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Old 07-24-2016, 08:16 PM
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skibber
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Default Tire Rub

Can't figure out why my tires rub my front fender at full lock. TT2 18X8 4"BS, BFG 255/45/18, Stock susp. All my research said they would fit and others with this setuo say no problems. Any ideas? Any help greatly appreciated!!
Old 07-24-2016, 08:54 PM
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7T1vette
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I think the folks that advised you might be incorrect. 235's will fit for sure; but, the as the tire width gets larger than that, the higher the risk of rubbing. Maybe half of the early C3's can take 255's without rubbing. You can likely make some 'adjustments' in the frame/body areas and possibly with the steering system to gain a bit more space...but maybe not enough.
Old 07-24-2016, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
I think the folks that advised you might be incorrect. 235's will fit for sure; but, the as the tire width gets larger than that, the higher the risk of rubbing. Maybe half of the early C3's can take 255's without rubbing. You can likely make some 'adjustments' in the frame/body areas and possibly with the steering system to gain a bit more space...but maybe not enough.


235 was the recommended front size when I was researching tires for mine.
255 may need a 1/2 spacer.
Also by "rubbing my fender", I assume you mean the frame......right?
I am going 255 on front of mine and 295/315 on rear but will include front and rear flares in the project plans.

Let us know how you make out.

Old 07-24-2016, 09:38 PM
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skibber
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Originally Posted by bmans vette


235 was the recommended front size when I was researching tires for mine.
255 may need a 1/2 spacer.
Also by "rubbing my fender", I assume you mean the frame......right?
I am going 255 on front of mine and 295/315 on rear but will include front and rear flares in the project plans.

Let us know how you make out.

No problem with the frame. It rubs the front lip of the wheel opening at full lock.
Old 07-24-2016, 09:49 PM
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croaker
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Spacers?
Old 07-24-2016, 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by skibber
No problem with the frame. It rubs the front lip of the wheel opening at full lock.
Ouch.

Spacers will not help that.
Any chance you could post pic of tire rubbing fender?
Is this same on both sides?
I don't have experience with 18" rims but my TT2 in 7x15 had no problems with the 235.
Sorry...but that does not help you much.
My first though is now not enough back space because of the 18" tire.
What is the height of the tire now?

Hopefully others will chime in.

Good luck
Old 07-24-2016, 10:25 PM
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69Vett
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my recommended C3 safe max. fitment is 245, with standard backspacing.
after that your gambling for fit. increasing overall Diameter also is gambling with clearance (stock Dia. 26.6")
use a yard stick flush against tire centered on the hub,
if you tire sticks out further than the fender, any amount your gonna have issues.
check side to side, they should be the same amount.

Last edited by 69Vett; 07-24-2016 at 10:54 PM.
Old 07-24-2016, 11:47 PM
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NewbVetteGuy
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I'll throw a dumb idea out there: Doesn't it gain you a LITTLE BIT of clearance at the front of the front wheels when the front-end sits a little bit lower? Couldn't you just lob an inch off the front coils to get the front-end to sit a little lower and gain you a tiny bit of clearance?

-Or, another idea: You could trade me your car for my 79 that doesn't rub- I'll even get the front bumperettes chromed for you, if you want. (Can't blame me for trying.) -Your car looks amazing; chrome bumpers, chrome wheels and BLUE exactly the C3 I wish I had.


Adam

Last edited by NewbVetteGuy; 07-24-2016 at 11:49 PM.
Old 07-25-2016, 12:34 AM
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ddawson
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You need more caster. That will move the wheel back away from the front lower fender.
Old 07-25-2016, 02:29 AM
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croaker
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Originally Posted by bmans vette
Ouch.

Spacers will not help that.
Any chance you could post pic of tire rubbing fender?
Is this same on both sides?
I don't have experience with 18" rims but my TT2 in 7x15 had no problems with the 235.
Sorry...but that does not help you much.
My first though is now not enough back space because of the 18" tire.
What is the height of the tire now?

Hopefully others will chime in.

Good luck
I was wondering if he was using spacers not suggesting he use them.
Old 07-25-2016, 04:42 AM
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nz corvette
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Originally Posted by NewbVetteGuy
I'll throw a dumb idea out there: Doesn't it gain you a LITTLE BIT of clearance at the front of the front wheels when the front-end sits a little bit lower? Couldn't you just lob an inch off the front coils to get the front-end to sit a little lower and gain you a tiny bit of clearance?

-Or, another idea: You could trade me your car for my 79 that doesn't rub- I'll even get the front bumperettes chromed for you, if you want. (Can't blame me for trying.) -Your car looks amazing; chrome bumpers, chrome wheels and BLUE exactly the C3 I wish I had.


Adam
Yep,not a dumb idea! Always had clearance problems on hard lock,cut 1/2 a coil off and dropped it 3/4".What do you know- better clearance
Might not work for everyone,who knows
Cheers Dave
Old 07-25-2016, 08:01 AM
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I'm glad I didn't go larger than 245's on my 18x8's with 4.5" BS. Because of the extra .5 BS, I tried using a .5" spacer to push the wheel outboard. The left side tire rubbed the front lower fender opening and the right rear fender opening. I'll just leave it at 4.5" BS.

Last edited by resdoggie; 07-25-2016 at 08:02 AM.
Old 07-25-2016, 08:15 AM
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skibber
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Thanks for all the tips,hints and advice Fellas ! I think I'll just go with a narrower front tire (235). That 1/2" should be plenty. I'll Have 2 spares for the back and not be afraid to do some shredding!

Last edited by skibber; 07-25-2016 at 08:16 AM.
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Old 07-25-2016, 11:35 AM
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7T1vette
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You might go in for a front wheel alignment, if it has been a while since the last one. And, at the same time, have them check that the steering system is centered correctly. It is possible that you have more rotation in one direction than the other because of incorrect steering adjustments or alignment errors. This could gain you the small difference you need.

Otherwise, your plan to go 235's in front will work just fine.
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Old 07-25-2016, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by croaker
I was wondering if he was using spacers not suggesting he use them.
Comment was not directed at you.
Actually I had suggested spacers in an earlier post until he gave us more info.
Peace

Last edited by bmans vette; 07-25-2016 at 11:51 AM.
Old 07-25-2016, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by nz corvette
Yep,not a dumb idea! Always had clearance problems on hard lock,cut 1/2 a coil off and dropped it 3/4".What do you know- better clearance
Might not work for everyone,who knows
Cheers Dave
I might be ignorant, but I'm not stupid; every once in a while even I have a good idea or two.

(Slightly afraid this could end up in someone's signature attributed to me...) ;-)


Adam
Old 07-25-2016, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by skibber
Thanks for all the tips,hints and advice Fellas ! I think I'll just go with a narrower front tire (235). That 1/2" should be plenty. I'll Have 2 spares for the back and not be afraid to do some shredding!
This is the best solution EVER (well, except for you trading your car for mine, even up)! No more rubbing AND a license to leave rubber on the road.


Adam

Last edited by NewbVetteGuy; 07-25-2016 at 12:44 PM.

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Old 07-25-2016, 03:10 PM
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I have 18x8.5" rims with 4.52 backspacing and 1/4" spacers... 255/45/18 tires all the way around and no rubbing on my stock 74 suspension or body. because they rims have the -6mm offset and the extra 1/2" width they supposedly stick out as much as stock without the spacers but I thought the 1/4" spacers made them sit a little more flush with the body so I installed them. Maybe this is why I have no rubbing?

There ARE plenty of folks running 255/45 tires on stock suspension in the front on the wheel tire threads... thats where I took the advice myself so..

Last edited by augiedoggy; 07-25-2016 at 03:12 PM.
Old 07-25-2016, 05:07 PM
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resdoggie
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Originally Posted by augiedoggy
I have 18x8.5" rims with 4.52 backspacing and 1/4" spacers... 255/45/18 tires all the way around and no rubbing on my stock 74 suspension or body. because they rims have the -6mm offset and the extra 1/2" width they supposedly stick out as much as stock without the spacers but I thought the 1/4" spacers made them sit a little more flush with the body so I installed them. Maybe this is why I have no rubbing?

There ARE plenty of folks running 255/45 tires on stock suspension in the front on the wheel tire threads... thats where I took the advice myself so..
No offense but there are lots who can't unless they trim the fenders depending on the year of the car and other factors..
Old 07-25-2016, 05:11 PM
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Just curious, did you just rebuild your front suspension?


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