1968 Front Tire Question
 

Back about 2000 I took the Torq Thrust mags off my '68 and put a set of 8" Rallye wheels all the way around. I liked the look with 255/60R15 but I have always experienced a rub when going lock to lock with the steering wheel.
I know the car came with 7" from the factory but I'm dead set on keeping the 8"'s.
In searching the forum I ran across some recommendations to go with either a 235 or 245 up front on an 8" rim and that would give me the clearance to go lock to lock with no rub. It catches the front lip of the rocker.
Anybody have any experience these tires sizes on a bone stock '68?
I only wanna buy a couple tires once and not have a rub issue when I'm done. And I don't want it to look too disproportionate.
Thanks for the help!
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b2e099ead7.jpg

the 245 is 10mm narrower than a 255. So in your case will about a 1/4" more clearance solve your problem?

Thanks Mel...appreciate the insight!
It just might. I've been playing carb rebuild games and haven't had a chance to fire it up lately....I'll try it once I have the carb going and get someone to turn the wheel while I watch.

Where's the rub? You can limit the steering a bit, if it only occurs at the extent of travel.

Agree.
 

Agree, If you are only talking about a slight rub at extreme travel, then I agree, just avoid the extreme travel, that is what I have done. If you have power steering, you want to avoid hitting the extreme travel stops other than momentarily anyway. My 2 cents.

245 max. width on 68 & 69 corvette with 8" rims. or they will rub.

I get just a touch on the inside at the frame rail and I hear the tire catch the front edge of the rocker panel when I go full left turn (or right).....
Thanks for the help guys....I'll check and see if 1/4" will solve my issue and then source a couple 245's

The largest width tire that will fit into ALL 1968 front wheel wells is the 235R60-15. About half of them will accept the 245's. Some 68's will take 255's without rubbing...but not many.

On my Jeeps I would place a washer or two under the full turn stop bolt to solve this kind of issue. Not sure if there is such a thing on the Corvette. My somewhat stock 1968 car has P245 -60-15's with 8 inch rims all the way around and does not rub. However as others have said I would agree that each car is different...especially after 50 years!

Redvette2

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d75d8a0d1c.jpg

I used to have 245s on the front and they always rubbed. I went to 235/60R15 last year. No more rubbage. Yes, I am on 8" rims. Mine is a 1968.

I haven't done this yet, but I received a suggestion from a fellow Forum member to add bolts and spacer to the lower A-Arms near where the stock steering limiter tabs are welded on. I need to do this on my 79 the next time I have her up on the Qwik-Lift. I have the same rub on the frame on sharp left turns, made worse by the Borgeson brace.

So, if it is only a slight rub, and only at the steering limit, it may be easier to make an adjustment to the control arms.

I have 255's allround on my '69 with no problems with rubbing anywhere. I do believe that 68's have a slightly different geometry and require a slightly narrower tire. A mate of mine has a '68 with 245 BFG's allround
with no rubbing problems. Hope this helps.

7T1....thanks I will check tomorrow and see just how much i need to reduce width to alleviate the rub. May drop to 235’s just to be safe.
Thanks redvette...nice looking ride!
carriljc and bikespace.....not looking to get into control arms and steering geometry at this point just to keep the 255’s....will drop the size and it should be ok.
‘Appreciate all the responses! Forum help is awesome, as usual!

G’day MAFry....thanks for the input...
i’ll Post back with the results of the travel check tomorrow.
‘Yeah not sure what there is about the frame, etc that dictates the 7” and 8” difference between years

The steering limit weld on tabs [lower A-arm] were trashed out on my 69 when I got it, it also had 255s' on it. T

I know you are asking about a 68, but I have a 73 BB with 245-60-15's on the stock 8" rally wheels and they just kiss the frame when the wheels are at full lock.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...6ba349b0b3.jpg

Ok so on the left side you can see where the tire has been rubbing the rocker panel......not too worried about the slight frame rub.
‘So if drop down to a 235 that tire should not be as wide and the sidewall
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...377419bf0.jpeg
will 60% of the tread width? That should eliminate the rub....

going from 255 to 235 will give you a 1" reduction in diameter and a 1/2" more clearance.

thanks Mel
think i’ll do the 235 just to be safe
all, thanks for the help/advice!

You might ask the tire shop to mount the three tire sizes on one of your rims to fit check the tire size to your car.
Mounting the tire, setting the car on the ground and checking clearance with the wheels lock to lock will tell you what will fit.
Just reading through all the forum threads regarding tire and wheel fitment I noticed that some members will have clearance issues with a certain size tire and wheel while others do not.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a 245-60-15 BFG may be slightly different in width and diameter than a Cooper.
Spring sag, worn bushings, vehicle weight on the front springs and many other factors lead to clearance issues between vehicles as well.
give us an update and photos are always appreciated.