1968 Wheel Width
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,718
Likes: 2,163
From: Minnesota
Not a big enough change to be worth the effort IMO. If you want a radically different change in handling I would go for 17”+ wheels with modern tire compounds.
Last edited by Piersonpie; May 28, 2026 at 08:08 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
The original F70-15 tires used on early 68+ cars are equal to current 215-70 -15 tires.
So the same tire was used on both 7" and 8" wide wheels.
In looking at the appearance of various tires I find that the 'height' of the tire is important too.
Regards.....
Chagjr ....Nice looking 68!!!!
The original F70-15 tires used on early 68+ cars are equal to current 215-70 -15 tires.
So the same tire was used on both 7" and 8" wide wheels.
In looking at the appearance of various tires I find that the 'height' of the tire is important too.
Regards.....
Chagjr ....Nice looking 68!!!!
Last edited by Alan 71; May 29, 2026 at 09:01 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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the 8 inch rim will let the front tires rub slightly on the frame at the rear of the wheel well at full lock...My tires just polished the frame. The rear wheels will be about an 1/8" or less from the emergency cable bracket. You may have enough room for the wheels, most people relocate that bracket as the factory did for the later years. You should just take the bare rim with some wheel weights still attach to see if they touch that bracket. 17 " rims arent a big deal and you can also solve the issue with some thin shims
THe 8 inch wheel is worth it as it spreads the tire out and gives it a wider tire patch given you use a wider than stock tire. I saw a video that had a small section on this subject but have no idea where I saw it. Only down side is finding a 15 inch tire that is high performance...the only really good tires easily available are the cooper cobras or the bfg radial t/a but the later has the letter browning issue. Both are only rated for sustained driveing just below 120 mph
THe 8 inch wheel is worth it as it spreads the tire out and gives it a wider tire patch given you use a wider than stock tire. I saw a video that had a small section on this subject but have no idea where I saw it. Only down side is finding a 15 inch tire that is high performance...the only really good tires easily available are the cooper cobras or the bfg radial t/a but the later has the letter browning issue. Both are only rated for sustained driveing just below 120 mph
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 29, 2026 at 07:41 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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My 68 had a 8 inch wheel and a 7 inch wheel on both the front and rear axles (???). I converted to all 8 inch rims and 255/60-15 tires. The fronts rub some on the frame but I like the overall look a lot better.
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 70
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From: San Clemente, CA
My opinion is that GM engineers decided to switch to 8" in 1969 for a reason. I run 245/60's front and 255/60's rear on my '69 L46; I've never had any rubbing or "frame polishing" issues with this setup and the handling is great.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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The front spindles were changed in 69 that changed that issue and they went to a bigger bearing as the 68 ones would eventually seize to the spindle and throw the car violently to the left across 2 lanes of traffic at 80mph leaving a definite brown stain in your shorts....i have pictures of the bearing, .....not my shorts