ! To find good tires on 15" dimension is very difficult today...

So, I like to know if a set of 16" Steel Rallye Wheel could be a solution ? I must keep the 4" backspace, but such wheels are avaiable.

The main problem is the trim rings : I couldn't have clear answer from Vintiques or Coker for correct looknig trim rings ...

Otherwise, I assume that center caps are the same as the 15" ?

Thank you
Chris

3JsVette

I think trim rings are going to be an issue on anything other than 15" wheels.
As far as finding tire choices 16" is going be as difficult as 15".
IMCO if you're going to upgrade go with at least 17" for a better tire selection.

Jeff_Keryk

You will buy a set. I bought 16x8 chrome Wheel Vintiques. Of course you don't need a beauty ring, just the center caps. I used 255/50/16 Comp TA's. It sat nice and low. One thing - there are fewer and fewer 16" tires out there...
Here is a dusty pic:

Alan 71

Hi Chris,
In looking around it appears the available trim rings for 16" diameter rally wheels are only about 2" deep, not almost 4" deep as the originals are.
You can see this by looking at the ring in the area of the valve stem… the 2" deep ring doesn't completely surround the stem as the original ring does.
Regards,
Alan

71scgc

Go 17"

Carter

chris383

Thank you all.
I've also seen that trim rings are too thin !

Here, you'll see all possible "good" tires for 16" wheels :




For the 17" wheels, there are even a lot more tires avaiable, but the trim rings question is the same, or not ?
Chris

Barry's70LT1

I went with 17" Rally wheels from Year One. One piece aluminum, the trim wings are part of the wheel. Center caps included.
I'm very satisfied with these wheels.
https://www.yearone.com/Catalog/whee...y-wheels-.-car

chris383

You're LT-1 is white, like mine ;-)
The YO wheels look good ! Which rim dimension and backspace you have and which tires dimensions ?

Barry's70LT1

I have the 17 x 8, 4.5" BS, with 245/50 Michelin tires. I think they are 26.7" diameter.
The 17" wheels and Michelin tires greatly improved the steering/handling.
I did use 1/2" spacers to bring the wheels out their original look. I believe spacers are not required as many have installed these wheels without them. (4.5 BS)

chris383

Thank you very much ! I'm quite interested with this solution.
Of course, the wheels are not the original one, but it is easy to buy a set of 15 x 8 wheels and mount them if needed...
There is also a lot a possible tires here in Switzerland. It would be better to take 245/55 x15 (more choice).
Chris

chris383

Regarding my 16'' Rallye wheels problem, I've also seen rims on the U.S. Wheels site. They appear to habe 4" backspace, They claim they have trim rings with 2" deep. I know is less than originals, but if I could see an application with these trim rings, I can accept the look ?
I consider the 17" aluminium wheels as an interesting option, but maybe a bit too far for an "original" look....
Chris

drspencer

Those look great, pretty close to the original vibe.

1) Do they require lug-centric (like the original 15" rims), or hub-centric (like modern rims) balancing?

2) Do they require constant polishing to keep them from getting oxidized?

3) Can you get get 17" tires with raised white lettering?

4) If I don't do any racing, autocross, etc., how much of an improvement will I feel when compared to daily street driving on stock 15' rims w/BFG tires?

Thanks