I did a search on google to get to the archives here, looking for the person that posted the pics of the 17x9.5's on their skylark sometime last year. I'm thinking about ordering my skylark's wheels soon and wanted to get the backspacing correct. I read in the archives that the rear 9.5's need 5.75" of backspacing, but that 6" would work (just a little close to rubbing). What about some 17x8's up front? What's a good backspacing to keep them inside the fenders? I'm going to have an air ride suspension, so I want the wheel/tire combo to clear correctly.
Getting curious about putting some nice looking 17x8's on my car, front and rear. Will the 4.5' backspacing be good all around? And what size tires are reccomended for this? Going on a nearly stock suspension for a 1970 Skylark.
Yes, they will work on your car. Anywhere from 4" to 5" bs will work on your car. I have put 17x11's w/6" backspacing on the rear and they fit great.
On my 15x10's, I have 5-5/8" backspacing to center the wheel in the rear wheel well. One thing I have learned talking with others and measuring other cars is that none of these cars are the same. There is differences up to 1/4" in the rear wheel wells. That's quality control at the factory for you.
The tire I used on the 17x11's is a 315-35-17. Right now they are on another car but the did fit on a 70 Skylark, sorry, no pics.
Hey DrededSS I think a 6" backspacing looks about right for a 9.5" wheel but all cars are slightly different and it depends on where you want the wheel to sit inside the wheelwells. Some people want the tire right at the edge of the wheelwell and some people like them set deep inside the wheelwell. Just make sure you check both sides because they vary. You may have to use a spacer on one side. I would say take your car to a competent tire shop and have them measure it for you. They have a special tool they use. Or, you can measure them yourself by laying a carpenter's framing square on the face of the brake drum and measuring from the edge of the square to the closest points of each side of the wheelwell. If you know the width of the rim, (my 9.5's are 10.25" wide), you should be able to calculate the right backspacing to use in order to center the rim inside the opening. Hey 70GSX fan. Right now I'm in the process of trying to fit the same wheel and tire combo on the back of my 70 GS. 17X11 rims with 315/35 tires. It looks like they will fit with only about 1/4" to spare on either side of the tire. The backspacing is going to be critical and if it's off at all the tires are going to rub. I also noticed there is a 1/4" difference from one side of the car to the other (so if anyone else is doing this, check both sides!). I plan on using a 1/4 inch spacer on the one side to compensate. What I'd like to know is, what is your backspacing on the 11" rims? Thanks!
My wheels have a 6" backspace. Yes, they are tight, especially if youo have lowered suspension which mine did not have. I have also had to use a small spacer at times to get a combo centered in the wheelwell. I have akso trimmed fender lips on a few cars for a little extra clearance. Good luck with your fitment.
Sorry I've been away for a while, that might have been my post you're refferring to ... Original Post "Been lurking for a while and thought I'd take this opportunity to contribute. After much measuring and figuring, I bolted on what seems to be pretty much the largest rim/tire combo I could on my 67 Special. Fronts are 235/45 17 on 17 x 8 rims with 5" backspace. Rears are 255/45 17 on 17 x 9.5 rims with 6.5" backspace. You might be able to go with wider fronts but I've lowered the car. Eibach spring kit, Energy Suspension bushings in front, Hotchkis upper and lower rear arms and Hotchkis sway bar front and rear. Sorry about the poor picture quality and the general crappy condition of the car but I've been working on the suspension and drive train before starting on the body." The 6.5 backspace pretty much centers the wheel in the well but with the tire size listed it is very close to rubbing on the inside and out. It hasn't rubbed for me but I also upgraded the suspension as mentioned which keeps it in place pretty good. I think more people have used a 6" backspace on the rear and then worked their fender lip for clearance. A little late but hope this helps ..........
