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Old photos. I really gotta update some stuff. Same wheels, but now I run 295's in back, and 255's in front. Those are stock wheels off a 2000 corvette, got them cheap. They require 2inch wheel adapter in front, and 3 inch in back. Left me plenty of room for some bigger breaks. Just as soon as the old calipers fail...
1973, I always like the rims off of the Shelby, so found these 17" rims by American Racing that are similar, not done yet but close enough for a dress rehearsal
Here is my 79 L-82 that is finally getting back on the road. I went with the PVD TTII's. Fronts are 17x8 245/45/17 and 4.00 BS and the back is 18x9 275/40/18 5.00 BS. Cleared the parking brake easily.
Sorry for the bad picture, nothing but rain here lately..
I've been thinking about those same wheels for my '73.
Do you have model numbers, width, and backspacing info you would like to share?
Old Car Bum I ended up going with 255-15-17 which equals 27" to keep the speedometer close. I went to our local Les Schwab took a hub down and they measured it and called American Racing took about six weeks. But like them and the knock offs are quality pieces not plastic.
American TS II 17 x 8 4.75 BS in front and 18 x 9 4.75 BS in rear. No mods, no spacers. Probably could go with a 9.5 BS on the rear with a .25" spacer. That would allow me to up size the rear tire some. I could probably run a wider tire but Summit would not mount them because Nitto recommended a 9.5 wheel. I may sell my rear wheels and tires and go with the 9.5's. I love the American PVD coated wheels.
I want to go with a set of the original style PIN drive 427 Cobra wheels for my '73. There are a couple of companies who manufacture the PIN drive wheels for Cobra Replica's. I've contacted them and they told me they have sold several sets to Corvette owners in the past however they don't have any specifics for how they made them work. Those American Racing Cobra wheels look awesome on your vette. If I can't get the fitment information I'm hunting for I'll be going with the American Racing wheels.
I want to go with a set of the original style PIN drive 427 Cobra wheels for my '73. There are a couple of companies who manufacture the PIN drive wheels for Cobra Replica's. I've contacted them and they told me they have sold several sets to Corvette owners in the past however they don't have any specifics for how they made them work. Those American Racing Cobra wheels look awesome on your vette. If I can't get the fitment information I'm hunting for I'll be going with the American Racing wheels.
I went to American Racing website, went to Heritage, then the wheel name/number is:
VN427 Cobra two piece polished.
Very nice looking car. Only suggestion would be to lower that baby down about 2" front and rear. Personal preference of course!
Haha...that seems to be the trend. I belong to the generation that jacked our cars up in the rear plus I need room to get my fat head under it to make sure all is well. The 3" exhaust I am having installed my need the extra room as well. I am considering up-sizing the rear to a 28" diameter tire. I love the look of big old fat tires on the back. I really wanted to stick with 15" wheels but wanted a bigger tire selection. The wheels are PVD coated, not chrome. I love the look plus they can always be re-coated if needed.
I see one person running 18x10 on the rear with a 4.5" backspacing and a 275/40 tire. it looks like it fills the wheel well better is there anyone else running a 18x9.5 with a 4.5 back spacing. this is what I am considering running on the rear of my 71 vette with stock trailing arms. but see most are using 5" 0r 5.5. is there a reason for not running a 4.5 backspacing. thanks
I see one person running 18x9.5 on the rear with a 4.5" backspacing and a 275/40 tire. it looks like it fills the wheel well better is there anyone else running a 18x9.5 with a 4.5 back spacing. this is what I am considering running on the rear of my 71 vette with stock trailing arms. but see most are using 5" 0r 5.5. is there a reason for not running a 4.5 backspacing. thanks
My guess is they stick out past the fender flared edge.
.. my thoughts are they will stick out as much as the factory wheels. still have to have the tires mounted and waiting till im done painting the car to install..
.. my thoughts are they will stick out as much as the factory wheels. still have to have the tires mounted and waiting till im done painting the car to install..
difficult to tell from that angle but the tire does kinda appear to stick out the 1/2" too far... certainly farther than the front. no big deal I guess but I think many would prefer to just have it fit correct and not stick out.
Last edited by augiedoggy; 06-12-2016 at 12:15 PM.
I see one person running 18x9.5 on the rear with a 4.5" backspacing and a 275/40 tire. it looks like it fills the wheel well better is there anyone else running a 18x9.5 with a 4.5 back spacing. this is what I am considering running on the rear of my 71 vette with stock trailing arms. but see most are using 5" 0r 5.5. is there a reason for not running a 4.5 backspacing. thanks
I had a hard time finding 18x9.5 in the optimal 5" bs (for less than an arm and leg). Watch out for some manufacturers who will advertise every possible bs on their website and then after you order and receive their more popular 5.5" they'll tell you they haven't made the 5" for years. Now I've got .25" spacers but they fit perfectly and don't stick out. Note to self: buy local, not direct from the manufacturer.
difficult to tell from that angle but the tire does kinda appear to stick out the 1/2" too far... certainly farther than the front. no big deal I guess but I think many would prefer to just have it fit correct and not stick out.
yes I think I'm going to go with the 5" backspacing.
I had a hard time finding 18x9.5 in the optimal 5" bs (for less than an arm and leg). Watch out for some manufacturers who will advertise every possible bs on their website and then after you order and receive their more popular 5.5" they'll tell you they haven't made the 5" for years. Now I've got .25" spacers but they fit perfectly and don't stick out. Note to self: buy local, not direct from the manufacturer.
yes I'm going to order the rears custom made from wheels for less. 18x9.5 " backspacing ?
245/45's all the way around. Used the fit-rite and could only get away with 4.5" BS. Newer Foose Legends black. Look great against the red. Still needs to be lowered but working to get the interior done first.
04-22-2016, 06:26 PM
