sprocket99999

Hi,
I am wondering if anyone knows how wide of a back tire i can get on my car.someone also said i can put a 15 x 7 rim on the rear buy I need to know the widest tire that will fit?
thanks gary

62Jeff

Hi Gary,
This post in the FAQ includes links to several older discussions on tires and tire sizes on the early cars. I have not read them recently, but I suspect the answer to your question is in one of those posts.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1558302883-post6.html

Jeff

Vet65te

My '61 still has the 15x7 Centerlines and 255-60x15 tires on the rear and they stick out enough that the PO added air shocks. They don't stick out a lot but just enough to hit the wheel well lip if the air shocks aren't kept up around 30# minimum. The Centerlines only have a 3 3/8 backspacing which added to the problem. They are going to be changed out eventually.


Mike T.

narlee

I've got 225-60x15 on my 61. The tire store let me try 235-60 but it was too close & I didn't want to rub or trim at all. A slight variation from car to car a 235 might work but I know 225 will fit in 60 series and not rub. That is on a 7 inch wheel.

JohnFromVentura

It really doesn't matter if you run 6" or 7" rims as long the rim back spacing is compensated for. The widest tire that you can get in there with stock wheel wells and without interfering with the rear spring is a 225!

Plasticman

I will disagree. Been running 235's for the past 9 years with no issues on the rears (and no trimming). But then again, my 62 must not of been built on a Monday or Friday.

235/60X15's on AR TTD 6" rims.

I did measure very carefully and figured 245's might of fit, but 235's were safe. Have to also compensate for leaf spring/bushing side deflection when measuring. Static clearance measurements should have a 1/4" (or so) removed from them.

And a 6" rim will pull the section width (sidewall bulge) inward (for more clearance) than a 7" rim.

I have 215/60X15's up front (although I know of one guy who has 235's all the way around). I wanted the added rake and smaller width tires up front for easier steering.

Plasticman