I have a stock 70 Skylark and bought these wheels for the rear: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-57-5834042 They are 15X8 with 4.5 offset. What is the largest tire size I can fit under the rear fender wells without any modifications or spacers? I was thinking 275/60/15's? I would like to find some 15x7's for the front with 235/60/15? Thoughts on this, this is a cruiser not a race car.
I've had them all on my car. The 275/60R15 will fit on those wheels no problem. But that's about the largest tire you'll want on there without starting to look bulgy. You can go to a 295 tire on a larger rim. You just would want a 9-10" wide rim with 5.25-5.5" backspacing. A 325 will fit also. But you gotta be careful with backspacing and you would probably still have to "trim" the top of the wheel well to insure no rubbing. Good luck.
As Phil said, the 275/60R-15 will fit on that rim and the car no problem. That is 4.5" back spacing, not offset. Offset and back spacing are two different things.
Folks - Thank you, I believe 275's in the rear and 235's up front give it that old school muscle look, but not to crazy. Larry - They say backspace
245/60/15 fit easily up front on a factory 15x7. Some people even run 255/60/15 up front and they say they only rub when the steering is locked left or right. 275/60/15 on the rear all day.
I run the same 15 x 7 wheels up front and 15 x 8 in back. I'm also running the 245/60 x 15 Radial TAs up front but went with 295/50 x 15 in back. I like this setup because both front and back tires are about the same diameter but, the backs have a much wider contact patch. IMO the 295 doesn't bulge out any more than the 245 does. They are very close to the frame rails and fender lips but, don't rub either. The insides also come close to my 2 1/2 inch tailpipes but, also clear. Several other V8 forumers are also running this combo successfully. Take a look. 245 on the front: 295 on the back:
Yup, you said offset, just wanted to make sure that you understand the offset and back space are not the same.
rKammer - Thank you, I like that setup, really fills out the rear. Now I need to find two 15x7 wheels for my front. Larry, thanks, sorry for the confusion and thank you for the clarity. I do want to make sure the message is clear and I ask for the right things.
