Tire Rub
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Cypress Texas
Tire Rub
Ok team I installed some wire wheels on my 76 which required spacers. Now my255/60R15's are rubbing in the front. I am thinking of running smaller tires on the front. Any concerns around this and if I do, what size should I run?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
Where are they rubbing? To determine a tire size, I think it's really going to depend on where they're rubbing, and how much.
As someone who bought a new Corvette, with factory installed P255R60x15's, I can tell you that in certain situations, they could rub slightly on the frame. On 78-79's with factory installed 255/60's, GM trimmed the front lip of the wheel opening, to prevent the tires from rubbing. Most owners have been able to install them on their Corvette without an issue, but GM wasn't in a position to take that chance.
I don't think there's any reason to have concerns about running a smaller front tire. Personally, I have more concerns about using spacers, especially on the front.
Spacers have a lot of adverse effects, when installed on the front. As you've already found out, they increase the likelihood of tire rub. They also change the front suspension geometry, increase the load on wheel bearings, and can even effect braking. The simple slip on spacers, also increase the load on wheel studs.
As someone who bought a new Corvette, with factory installed P255R60x15's, I can tell you that in certain situations, they could rub slightly on the frame. On 78-79's with factory installed 255/60's, GM trimmed the front lip of the wheel opening, to prevent the tires from rubbing. Most owners have been able to install them on their Corvette without an issue, but GM wasn't in a position to take that chance.
I don't think there's any reason to have concerns about running a smaller front tire. Personally, I have more concerns about using spacers, especially on the front.
Spacers have a lot of adverse effects, when installed on the front. As you've already found out, they increase the likelihood of tire rub. They also change the front suspension geometry, increase the load on wheel bearings, and can even effect braking. The simple slip on spacers, also increase the load on wheel studs.
Last edited by gbvette62; Feb 11, 2017 at 12:12 PM.
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need more information, what thickness spacer did you put on and why ?
rim width ? backspace dimension ?
if you must use spacers, only use hub concentric adapters.
rim width ? backspace dimension ?
if you must use spacers, only use hub concentric adapters.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Cypress Texas
Tire Rub
They are Weld Wire Wheels 8" wide.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 336
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From: Il.
They make 1/2 inch spacers that may bring the tire in so they don't rub. My 77 had some after market wheels and 255/60/15 tires with 1/2 inch spacers . I'm not going to use the wheels or tires ,I found a set of stock J8 wheels in Indiana.The spacers don't have studs just holes for the wheel stud.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lincoln, CA
We would need to know the offset or backspace of the existing Weld wheels. If they are 4.5 backspace your spacer it too thick.
These are 18x8 with 4" backspace and 255/45-18 tires. NO rubbing.
These are 18x8 with 4" backspace and 255/45-18 tires. NO rubbing.
