Rims for C2

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Dec 17, 2004 | 01:44 PM

coladapina

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 11

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Rims for C2

I recently bought a 65, red, convertible, NOM. I'd like to put modern styled rims onto it. Is this a problem?

This is my first Chevy, and honestly, I dont know a ton about cars.

Are the bolt patterns for Chevys all the same? So that if it fit's one Chevy it will fit another?

Can anyone recommend a place I can go to see different Rims that will fit a 1965 Vette?

Thanks,
Steve
FLY NAVY

Dec 17, 2004 | 03:05 PM

magicv8

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 7,246

Likes: 21

From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa

There are a lot of posts on this one. There are as many solutions as there are determined people with money. A search of wheel posts may give the answer you are after.

The c2 does not lend itself to wide wheels and tires. I replaced the 5.5inch stock rims with GM 6 inch rally wheels. The GM style Bolt on alloy wheels are also a stock looking wheel that does not as easily come loose as the ones with knock off hubs.

Aftermarket wheels may rub on front or rear fenders, on emergency brake brackets, on the frame, or on the calipers. If you go that route, I would advise buying something from a local vendor that you do not have to pay to order, so that you can return them if they rub.

my 2¢

Dec 17, 2004 | 06:03 PM

bcwaller

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,206

Likes: 62

From: Redondo Beach CA

C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019

Whoo boy, this could get fun! There are a ton of rims you can use. You need to decide on the look you want (old school or modern), the tires you might want to use, performance objectives, and your budget. 15", 16" or 17"? I've seen them all.

As Magic said, if you want to go wide you need to make modifications or suffer compromises. I have 16x8 wheels with 245/45 tires, but I also have a relocated emergency brake bracket to clear the tires in the rear and get a little tire rub on the frame in the front at full lock. But, I also have a pretty agressive tire and wide contact patch.

I sacrificed some looks (the tire is a bit short) for near maximum performance. What is it you really want?

Dec 17, 2004 | 07:57 PM

BioRxOkc@aol.com

Pro

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 614

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From: Edmond OK

Mine is similar, a 1966 red vert...

Dec 17, 2004 | 09:20 PM

Vetterodder

Safety Car

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 3,631

Likes: 14

From: Fountain Hills AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by coladapina

I recently bought a 65, red, convertible, NOM. I'd like to put modern styled rims onto it. Is this a problem?

Thanks,
Steve
FLY NAVY

As others have posted, our cars have several clearance issues with larger rims/tires. The biggest problem with after-market wheels is usually caliper clearance. Most after-market rims (as well as GM wheels designed for other cars), even in stock size, won't clear your calipers without adapters. The problem with adapters is that they push the wheel further out, creating more clearance problems and they also put stress on a part of the stud that wasn't designed to have stress. There are some nice looking wheels that do work with our cars, hopefully one of them suits your tastes.

Dec 20, 2004 | 09:59 AM

coladapina

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

Thanks for the input.

I'd like to look into a more modern style of rim. But stick with a size'd tire that will not require any reworking of the brackets, calipers, e-brakes etc.

Anyone have a suggestion on where to go to look at the choices available, either online or a catalog?

Steve.

Dec 20, 2004 | 11:37 AM

Hitch

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 11,593

Likes: 173

From: Clayton NC

Steve, there are really not many choices when it comes to wheels besides the Knock-offs, Rallies and American Racing Torque Thrust II's. I've heard that Boyd Smoothie's fit with no spacers. So these are your four choices unless you want to run spacers behind the wheels so that they clear the calipers. Spacers lead to other things ie longer studs. You'll find on the mid-years that the offset is the determining factor as most modern wheels will not clear the calipers.. Search under my profile and previous posts there has been a lot of discussion on thsi in the past.

Dec 20, 2004 | 01:46 PM

LouieM

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 13,646

Likes: 3,595

From: NorCal

To avoid even the possibility of the tire hitting and trashing the bodywork, the largest recommended tire is a 215-65-15, if you stick with a 15 inch wheel. Look at the American Racing and Vintage Wheel Works sites, where there are some custom wheels that will work. Also PS Engineering in Los Angeles makes a Torq Thrust D style wheel from the 60s that looks great (a couple of Forum members have them on their midyears); PS Engineering has no web site, you have to call them.