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I've searched on here and read numerous threads, but looking to buy a set of Cragar S/S 15" wheels for a '69 I have and need to know the maximum wheel width and backspace under '69 roadster with all stock components. And Maximum tire size for filling wheel well up. And are spacers mandatory?. Any pics would be appreciated.
And yes, pretty dead set on Cragar 15" S/S wheel for this car and ..... Love the classic look on a classic car for now. Thx in advance!
The largest tires to fill the wheelwells without issues are 255/60/15.......These may rub on sharp turns in a '69, so most people use a 70 series tire of the same diameter on the front. Cragars of 7" or 8" widths for Corvettes are 4.25" backspacing which fit nicely. If using stock calipers, you must use 1/2" spacers. (I have Wilwood narrow calipers on mine, so no spacers are needed.) I have 15x7's on my '69.........they actually measure 7 1/2" wide.......Cragar's measurements are generous. They now have a Vintage line that is a chrome plated aluminum version of the SS's if you want to save weight. I have these......https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...3442/overview/ If you need spacers, this is the kit........https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-29200
Wow, I was not worried about weight and did not want to give up any of the "looks" of the chrome steel, but those look great. I don't really want to change calipers, want to keep it all original (can't believe I said that lol) so yes, I will need spacer kit.
Do the aluminum wheels look as good as the chrome steel in person. I love the Cragar look. Funny as back in the day, I hated the S/S Cragars. Seemed like everyone had them. I loved the slots or the Cragar SST's. I had a very nice set of SST's and recently sold them as every car I put them on, I took them off and put S/S's on!!
I've got 275/60/15 on the back and 255/60/15 in front with no rub. I'm using 1/4' spacers.
Yours fit great, but it is a later model C3, not a '69. No rear flare on the 1969's........your tires would stick out beyond the fenders. Also, more room in the front.....255/60's were stock on 78's and later......would slightly rub on a '69 if turned all the way. (I tried it.....had to take them off.)
Wow, I was not worried about weight and did not want to give up any of the "looks" of the chrome steel,........
Do the aluminum wheels look as good as the chrome steel in person...........
Yes, the chrome plated aluminum looks as good as the chrome steel.......you can't tell the difference......you're seeing the chrome plating, not what's underneath it. The pic is of the chrome plated aluminum. I went to Summit to look at them before I bought them. (I'm lucky enough to live close to Summit here in Ohio). They are even more impressive than the steel SS's in my opinion. Though more expensive, I believe they will last longer because they won't rust out like the steel ones eventually do.
I ran the steel Cragar SS on my 79 for years - then about 3 years ago went to the aluminum version that C3 Stroker mentions (a 17" version). He is right, they look great. I pretty much went through the same process, except with Jegs (I live about 20 minutes from their warehouse). You cant go wrong with these wheels - I get a lot of compliments from people at cruise-ins and car shows on the aluminum Cragars.
The close-up is the new 17" wheel - it does need cleaned in this picture:
I didn't realize the aluminum Cragar wheels were chrome plated. I thought they were bare aluminum and that never shines like chrome, They look great even in 17" version,.
I did go on Cragars website and find unlike years ago, they only make one backspace wheel, 4.5", which doesn't make me so happy. There is a set of American 15x8 on the back now with a 3" back space and they seem to just clear the emergency brake cable and have a somewhat "deep dish" on the outside that I loved. I can't believe backspace is so limited, but I guess 15" wheels are a very limited # sale, so....
so you also need to be aware the original steel, chrome plated Cragars look great, but as they aged,
corrosion would set in under the chrome plating, making them look poo-poo.
and if your going 15" you better look at the limited tire selection too.
Cragar S/S 15" wheel question
