Wheel Options for 73 Vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Wheel Options for 73 Vette
Greetings all.
New to this forum but have had my 73 Vette for many years. Actually, its been kinda in hiding since I've negelected it for the past 6 years.
Just got it back running with fresh brake calipers and lines, fluid and seal changes, new plugs and she runs great. Motor, tranny and exhaust were redone just before I set this project aside 6 years ago.
Was thinking of going back with the OEM Rally 15 x 8 for wheels, but I do really like the thought of upping the rim size to 17" or 18".
Since its been so long ago that I thought about wheels for this car, wanted to see what the latest availability is for bolt-on\perfect fitment plus sizing in wheels.
I did a search and came up with a few, but just wanted to get more feedback on what works and what doesn't. Looking to keep the sporty profile and ride height, but fill the wheel wells with no rubbing or cut tires.
Thanks for all input. This place is a great new home!
Steve
New to this forum but have had my 73 Vette for many years. Actually, its been kinda in hiding since I've negelected it for the past 6 years.
Just got it back running with fresh brake calipers and lines, fluid and seal changes, new plugs and she runs great. Motor, tranny and exhaust were redone just before I set this project aside 6 years ago.
Was thinking of going back with the OEM Rally 15 x 8 for wheels, but I do really like the thought of upping the rim size to 17" or 18".
Since its been so long ago that I thought about wheels for this car, wanted to see what the latest availability is for bolt-on\perfect fitment plus sizing in wheels.
I did a search and came up with a few, but just wanted to get more feedback on what works and what doesn't. Looking to keep the sporty profile and ride height, but fill the wheel wells with no rubbing or cut tires.
Thanks for all input. This place is a great new home!
Steve
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Corvette Central carries 17" SLP five spokes in powder coat silver (like ZR1 and Grand Sport), with correct offset for C3's. They are also available in chrome from SLP and some tire and wheel dealers. Lots of guys on the forum have American Racing Torque Thrust II's in 17" or larger, again made with correct offset for C3. BOyd Coddington wheels are always custom order and they build to your offset spec. There is also a manufacturer of Rally wheels in !7". Don't know the manufacturer, but again there are some guys in the forum with these on their cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Originally Posted by Busrydr
Was thinking of going back with the OEM Rally 15 x 8 for wheels, but I do really like the thought of upping the rim size to 17" or 18".
As for sizes, it depends on how wide of a tire you want and if you want offset trailing arms. You can't go wrong with 17x8 with 4" backspacing.
Personally I went with Boyd Coddington Nemesis 17x8 4" backspace fronts and 18x9.5 with 4.875" backspacing. You can easily run 5.25" on the rear with non-offset trailing arms as long as you use an 18" wheel.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati OH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Are these new fangled large diam wheels and low profile tires hard on vintage suspension and overall ride? I have manual steering, and was thinking of Torque Thrust II 16x8 all around, with 225/60-16 on front and 245/50-16 on rear. The manual steering negates a wide front tire.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Now were talking... options and lots of them.
I'm really digging those C-5's in chrome at Coys Wheels. That fits my style. A little old school vintage Cragar look with an up to date flare to it.
Nice to also know that the new style OEM vette whiles have a place on a C3 as well. Those look hot, but I'd like a little more depth for my vintage vette.
17" or rally may be an option. I'd need to see these and the correct tire size on a C3 to determine.
Hope its not too much to ask, but anyone that has pics, please post them (especially the Coy C-5's).
Thanks again,
Steve
I'm really digging those C-5's in chrome at Coys Wheels. That fits my style. A little old school vintage Cragar look with an up to date flare to it.
Nice to also know that the new style OEM vette whiles have a place on a C3 as well. Those look hot, but I'd like a little more depth for my vintage vette.
17" or rally may be an option. I'd need to see these and the correct tire size on a C3 to determine.
Hope its not too much to ask, but anyone that has pics, please post them (especially the Coy C-5's).
Thanks again,
Steve
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by dosoctaves
Are these new fangled large diam wheels and low profile tires hard on vintage suspension and overall ride? I have manual steering, and was thinking of Torque Thrust II 16x8 all around, with 225/60-16 on front and 245/50-16 on rear. The manual steering negates a wide front tire.
My brother runs 255/50/16 on his 72 with no rubbing issues!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
18's & 17's
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
70 LS1/DAnthony... Sweet looking rides.
onaqwst - You are likely right. All I can say is Dammmmmnnnn.
Well, 15" are now out and hello upsizing (at least for now).
Those 16" rims remind me of the 69 Camaro that belonged to a friend I went to school with. I've always been a vette lover but his 69 Camaro with 16" centerlines just had a look that said bad azz all over it.
Now I have to break the piggy bank to get new rims and tires. So where does that fit in with replacing chrome bumpers, exhause bezels and licensplate holder, paint and who knows what else after tinker around for a few weekends?
I'm sure I'll be in great company.
Steve
onaqwst - You are likely right. All I can say is Dammmmmnnnn.
Well, 15" are now out and hello upsizing (at least for now).
Those 16" rims remind me of the 69 Camaro that belonged to a friend I went to school with. I've always been a vette lover but his 69 Camaro with 16" centerlines just had a look that said bad azz all over it.
Now I have to break the piggy bank to get new rims and tires. So where does that fit in with replacing chrome bumpers, exhause bezels and licensplate holder, paint and who knows what else after tinker around for a few weekends?
I'm sure I'll be in great company.
Steve
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by bmxer23m
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
After I set my ride height, I will cut the bolt, I won't have any clearence issues with the spring, I will have roughly an inch in between the frame and the tire. I sould probably get away with leaving the bolt, but my main concern is the rear sway bar... It won't fit, I need a custom bar...
Jon
Jon
