Struggling with wheel selection for my 64 vert - HELP!
 

I think I have read just about every post on here regarding wheel choices/sizes/tires, ect. (honest!) I am just struggling with not only a choice, but where to procure!
My 64 retains the drums. Currently has stock wheels/suspension, hub-caps, white-walls. I would like to change the look/personality a bit. More toward old-school road-rally/GT look, and wider tires. (has Kelly 205/75/15's) I prefer copious side-wall, and despite the current trend toward bigger rims (smaller side-wall), I am fine with retaining the 15": wheel size, though I have seen cars with 17's that look great.

Part of the problem is regardless of which site/vendor I visit, the offset/back-spacing is always not what is recommended as "ideal" by experienced folks here, nor is the tire what I think would likely look best. The metrics are always off a bit on both counts.
EX: "Wheels-for-Less" offers some nice packages/selection, however, they only offer 3.75" offset for a 7" wide wheel, vs. 4-4.25" (which I have seen recommended even for a 6" wheel with a 65-70 series, etc)
Same with "Tire Rack" - even more limited in choices, and the tires they offer are too small/skinny in my opinion for the look.

I know tastes vary, but it would be great if I could find a place that offered 15-17" wheels, 3.75, 4.0, and 4.25"back-spacing , 6 & 7" width, (0 offset), along with a good selection of tires. I would like retain close to the current 26.3" tire height, (my spare is 26"), and that height looks good in the wheel well. For instance, maybe: 15x6 5x4.75, 0 offset wheels, paired with 215/70 15's, or 235/60 15 tires??
Lastly, like many, I have been looking at the Torque Thrust wheels, as they are often recommended, and look great. I would love to try something other than the torque thrusts, but it seems like there are not too many options. (excluding the more modern looking wheels, which I do not care for) My all time faves are the magnesium wheels found on the old race cars, like the Grand Sport. Maybe the TS wheels are as close as I can get ? Much appreciated.

I'm going to suggest you look in this thread titled "My Daytona Blue Coupe" I would attatch it if I knew how. the op has a beautiful 64 coupe that he has up graded suspension brakes and wheels and tires, he also wanted to keep the 15' and have a serious road race look without modifying the fender lips to accept a larger tire, check it out.,

Jon an ideal wheel for these cars regarding fitment is the '67 factory rally wheel, if for nothing else as a reference. It is a 15" X 6" with 3 & 1/2" of backspacing. This will fit well on any '63 -'67 Corvette with out clearance issues. The '68 rally wheel is 15" X 7" with 3 & 3/4" of backspacing and will clear on most mid-years without problems. 4" or more of backspacing (with a 15" wheel), and you will likely encounter problems with clearing the rear spring or having the tire hit the frame at full turns on the front.

Having grown up in the 60's (in the North East), my experience was that the most popular aftermarket wheel on mid-year Corvettes was the Cragar SS. You had to stay on top of them maintenance wise as the chrome on the steel portion of the wheel had a tendency to rust and eventually the chromed center would as well. Never-the-less they were very popular. :thumbs:

Not my car, but this is how they looked back then...

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...8566e02bd7.jpg

Today it's tough to beat the look of the Torque Trust wheels and they were certainly available in the N.E. just not as popular in our area.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...9e858f3b7f.jpg
photo courtesy of Forum member Rex Turner

Good luck... GUSTO

Guys, thanks.
Gusto - I also hail from the NE - Long island to be exact, and my 71 Challenger had Cragar SS's. (yes, they rusted!)
I still LOVE that look too. Honest, I thought about the Cragars, and may still go that route. I remember the T-Thrusts as being almost "exotic" in our neck, like a wine no one could afford or find! However, (no offense to those who have them, they rock), they have become, dare I say, maybe too popular.

Maybe, it is a case of what is old, becomes new again. What do you guys think? Can you see my 64 with the SS's? Cool looking?
(and thanks for the sizing confirmation) I am going to pursue the 15x6 with 3.5" BS. I like the side wall to balloon out a bit, looks tough.
How she sits now:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b9a36fb7fe.jpg

based on the current condition on the roads , I would go with these

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...82a266ed47.jpg

Love my wheels.

Jon, you're so close to Carlisle, if you aren't already planning to, you might want to head up there in August (22nd - 24th). It's only about a little over a 2 hour drive for you. You will surely see something there that rings your bell and there will be plenty of deals, from new to old, someone will have just what you're looking for. Thursday is a good day because the crowds aren't there like Friday and Saturday. The prices may drop by Saturday, but the really choice stuff will likely have been sold too.

Torque Thrust's were around (in S. Jersey) but Cragar SS's were under $50 @ so that may be why they were so popular. Being a poor college student, I couldn't afford to splurge on either, so I bought a set of take-off rally's from someone who could, for $40. Rims, caps and trim rings!. What a deal and they are still on the car today. :thumbs:

Good luck... GUSTO

TTO Wheels Sign of the Times.........................
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...7c26d2daf3.jpg

I, too, have a '64 and went through the mags, rally wheels, etc. I am finishing a body on restoration and have decided on knock offs. I picked up a set of Kelsey-Hayes KOs in the 80's for cheap. I like the look. The bottom line is what you like.

Here's when I had 15" X 7" Trans-Am wheels from PS Vintage Wheels at http://psvintagewheels.com The spokes are an exact replica of the 65 Torq-Thrust spokes -- the only modern wheel like that as far as I know. They will make any backspacing you want, and with gray spokes like mine or chromed. I had tires on it without much sidewall, for auto crossing. I've since gone to the same style but in 17" size.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b3de947b45.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...5600206e74.jpg

another choice
 

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d414f31960.jpg
Here is another choice, old school

I really like the Torq Thrusts on my car but if I had drum brakes I would have gone with the Cragars in a heartbeat. I don’t like running with spacers and that’s the only way the Cragars will fit on disc brake cars. The TT’s fit disc brake cars perfectly.

The Cragar S/S wheels - Part# 61615, 15" x 6", 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern. -3mm offset, 3.375" backspacing should work for you.

My AR Torq Thrust D’s are - Part# VN1055661, 15" x 6", 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern, 4mm offset, 3.66" backspacing

I’m running 215 - 70 - R15 tires. Lots of side wall.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...40fee2fa5.jpeg

You're lucky in that '64s are easy. These are 225/60/15 on 7"-wide rims. I can even run 235 drag radials without interference.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...15b74451c9.jpghttps://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...a3de38f176.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...26cbdf094b.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...a4040362e8.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...cec8dca055.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...8ced22c228.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...723d035947.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f23982a75d.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...c271e499fc.jpg

they have become, dare I say, maybe too popular.

How often (other than a car show) do you run into another C2 on the street let alone with aftermarket wheels? Most people are running KOs or 67 bolt ons.
Personally I like Keystone Klassic which you did not see many back in the day let alone today. I have them on my 57 and my 65 runs the original wheel covers.
Here is a picture of my 57 with Keystone Klassics with 15" wheels.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d6df8abc6e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...dd0b9e8798.jpg

Unfortunately they were bought out by Coker and discontinued those wheels.....I was deeply saddened as I had every intention of buying those exact wheels!

Much like a previous commentator, I also grew up in the Northeast where Cragar wheels were popular.
In fact, one of the first changes I made when I purchased my '64 Coupe 49 years ago was to change over to Cragar Super Sport wheels.

Below is a current photo after a 5 year restoration, showing my '64 wearing its new chrome Cragar Super Sports.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b1c3970e0e.jpg

I think the stock caps are just beautiful. My first choice.

#2 would be a set of ‘64 bolt-on repro knockoffs.

First, VB6369, thank you.
Jack64 - I am in absolute lust over your 64. Just stunning. I think that pic alone may have inked the SS's for me. So classic, so Hot-Wheels, so cool.

Brother-Vette wrote: "The Cragar S/S wheels - Part# 61615, 15" x 6", 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern. -3mm offset, 3.375" backspacing should work for you.
I’m running 215 - 70 - R15 tires. Lots of side wall."

Brother-V, will 215-70-R15's will work with the 15" x 6", 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern. -3mm offset, 3.375" backspacing Cragars? I so dig that big-wall look. So 60's, and reminiscent of the Zora-era, and how the cars looked when they tested them, raced, etc. Just love it. Will those tires and offset work ok for drums? I am thinking I might actually have a bit more room to lip in back with the drums vs disks, yes? Thx
** I actually would like to run 235/60/R15 to gain the 9.3" width - would this rub?

215/70/R15 = 26.9" diameter, 5.9" sidewall. 8.5" width (my new spare is 26")
215/65/R15 = 26.0" diameter, 5.5" sidewall, 8.5" width
235/60/R15 = 26.1 diameter, 5.6" sidewall., 9.3" width - (cool!)

68H- (I had Keystones on my 74 Camaro LT - college days!)

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...c7589afe19.jpg
this is a friends 63 with TT's its sitting a little high in the front it just came down off of jack stands.

[QUOTE=Brother-V, will 215-70-R15's will work with the 15" x 6", 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern. -3mm offset, 3.375" backspacing Cragars? I so dig that big-wall look. So 60's, and reminiscent of the Zora-era. Will those tires and offset work ok for drums? I am thinking I might actually have a bit more room to lip in back with the drums vs disks, yes? Thx
** I actually would like to run 235/60/R15 to gain the 9.3" width - would this rub?[/QUOTE]

I think the Cragars will work fine with the 215/70’s. Personally, I would not go any wider than that. You may have a bit more room with the drums but not much. It’s the calipers that create the interference with the Cragar spokes not the wheelbase. The issue with the wider tires is associated with the risk of front fender damage while making sharp turns and hitting a bump like the transition from the road to a driveway. I know they look cool but IMHO, not worth the risk. The 215/70’s fill the wheel well nicely and are wide enough for that “bad boy” look.