fitting 5" BS wheels on rear?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: CT
fitting 5" BS wheels on rear?
I really want 15X8.5" convo pros for the rear of my 75. i have newer 275/60 tires that I'm def using. these convo pros are offered in only 2 BS, either 3.375" or 5". I don't want thread part of tires sticking out past rear fenders. i know stock 15X8" are 4" BS, so I figured the closes fit to stock would be 5" convo pros and the tires should fit in fenders.
Whats involved with fitting the extra 1" of BS? i have already removed the parking brake bracket so thats not an issue. The rear spring looks like its the only other area that will be a problem??
What are my options for a narrower rear spring? aftermarket or modding the current 7-leaf?
I'm gonna check measurements between tires and frame and control arm with the 4" BS current setup.
Anyone with input or experience please help me help. I really want these rims but don't wanna buy something that won't fit or look nice.
Thanks so much
Whats involved with fitting the extra 1" of BS? i have already removed the parking brake bracket so thats not an issue. The rear spring looks like its the only other area that will be a problem??
What are my options for a narrower rear spring? aftermarket or modding the current 7-leaf?
I'm gonna check measurements between tires and frame and control arm with the 4" BS current setup.
Anyone with input or experience please help me help. I really want these rims but don't wanna buy something that won't fit or look nice.
Thanks so much
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: CT
checked the measurements and have found out that 5" of backspacing won't fit with the stock T-arms. With the 275/60 and 4" backspacing of stock wheels I have roughly .875" clearance between inner sidewalls and the T-arms. The tires are also close to the frame pocket where the T-arm bolts in. The rear spring is also about .5" from inner tires, so i would def need a different spring as well.
Not too sure what a 3.375" would look like. i figured the tires would stick about 1.225" out pass fender.
Anyone have pictures of how a 3.375" BS or similar fits from the rear, top, or side angle to see tire bulge?
Not too sure what a 3.375" would look like. i figured the tires would stick about 1.225" out pass fender.
Anyone have pictures of how a 3.375" BS or similar fits from the rear, top, or side angle to see tire bulge?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
They don't look too bad, these are 295/50/15's on the Convo Pro's 275's won't stick out as much 
This pic makes them look like they stick out more than they do for some reason, bad angle maybe
This pic makes them look like they stick out more than they do for some reason, bad angle maybe
Last edited by MotorHead; Sep 23, 2009 at 11:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: CT
If i got the 5" BS convos and used 1" wheel adaptor, then my new BS would become 4" and I would retain same clearances I have now and I wouldn't have to change rear spring either. That would cause the tire to move out away from fender only .500" more then it is now with current set up??
I think I'm understanding this correctly. the adaptors are listed at 150 but 15% off for september. I wonder if they're safe to use or require constant torque and checking??
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I have seen the 5 inch bs on a Camaro and they don't look good as they aren't as deep dish as the 3 3/8" bs if you understand what I mean. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: CT
thanks for the pictures it helped me make the decision on what to pick.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 6
From: CT
Did you notice any difference with performance running the lighter wheel package?
Fronts i went with 15X4 with 1.75" BS and got nexen 165/80/15 radial tires. I wanted that aggressive muscle car look. I never push car on corners even with the stock set up now, i just cruise around town and with 4.11 gears i rarely use the highway(65mph right land :o). I "get on it" on straight open roads only. I planning on a street/strip type of set up for the whole car. All my car buddies run the weld draglite skinnies up front on their mustangs, 2 guys with novas, and a buddy with a malibu. They all claim that their cars stop good and handle fine for normal street driving. So i took a chance and i'm gonna try the little fronts and big rears. If it doesn't feel safe on street I'll step up to wider fronts and put my 225/70/15 back on.
I'll post some pictures when i get wheels and front tires in. the picture in signature is how wheels and tires look now at the track.
Fronts i went with 15X4 with 1.75" BS and got nexen 165/80/15 radial tires. I wanted that aggressive muscle car look. I never push car on corners even with the stock set up now, i just cruise around town and with 4.11 gears i rarely use the highway(65mph right land :o). I "get on it" on straight open roads only. I planning on a street/strip type of set up for the whole car. All my car buddies run the weld draglite skinnies up front on their mustangs, 2 guys with novas, and a buddy with a malibu. They all claim that their cars stop good and handle fine for normal street driving. So i took a chance and i'm gonna try the little fronts and big rears. If it doesn't feel safe on street I'll step up to wider fronts and put my 225/70/15 back on.
I'll post some pictures when i get wheels and front tires in. the picture in signature is how wheels and tires look now at the track.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
You will like the look and the fronts only weigh about 10lbs while the rears are about 14lbs, real light wheels, that's why you see them at the drag strip beside the fact they look so good. I didn't notice any difference in with them on but I never had it at the track then.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Frisco TX
