Tire Options?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 12
From: Fisher, IL
Tire Options?
Well. In a year or so I'd like to upgrade rims on my '69 to larger(18"-19") but i'm not ready yet.
In the mean time my stock rims are sitting on some old rubber that needs replacing before I drive it anywhere next spring. Although the rubber does hold air pretty good I don't have a spare anymore so not sure if it's worth the risk of running on them...
What are my options for the stock rims? Tire size differences width/sidewall looks...
Should I look for used rims/tire combos on craigslist?
I've got some rims that came with the car back when I bought it at my house back in IL. I could have my sister measure them for me and see if they're a bit bigger but I doubt it.
I guess if I'm running the stock rims they probably look a bit better than the aftermarket ones...
In the mean time my stock rims are sitting on some old rubber that needs replacing before I drive it anywhere next spring. Although the rubber does hold air pretty good I don't have a spare anymore so not sure if it's worth the risk of running on them...
What are my options for the stock rims? Tire size differences width/sidewall looks...
Should I look for used rims/tire combos on craigslist?
I've got some rims that came with the car back when I bought it at my house back in IL. I could have my sister measure them for me and see if they're a bit bigger but I doubt it.
I guess if I'm running the stock rims they probably look a bit better than the aftermarket ones...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 96
From: Bowmanville Ontario
I am interested in this as well, Stock rims are all 15x8 and I want to keep the same profile I have on my now, but nicer rims.
I have 15x8 on the front and 15x10 on the back. The problem is the old Crager chrome rims are all pitted. I could re-chrome the rims, but I absolutely hate having to use spacers to clear the brake calipers. They are a real PITA to put on.
I know that there is a specific back-space that you need to have but I am not 100% sure that's what you have to worry about to clear the calipers. I also know I can go down to the local wheel specialist and he will help with 'fitment' but I'd like to know all I can before walking into his lair.
I have 15x8 on the front and 15x10 on the back. The problem is the old Crager chrome rims are all pitted. I could re-chrome the rims, but I absolutely hate having to use spacers to clear the brake calipers. They are a real PITA to put on.
I know that there is a specific back-space that you need to have but I am not 100% sure that's what you have to worry about to clear the calipers. I also know I can go down to the local wheel specialist and he will help with 'fitment' but I'd like to know all I can before walking into his lair.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
The way tires seem to come and go, I'd suggest waiting until you're ready to install them before committing to your wheel/tire combo, keeping an eye on what's out there in the mean time.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
1st things 1st! If your Corvette currently has "old" tires you need to replace them. Period end of story. "Old" tires are a time bomb waiting to explode. If you want to upgrade in a year or so to 18s or 19s buy something that will fit your stock rims but won't break the bank. Then you can at least drive your car and enjoy it until you upgrade. In the mean time you can look at some tire and wheel combinations that you may consider when you're ready to upgrade. I know this reads like a broken record sounds but do a search using "17s" or "18s" there is literally hours of reading and lots of pictures to help you digest what you might like for your own car.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 12
From: Fisher, IL
1st things 1st! If your Corvette currently has "old" tires you need to replace them. Period end of story. "Old" tires are a time bomb waiting to explode. If you want to upgrade in a year or so to 18s or 19s buy something that will fit your stock rims but won't break the bank. Then you can at least drive your car and enjoy it until you upgrade. In the mean time you can look at some tire and wheel combinations that you may consider when you're ready to upgrade. I know this reads like a broken record sounds but do a search using "17s" or "18s" there is literally hours of reading and lots of pictures to help you digest what you might like for your own car.
I'm just trying to decide if I put $400 in to new tires/mounting if I shouldn't just search craigslist and buy a cheapo set of rims/tires that someone else already took the hit on. Although I'm not positive I can find rims+decent tires for around $500...guess I'll just have to look first.
