Rally Wheel Size Question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale PA
Rally Wheel Size Question
I have a 1969 that I've had for several years and am just starting to get to some work it has been needing, including a new set of tires, and just learned that the wheels are the wrong size. The car has 15x7 GM rally wheels, which were correct for 1968, at all four corners and a correct 15x8 for the spare. Old tires were 215-70s and I got the same size for the new tires.
The 15x7 wheels are dated 1970 so they definitely did not come on the car originally. I'm wondering if anyone might know some valid reason why a prior owner may have switched to the narrower wheels.
Considering that I'm not going to be having the car judged, should I buy a set of 15x8 wheels or just use what I have?
Thanks,
Joe
The 15x7 wheels are dated 1970 so they definitely did not come on the car originally. I'm wondering if anyone might know some valid reason why a prior owner may have switched to the narrower wheels.
Considering that I'm not going to be having the car judged, should I buy a set of 15x8 wheels or just use what I have?
Thanks,
Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Joe,
You also asked how/why it might of happened.
SO MANY cars had wheels switched around that a previous owner may have thought he was buying 8" wheels but wasn't, or maybe didn't even check to see what he was buying because he assumed all 15" rally wheels were the same. There's really not enough difference to notice until you put the trim ring on... then it's noticeable.
If you're happy with the condition of the wheels there's little reason to change them.
Regards,
Alan
You also asked how/why it might of happened.
SO MANY cars had wheels switched around that a previous owner may have thought he was buying 8" wheels but wasn't, or maybe didn't even check to see what he was buying because he assumed all 15" rally wheels were the same. There's really not enough difference to notice until you put the trim ring on... then it's noticeable.
If you're happy with the condition of the wheels there's little reason to change them.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Bay Florida
Joe - Looks like you may have to manually measure each wheel for width. The '68's came with 7" rims, and the '69's with 8 inchers. OE tire size was F70X15 bias-belted for each year although the F's looked a little funny on that much rim. Many owners upgraded to G70's. Current (close) equivalents are 215/70 and 225/70X15 respectively. If you want the look, 255/60X15's have the equivalent rolling circumference and look fine on the 8" rims. The 60's were OE for 78 - 82. I'd save a 7 incher with a skinny-mini tire for the spare. Decisions, decisions.......
Last edited by pacecar620; Nov 3, 2013 at 12:58 PM. Reason: additional information
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
A prior owner may have swapped out the original rally wheels for some other kind of [aftermarket] wheels. Later he/she, or another PO may have decided to go back to the rally wheels, but purchased a Chevelle/Camaro (rally) wheel set by mistake. The original 8" spare really tells the story.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale PA
Thanks for the replies and helping me rule out the possibility of a mechanical (for lack of a better word) reason why someone may have switched to the narrower wheels. Even a simple tire swap can get complicated!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 3
From: Philly Suburbs (Pa.)
A prior owner may have swapped out the original rally wheels for some other kind of [aftermarket] wheels. Later he/she, or another PO may have decided to go back to the rally wheels, but purchased a Chevelle/Camaro (rally) wheel set by mistake. The original 8" spare really tells the story.
