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1972 Corvette Tire Sizes

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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 08:32 PM
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Default 1972 Corvette Tire Sizes

Hello,

The front tires on my 1972 Corvette will ocassionally rub the fenders when turning sharp. What causes the tires to rub? I mean is it the height of the tire or the width? I have stock 15*8 rally wheels with 225/70/15 Eagle GT's on them. Would going to a 255/60/15 have less chance of rubbing? Does anyone run 215/70/15 up front and 225/70/15 in the rear? Any ideal tire size recommendations? I don't race the car it's just a nice weekend cruiser that I use less than 3,000 miles a year. Thank you.
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Old Aug 26, 2013 | 11:33 PM
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Is it rubbing on just one side? The 225 width tires should fit OK. But, if the steering/suspension on your car is not correctly centered and aligned, there could be some problem. I have 235R60/15's on my '71 and have no problem. The 225R70/15s on yours are only 1/2" wider than the stock tires that came on the car. I can't imagine that causing a problem with a properly setup car.
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 02:43 AM
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Are the steering stops on the lower A arms intact?
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 07:10 AM
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Hi m,
I agree with 7T1 that most people don't have a rub problem with the 225/70 tires.
Often one side of the body is slightly different than the other. This might also be causing your rubbing.
Springs that have begun to sag a little may be contributing to the rub too.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 07:58 AM
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Check the metal around the "A" arm frame conections and make sure there aren't any tears that could contribute to sagging. Seems now and then this happens to some of these cars. Also there is a propper dimension from one upper "A" arm to the other. A preader bar can keep that a correct dimension. I don't remember what it is, but I'm sure there are folks here who will off the top of there head. If not, I have it here someplace. I'll look it up.
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 07:43 PM
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I just had 225/60s put on the stock rallys and they do not rub on my 72
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 08:15 PM
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Thanks everyone for the replies. I had a complete alignment done a few months back (at a very good alignment shop in RI) so the alignment should be good. I will check to see where it is rubbing on Saturday. Suspension has also been replaced fairly recently so that shouldn't be the issue. It almost sounds like the tire is rubbing against the inside of the rear plastic wheel well liner. I don't know if that is even possible.
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Old Aug 27, 2013 | 11:49 PM
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Check the steering stops.

While mine is a 69 I too have 255/60-15 with no issues.
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