Restoration of a 66 GS has begun, it does have its orig 14's but the car came with a set of 5 restored 15x7's so I think I am going to store the 14's and run the 15's. Stock height or as close as possible with new moog springs what is the max size tire I can get under a 66. I am looking into some redline tires but as you may know sizes are limited so looking for a "max" starting point. It looks like 245/60/15 is the most under stock height 15x7 4 3/8 for the rear. What about the front? I will be doing a disc conversion up front so that moves things out a bit any suggestions on the front? Ideally I like to run the same size all the way around yet that might have me running pizza cutters on the rear.
I have 15" Buick wheels on my car, and am running 225/60 tires. The back tires are a close fit and without changing backspacing I don't think you can go much past the 225 size without issues. Before you pop for aftermarket disc brakes, try real hard to find stock disc brake setup. Some of the aftermarket stuff moves the wheels out and that may cause turning issues. I think you only really need the disc brake spindles as I bought everything else, calipers, backing plates and rotors aftermarket. While you have it torn down up front, seriously consider the fast ratio box from either Hector or a rebuilt Chevelle SS one. That and the disc brakes make for a much safer car, and more fun to drive too!
I run 255/60-15 rear and 235/60-15 with those wheels. The rears are snug on one side due to axle/body not being perfectly centered. Front are fine with stock type discs. Springs are Moog 6033 front, 6192 rear. The best match to stock specs.
Thanks Gary, I do agree in the aftermarket brake area. I myself always use factory spindles as I have seen a chinesium one snap. I have used Hectors boxes many time in the past. (lots of chevelles) Good work with one side issue for me, he uses the stock T-bar when he rebuilds them and that gives a softer feel. I have typically went with Jeep Grand Chero boxes from about 94-98. They have a larger t-bar and were perfect for a long time, yet the rebuilds are just garbage these days with this build I do not want to use the adapters for the lines so I will be sending my box down to Hector so it stays factory. Walt yes per your recommendation those are the springs I have purchased, being I am going for more a factory look I have to get away from the rake so it looks like with the front size you have I will be going 235/60/15 all the way around.
What rims are you using? Is there a difference between the 66Lark and GS axles? Are you running drums or discs? Pardon my ignorance.
No problem, we all have to start somewhere, sometime! I started when I was 15, so there's many years of learning here! The rims were generic 15x7 Buick rally wheels. They were used from the early 70's into the 80's. Mine have 4-3/8" backspace which is the most common. Drum brakes on rear, early 70's disks on front. The GS rear axle assembly features larger diameter axles and larger wheel bearings. Other than that, the dimensions are the same as Skylark..... same width, same bolt pattern.
Thanks. Yeah. Lots to learn. I'm 49. I've been turning a wrench a long time so I'm not completely ignorant, but my 66Lark is really the only car I've ever had that I can/want to do something with. There a lot of ways to go with it and I'm trying to wrap my head around what all I'd like to do and how to go about it. I'm not looking to restore it, but neither a full custom 1/4mile monster either. I do know I'd like to keep it as Buick as possible, but I also have No issue with aftermarket custom parts either.
