Another wheel problem.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,692
Likes: 2,572
Do you have this problem on both sides?
I also have a 69, TT 2 wheels, VN5157861, only difference is they are polished not chrome and I do not have your issue.
My tires are 255/45x17 so they are slightly smaller in diameter, 1", but same width. That would give you an extra 1/2" at both contact areas. You may want to consider 45 profile.
I also have a 69, TT 2 wheels, VN5157861, only difference is they are polished not chrome and I do not have your issue.
My tires are 255/45x17 so they are slightly smaller in diameter, 1", but same width. That would give you an extra 1/2" at both contact areas. You may want to consider 45 profile.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Are they Invo or NT555 tires? With either of them, Nitto doesn't have a matching 235/55-17 tire. Maybe a 255/45-17 or 245/45-17 could be used on the front. About 1" smaller so they should clear.
You'll like the upgrade for both the look you want and the change in how the car drives, even if just cruising.
You'll like the upgrade for both the look you want and the change in how the car drives, even if just cruising.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I put the same wheels on my '73 several years ago. I couldn't get the 255/50/17s to work either. The front tires rubbed because they were too wide for my car. I had to go with 235/55/17s. They are just about the same height as the 255s (27.18" vs 27.04") and work just fine. The main difference is the 235s are about 8/10s of an inch less wide.
DC
DC
Last edited by DC3; Aug 8, 2021 at 10:55 AM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I am open to anything that fits. I like the width but maybe that’s why it hits don’t know.
I’ll have to ask them . . maybe that’s the answer. Thanks. Think the 26” height will
make that much of a problem. Don’t really care about the speedometer.
I’ll have to ask them . . maybe that’s the answer. Thanks. Think the 26” height will
make that much of a problem. Don’t really care about the speedometer.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
255/50/17 are 27 inches overall daimeter. Your car was spec'd originally with a daimeter very close to 27 inches. If you look up a tire size comparator you can compare sizes. https://tiresize.com/calculator/ Those should have fit so I would think you have another issue. What are the rims specs that they are on?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
The section width is the issue when it comes to contact with the frame. Tread width is usually the culprit with fender contact.
Where, specifically, does the tire contact the fender? Same for left as right?
Does the left tire contact the frame any more or less than the right side? How far from the lower control arm stop is the steering arm when the tire first makes contact with the frame (Check left and right sides).
Measure the height from the floor to the top of the wheel well arch - both left and right sides. Measure the rears as well to see if your car is sitting level.
Where, specifically, does the tire contact the fender? Same for left as right?
Does the left tire contact the frame any more or less than the right side? How far from the lower control arm stop is the steering arm when the tire first makes contact with the frame (Check left and right sides).
Measure the height from the floor to the top of the wheel well arch - both left and right sides. Measure the rears as well to see if your car is sitting level.
front and rear. It seems like the width is the problem thanks for your thoughts.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I put the same wheels on my '73 several years ago. I couldn't get the 255/50/17s to work either. The front tires rubbed because they were too wide for my car. I had to go with 235/55/17s. They are just about the same height as the 255s (27.18" vs 27.04") and work just fine. The main difference is the 235s are about 8/10s of an inch less wide.
DC
DC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
We have written A LOT about this before....ad infinitum.
The 68-s and 69's had 'small fenders'
They widened them up in 70 again in 78
the 78-82's had relieved inner fenders and shorter rocker panels.
I would recommend for NO RUB UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES 235 wide with the STANDARD Backset.
The 68-s and 69's had 'small fenders'
They widened them up in 70 again in 78
the 78-82's had relieved inner fenders and shorter rocker panels.
I would recommend for NO RUB UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES 235 wide with the STANDARD Backset.
Last edited by L-46man; Aug 9, 2021 at 03:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Today’s final decision was 245/45/17 both smaller and narrower. I don’t like smaller
but I don’t want to have to do this again .thank you everyone for your help
I will let you know what happens . I can still change my mind . They won’t get back to Texas for
4 days . Let’s hope I am not making a mistake.
but I don’t want to have to do this again .thank you everyone for your help
I will let you know what happens . I can still change my mind . They won’t get back to Texas for
4 days . Let’s hope I am not making a mistake.