When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Looking at going with new wheels on my 1975 Convertible. Wanting to go with TTII. I have new tires and looking at 15x8. Not sure about backspacing. Need help on what to rider from the Corvette part houses.
I would seriously urge you to consider something other than 15" wheels, as there are only 2 or 3 brands of tires made. I moved to 18" and was able to buy Michelin Pilot Sport 4. I know BFG & Cooper have their fans, but I'm not one of them.
Oh, and 4.5" BS IIRC
Last edited by ratflinger; Dec 28, 2023 at 10:09 AM.
Yes, pretty sure it's 4.5 inch backspace.
And yes, some people like the modern tires.
I'm with you, I like the look of the tires from that time period on these cars. To each his own.
I ran Cooper's for many years. Now running Galaxy's. They stick much better in the rain. Less expensive. No idea how many miles there good for, but I've never worn out a tire on my Vette, always replaced due to age. So sticky is good. (Country of Origin was a bitter pill for me to swallow).
15x8.5 with 3.77" backspace part number 1055861 torq thrust D, no spacers or mods, 255-60s all around on both... one Coopers and one BFGs and no issues with either though I don't track my cars.
15x8.5 with 3.77" backspace part number 1055861 torq thrust D, no spacers or mods, 255-60s all around on both... one Coopers and one BFGs and no issues with either though I don't track my cars.
and they do look a bit proud to the outside. Can't exactly roll the fenders on C3. And your saying they don't hit? Looks like a good size bump would test that.
I'm still thinking 4.5 offset.
and they do look a bit proud to the outside. Can't exactly roll the fenders on C3. And your saying they don't hit? Looks like a good size bump would test that.
I'm still thinking 4.5 offset.
had them on both for some time with no rubbing at all ever, not even at compressed suspension... the 69 was closest at the front of the front wheel and had about 3/8"- 1/2" clearance, a 245/60 is actually the recomended but discount let me try a 255/60 and cleared fine... the 80 not really close at all but again both with 255s... both cars were lowered a bit as well, frankly back in the day when Dunlop had 265/50s I used to run them.
been using these for a while and "Wheels for less" had this wheel package as the C3 corvette package which is where i purchased the first full wheel package, now i just use discount tire. These rims were on a national backorder last year and found my last set at classic industries, i personally cant imagine a 4.5" backspace not rubbing the frame but don't know... never used that backspace.
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My '79 with 15x8 Ridler wheels, 4-inch backspace, and 255/60/15 Cooper Cobras. Tires even with fender lip. Top picture is with mint, laminated original blue tint glass tops. The second is with the fiberglass tops to save the glass tops.
Very pleased with looks and performance.
I have brand new BFG 245/60/15. Hate to not go with them. So you recommend 15x8 with 5x4.5? Don’t think they will rub? That whole back space thing confuses me. So does the higher backspace mean they stick further on wheel wells!
can only comment to my experiences, ive installed the 15x8.5 witht the 3.77" backspace for years, here is the labels from my last boxes... 15x8 will give a little better clearance. I will say the 255/60s can possibly rub on inner frame (PS box bolts) at full lock on some cars, possibly front of front fender as well on prior 1980 cars so I believe you will be fine with the 245s but again just from my experiences. The factory wheels have a 4" backspace and 15x8 wheel ( backspace is distance between mounting surface and back of the rim) the more the backspace the more the wheels sits towards the frame, less backspace move more wheel towards the outside of the car.
the torq thrust "D" is made for disc brake cars so will need no spacers to clear the calipers
Again this is just my experiences and not here to ruffle feathers.
Original YJ8s and N90s fit without modification, are 15x8" with 4" BS, and are Made in USA.
They didn't get the porosity fixed until they changed manufacturers in 1976, but they should have been an option as early as 1973. Zora had prototypes on his 1974 retirement C3.
If you are going to buy newly manufactured wheels, buy 18" wheels to future-proof your tire choices.
Last edited by Bikespace; Dec 29, 2023 at 11:44 AM.
75 Wheels
