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Trying to build out my new project on paper. Purchased my aunt's 59, she has had it torn apart for 35 years. So Im looking at Martz or Jim Meyer. Have heard you can tub it just enough for 9.5 or 10 inch wheel and keep the conv top. Is that true?
Does anyone have a build to share (pictures?), etc.
Trying to build out my new project on paper. Purchased my aunt's 59, she has had it torn apart for 35 years. So Im looking at Martz or Jim Meyer. Have heard you can tub it just enough for 9.5 or 10 inch wheel and keep the conv top. Is that true?
Does anyone have a build to share (pictures?), etc.
Bart,
So. Calif
Hey Bart,
I rebuilt our '62 a few years back and made significant modifications in the rear. Went to four link in the rear to get rid of the rods that attach to the frame, which obviously is your first obstacle.
Bottom line is that I ended up with 9" wide wheels, and 10" wide tires. They are MT Sportsman Radials.
They are tight, but they do fit and I didn't modify either the body, or the inside tubs.
Here are a few pics.
Also, by your avatar, it looks like your obviously a FF. Are you still working in SoCal?
Yes, 30 years for Ontario! Still doing it and lovin it.
I want to try the 18x10 look, but like your old school looking meats. You didn't have to have the bars on the inside of the frame?, and you didnt cut your inner fenders? Have more pics of your car complete?
Yes, 30 years for Ontario! Still doing it and lovin it.
I want to try the 18x10 look, but like your old school looking meats. You didn't have to have the bars on the inside of the frame?, and you didnt cut your inner fenders? Have more pics of your car complete?
Good for you bud!
I'm out after 28. Great career, but a whole lot more fun now! No more frigging politics!!!
Anyway, the bars are just as Jim Meyer's instructions state, and I didn't cut my inner fender wells at all!
ok, look good, did you do a JM front as well? And did you go with and LS, or SB, and what trans, Im still building mine on paper....
No, pretty much old school. I converted to disc brakes about 15 years ago. Nothing else to the front, except cutting a coil, and rebuilding of course.
Muncie 4 speed with a 350 roller motor. As little as I drive it, it does just fine.
Nothing against the LS as they produce unbelievable power, but I figured if I wanted modern stuff, I would just buy a newer Corvette.
Just finished a '55 Nomad, and an old school 427/435 Tri Power motor in that. I did put in a roller cam and lifters though.
Working on a '63 that still contains it's original driveline. 340 hp motor that I will keep pretty much stock. It will be my first attempt at keeping something original.
Funny though, as I was talking with a car collector just the other day. He is wealthy so, funds aren't an issue for him.
Anyway, he asked me why I would build the '63 to original specifications? You can do a complete resto-mod, updated suspension, drive train, interior, and have it be worth at least double of the original stuff?
I guess he may be right, and I may be out to lunch! But I'll admit that I still like the old hot rod feel of the car, and also the old odors and smells associated with them. I think I'm old!! But I'm good with that too. LOL!!
Good luck with your car, and keep us all informed with pictures.
A 58-60 has 9.5" as measured from the inside of the fender to the frame, which is in line with the inner body fender. A 61/62 has 11". If the top frame is installed, WITH the fabric and pads, there is less than 3/4" from the top edge (folded) to the inner wheel well.
The bottom line is that you can't tub a C-1. Wider fenders or ride height are your only options. There was a guy on here a couple of years ago that claimed that he fit 10 or 11" wheels on a stock body. He never would post pictures, other than his car was jacked up in the back, and probably had some stiff suspension. If you want a normal look, the math is simple. PTJSK put a 10" tire under a 61/2. That works with the correct backspace/offset, with 1/2" or so to spare. You cannot "tub" a straight axle car without giving up the convertible top.
A 58-60 has 9.5" as measured from the inside of the fender to the frame, which is in line with the inner body fender. A 61/62 has 11". If the top frame is installed, WITH the fabric and pads, there is less than 3/4" from the top edge (folded) to the inner wheel well.
The bottom line is that you can't tub a C-1. Wider fenders or ride height are your only options. There was a guy on here a couple of years ago that claimed that he fit 10 or 11" wheels on a stock body. He never would post pictures, other than his car was jacked up in the back, and probably had some stiff suspension. If you want a normal look, the math is simple. PTJSK put a 10" tire under a 61/2. That works with the correct backspace/offset, with 1/2" or so to spare. You cannot "tub" a straight axle car without giving up the convertible top.
Yes Mike,
You know these cars better than I do. After countless measuring, and utilizing the correct wheels, as well as cutting down the axles, I was able to get the 10" tires under there.
Like you said though......there's very little room for error. 1/4" on each side of the tire is not very much!
That is great information. I really dont want to loose the top, so im gonna need to put wider qtrs on it......or soul search if i really want to keep rag top....
Just ordered a pair of widened quarters for my 58 from corvette pacifica they get them from GTS. They are 795 a pair plus shipping. Not in stock I'm going on 2 weeks haven't got them yet
That is great information. I really dont want to loose the top, so im gonna need to put wider qtrs on it......or soul search if i really want to keep rag top....
The soft top is mandatory for me. My car has a hole rubbed through the wheel wells on each side at the point that Mike C. is talking about where the top is close. There is a small triangle made in the body at this point. When my top is down there is about 1/2" clearance on each side. I'm considering recontouring the bottom bow on my top to allow more room there.
Just ordered a pair of widened quarters for my 58 from corvette pacifica they get them from GTS. They are 795 a pair plus shipping. Not in stock I'm going on 2 weeks haven't got them yet
You can install them your way. Or You can look at my thread as to how I did mine, day one 61 restoration. I used American retro Dave's idea. Good luck with them.
Bart, I'd like to suggest the short drive up to Simi Valley and visit GTS's shop, meet Greg and Jane, some of the nicest folks in the biz, maybe buy the fenders direct, look at some Corvettes in process, pick his talented brain. Wished a couple of times I'd done more picking. Look them up online,
Holy cow guys great info, and im about 2 hours from simi valley........would love to get those bigger tires under my 59, would like to lower car so tires fit under the fenders......maybe air bags.......
01-07-2018, 08:26 PM
Widest tire without loosing conv top (TUB)
