Tires clearance
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Holly MI
Tires clearance
Hi group, this is my first posting. I've got a 69 convertible(small block). The body is off, getting ready for paint. I've renewed the chassis(I've found there are pitfalls in saying "restored") with urethane bushings, 460 front springs and a 340 rate composite rear, as well as uprated sway bars. Based on their catalog and a verbal assurance that it was "no problem" I bought and have already mounted Eagle GTII 255/60 15 on stock 8" rally wheels. From reading previous threads, I'm worried about clearance issues! It isn't practical to place the body back on to check for clearance, the engine and trans isn't ready anyway. If anyone is able, I'd appreciate instructions on where and how much of the fender lip to grind away, It will be infinitely easier to do this now and paint over the result than to redo my paint after a fiberglass repair later! Thanks; I've enjoyed and appreciated the postings I've read so far.
Brian Murphy
Holly, MI
Brian Murphy
Holly, MI
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
Try to find a '78 with the optional 255/60-15s and check out the leading edge of the bottom of the front fender and the inside corner of the bottom of the front fender at the rocker panel. The leading edge of the fender lip is ground away and the bottom corner of the rear of the fender at the rocker has the corner ground off. EVERY Pace Car has this mod done to it from the factory. I hope this gets you started.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
I just put the same thing on my 71, I had a slight issue with the e-brake cable on the rear. Are there other issue I have not seen yet? I've not seen any other post about anything else. I thought this was a popular size for these cars from what I have read. Anybody have any info?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 3
From: Silver Spring maryland
tire sizes
I found this article online and saved the book mark hope this helps
www.corvettefaq.com/c3/MoreBite.pdf
www.corvettefaq.com/c3/MoreBite.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I have run 255/60-15 Goodyears with stock 8" rims on my '73 for 20 years. The only rubbing I have encountered is at full lock (to the left) the inside of the left front tire will touch the carriage head bolt that holds the power steering mounting bracket. It keeps a nice shine on the bolt head.
Others have encountered some rubbing on their front fenders as mentioned above. I believe it is somewhat vehicle specific depending on alignment settings and how your body actually sits on your specific chassis. I'm guessing you won't know for sure until the body is actually mounted on your chassis. Most will tell you that they've had no problems with 245/50's in the front however.
Good luck... GUSTO
Others have encountered some rubbing on their front fenders as mentioned above. I believe it is somewhat vehicle specific depending on alignment settings and how your body actually sits on your specific chassis. I'm guessing you won't know for sure until the body is actually mounted on your chassis. Most will tell you that they've had no problems with 245/50's in the front however.
Good luck... GUSTO
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 5
From: Upstate South Carolina
I went with BFG 245/60s to avoid the issue. However, I think Gusto is correct. It is very dependent on your specific car. With a newly rebuilt suspension at factory ride height you may not have any problem at all.
