Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Wheel Question

Derek69SS · Founding Member

4.5" backspace is perfect for an 8" wide wheel, and puts it perfectly in the center... with 5.5 backspace you can stuff a 10" wheel in there if you're willing to roll the lips.

15" wheels can't go more than 5.5 backspace because the rim won't clear the shocks... 17" and bigger can go 6 to 6.25 backspace, and squeeze in an 11" wheel... careful measuring required.

Clutch · Member

10" wheel should be 5.5" BS
8" wheel should be 4.5" BS

In terms of the rear tire sizes... I think 275/60R15's are the only sure fire fit on all cars. Going larger then that it seems each car is a little different depending on how much wheel lip you have and how the rear axle sits.

If you are looking for a light set of alum wheels, I was planning to sell my old drag race wheels. I'm sure we could work out a deal and it would help me afford two new cragar ss's for the rear. They are 15x8's with 4.25-4.5" BS. I have a set of 275/60R15 BFG drag radials on the rear and 235/65R15's (if I recall correctly)on the front.

seagrams72 · Active Member

Derek69SS wrote:

4.5" backspace is perfect for an 8" wide wheel, and puts it perfectly in the center... with 5.5 backspace you can stuff a 10" wheel in there if you're willing to roll the lips.

15" wheels can't go more than 5.5 backspace because the rim won't clear the shocks... 17" and bigger can go 6 to 6.25 backspace, and squeeze in an 11" wheel... careful measuring required.

Thanks for posting this Derek. I am wanting 10" on the back and either 8" or 10" on the front. Looking to get that autocross/ race look. I was planning on picking up some budget steel 15x10's later on this winter. Probably Aero's or something. I was going to order the back two, measure see my fitment, and then pickup the front two when I know what I am dealing with.

I've always wanted 17's, and have found budget rims, but trying to find rubber within the budget is another story.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Hey Clutch. If I could bring those home to check for fit that would be cool. Why don't you shoot me a message first though to see what you are looking to get for them. Thanks!

I need to get one of my rear wheels off and measure the back spacing on it then add an inch to bring it that much closer the the frame and away from the wheel well lip!

bowtie · Secretary

My 10" ones in back have a 4" or MAYBE 4.5" which makes the 275/60R15s stick out past the lip. It's a big part of why I don't lower the rear end in my car yet, I don't think the tires will clear. I also haven't decided on a wheel/tire combo yet either.

Clutch · Member

4-door Chevelle wrote:

Hey Clutch. If I could bring those home to check for fit that would be cool. Why don't you shoot me a message first though to see what you are looking to get for them. Thanks!

I need to get one of my rear wheels off and measure the back spacing on it then add an inch to bring it that much closer the the frame and away from the wheel well lip!

Shot ya a PM

Scott Parkhurst · Super Poster

I've got some spare Welds lying around that came off my '65 GTO project (now sold and gone). If you're interested, let me know. I promise they'll fit.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

After much deliberation, reading and modeling Derek is right on. Ideally I need a 15x8" wheel with 4.5" backspacing for the rear and the front could go 15x7 or 15x8 with a 3.75" or 4" backspace. So, I continue my search for some decent used wheels ... anybody?

SShink · 3K+ Club

4-door Chevelle wrote:

After much deliberation, reading and modeling Derek is right on. Ideally I need a 15x8" wheel with 4.5" backspacing for the rear and the front could go 15x7 or 15x8 with a 3.75" or 4" backspace. So, I continue my search for some decent used wheels ... anybody?

Here you go:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/pts/2224620528.html

Good price for the condition and includes tires. They are 15 X 7 with I think 4" backspacing. They are what are on my '72.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Thats about the best deal your going to find. Jump on it when as soon as possible.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Thats a great price, if I had storage space I'd buy them just to have then. Someone with a 71-72 should jump on them.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

What are the actual size of those tires Stan?

dashboard · 2K+ Club

15x7

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

I got the 15x7 part for the wheels, am looking for the size of the tires.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

E-mail the guy's add.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

I dont think its Stans ad. He just noticed them and posted them for you.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

I guess I thought they were Stan's, "They are what are on my '72."

seagrams72 · Active Member

I am in the same boat you are, except i am looking at 17-18" wheels. If you want to buy new I have been scowering the internet for cheaper wheels that still look good. Most of the wheels I have found are available in 15" as well.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Hey Andy, I am interested. I have a call in with Hopkins Firestone as they appear to be a local wheel dealer. I may just pick up 2 of the American Racing Ansen Sprint wheels in the correct bolt pattern, width and backspacing for the rears as I do like the old school 5-hole wheels.

http://www.yearonewheels.com/product.aspx?zpid=1327

-- Edited by 4-door Chevelle on Monday 21st of February 2011 1139 AM

SShink · 3K+ Club

4-door Chevelle wrote:

I guess I thought they were Stan's, "They are what are on my '72."

Sorry about that. I should have said 'they are like the ones on my '72'...

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Not a problem, gives us something to talk about...

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Here's some nice wheels.

http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=0

seagrams72 · Active Member

Not sure the style you are looking for, but I have liked the new Cragar Eliminators in Black, Grey, or Chrome:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/Cragar/Part-Type/Wheels/Manufacturers-Wheel-Series/Cragar-Eliminator-500-Series/?keyword=Cragar

Both Summit and Jegs offer wheels that may seem like knock-off's, but they are probably made by one of the big wheel companies and just rebranded, still made in China like the others. For guys trying to keep the cost down they seem hard to beat:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/Summit-Racing/Department/Wheels-Tires/Section/Wheels/Wheel-Diameter/15-in/?keyword=Summit

http://www.jegs.com/c/Wheel_JEGS/97304/10002/-1

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Wow, I guess I am not surprised Summit is re-branding wheels. They look decent and are cheap enough!

seagrams72 · Active Member

My problem is that I find something else I like every few weeks. I need to make up my mind and choose something.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

So far the American Racing Ansen Sprint #A695861 is $171 and $179 locally but only $142 at Summit. Anybody have a good source for wheels locally???

Lost in the 60s · President

I was just remembering a Yellow van that used to show up at all the big swap meets with tires and wheels at really reasonable prices. They were out of the Coon Rapids/Anoka area but I don't recall seeing them last year. Maybe they succombed to the recession too. Anyone remember the name ?
I'm thinking there will be plenty of wheels to look at in the next few months at swap meets. The meet at the Blacksmith in Hugo is in April and then the Buick meet on May 1.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Lost in the 60s wrote:

I was just remembering a Yellow van that used to show up at all the big swap meets with tires and wheels at really reasonable prices. They were out of the Coon Rapids/Anoka area but I don't recall seeing them last year. Maybe they succombed to the recession too. Anyone remember the name ?
I'm thinking there will be plenty of wheels to look at in the next few months at swap meets. The meet at the Blacksmith in Hugo is in April and then the Buick meet on May 1.

I believe your refering to Tireworks. He lent us his onboard air compressor and impact wrench to swap pulleys on Dereks replacement alternator at Car Craft last year.

bowtie · Secretary

Tirewerks is the proper spelling. Larry Werkmeister is the guy. 612-275-8473

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

You guys are all awesome!

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Norms tire sales advertises in the calendar. They can probably get you a good deal on a cheap set of wheels as well.

Clutch · Member

Seems like Summit pricing is pretty tough to beat... especially when you have to pay for a store front wand buy only a fraction of what the big mail orders do. Maybe check with TNT. I know Jon and TJ used to match jeg's and summit, but I haven't had to buy anything in a number of years now.

Or Norm's... they will be more then summit, but they give a lot back to the local car scene and clubs... as well as provide good service.

-- Edited by Clutch on Thursday 24th of February 2011 08:57:54 PM

bowtie · Secretary

I would at least call and ask, make sure you mention that you got thier name from your club's calendar since they DID pay us to advertise. Let them know it did get you to call them, plus sometimes it might trigger a better price from them......

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

I definately want to buy local and promote the sport. Summit will add 9.99 for handling on the order so it does start to add up and get closer in price.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Darren did you see these on CL? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pts/2235526077.html

Lost in the 60s · President

SShink wrote:

Darren did you see these on CL? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pts/2235526077.html

Those are clutch's that Darren has already checked out.

Yup, Tirewerks, that's who I was trying to remember.

Norm,s' WILL work on price with you but may not be able to match Summit exactly, since he doesn't get the huge quantity break they get. Remember, buying tires for few dollars less on-line doesn't get them mounted and balanced with new stems. You still have to pay for that service and may end up costing more in the end. I priced tires last year for my Camaro and eventually bought Firestone's from Tires Plus as the total cost of on-line wasn't any better.

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Going to World of Wheels today, think they might have some car stuff for me??? I am excited to follow up on the new leads so thanks for the notes guys. It is true that sometimes the savings of buying online is lost in shipping/handling and if there are issues it is a serious pain. All the tire places get about $20 for the mount/dismount/balance/disposal/valve stem work ... Walmart only charges $10 but i haven't verified if teh replace the valve stem, dispose of the tires or use nitrogen.

Lost in the 60s · President

4-door Chevelle wrote:

Going to World of Wheels today, think they might have some car stuff for me??? I am excited to follow up on the new leads so thanks for the notes guys. It is true that sometimes the savings of buying online is lost in shipping/handling and if there are issues it is a serious pain. All the tire places get about $20 for the mount/dismount/balance/disposal/valve stem work ... Walmart only charges $10 but i haven't verified if teh replace the valve stem, dispose of the tires or use nitrogen.

Summit and O'Reilly both have displays there but no products. I don't remember seeing any wheels/tires for immediate purchase. Plenty of ideas to confuse you though... emote.img?ID=15267

I always work the balance and stem costs into a package. Mounting of new tires is always included in the price. If they quote a mount cost on top of the tire price, walk away. It's still a buyers market and if you have cash to spend they want it and will barter. I've had a number of tires dis-mounted, remounted and balanced with new stems at the local Wal-Mart and the cost is usually half what the tire stores get. I can dispose of 4 tires a year at our community clean up day so I don't pay for that service but they will dispose of your old ones. Nitrogen is a fad with minimal benefits. I'd never pay for it on a driver. Air is free and all we need to do is check the pressure once a month.

I'll be in the Northstar Camaro booth from 3:00 till close. Stop by... emote.img?ID=15298

seagrams72 · Active Member

Lost in the 60s wrote:

I can dispose of 4 tires a year at our community clean up day so I don't pay for that service but they will dispose of your old ones.

This is my favorite, the nameless shop I used to work at got there $5 or whatever from the customer per tire for disposal, then were paid by the recyclers for the same tires! They are making $$ twice off you.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

seagrams72 wrote:

Lost in the 60s wrote:

I can dispose of 4 tires a year at our community clean up day so I don't pay for that service but they will dispose of your old ones.

This is my favorite, the nameless shop I used to work at got there $5 or whatever from the customer per tire for disposal, then were paid by the recyclers for the same tires! They are making $$ twice off you.

Tire shops will also re-sell a set of tires a customer had changed and paid for disposal on if the tires had enough tread left on them too. Thus getting paid twice.

Dont forget to check Costco or Sams as well.

John D · 2K+ Club

You could always bring a cordless drill and 1" hole saw with you. Then you'll KNOW they will get recycled... not recycled.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Darren, did you see these on CL posted yesterday?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/pts/2239823214.html

Late '70's Corvette rims that have that 'slotted' look to them and they would be light weight aluminum too!

4-door Chevelle · Super Poster

Yea, I did see those and don't care for the style or the price. However, as I work with our local vendors I am finding that the ones you guys brought up are very competitive so I hope to place an order with one of them as soon as I get all the quotes in! I also remembered Larry over at Corvette Specialties saying he can get performance parts so I hope to hear back from him today yet.