Wheel/tire fit for modded 69 GS

Discussion in 'Pro-Touring' started by zazbeam, May 20, 2018.

  1. zazbeam

    zazbeam Member

    I put a custom posi equipped, super strong Currie built 9" FORD rear end w/disc brakes in my Buick as a result of a damaged rear end and now my wheels don't fit. (Rallye 15X7s with 235-60-15s)

    I am now faced with having to get new wheels and tires and I am split between going with a 15" tire with the right offset to clear the calipers, or going to 17s or 18s. Seems like one upgrade leads to another...anyway, does anyone have any suggestions? Car is on 2" lowering springs and I kinda want to go for the pro-touring look. Like to have lots of tire under there but the rear wheel well's opening is small.

    Thanks!
     
  2. If you're going for the pro touring look, I would recommend a 17" or 18" wheel. The backspacing is all dependent on what size wheel you're trying to fit in the stock wheel tubs. I have 275's in the rear without a problem. Probably could even squeeze up to a 295. Also if your suspension is built for handling/ road racing, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by only having a 15" wheel on there. Just my opinion.
     
  3. Verns69gs350

    Verns69gs350 Member

    I have a 69 gs with two inch lowering springs on 20s 295 in the rear. No rub. So im sure you can fit the 17s 18s no problem
     

    Attached Files:

  4. jaye

    jaye Well-Known Member

    I’m running 17x8 w/235 I did about 1/4 off the wheel well however I have lots of space to go with a wider backspace
     
  5. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Ah, The custom wheel dilemma. I have the same problem on my 69. I made a mistake when I ordered my new differential. I should have narrowed it. My wheel selection would have been broader and a lot cheaper. In October my car is going to be taken apart so I can paint it put in my overdrive trans,digital dash,legendary interior and the biggest possible tire without mini tubbing or hacking up the wheel wells too bad. I'm lucky to know the owner of Billet Specialties and the shop is a few miles away. He said when I'm ready to bring the car over and he'll put it on the lift and figure it out. I had a 275/45/18 in back and a 245/45/18 on the front. They where mounted on a US mags U111 rims I can't remember the front backspacing but I know the backs were 5.25" on a 9.50" wide rim. They just fit but so close I didn't drive the car with them on. I was afraid to cut the tires. I did find out that was the very least offset with a little trimming I could have used them. I had about 2" plus on the inner. I know a 295 will fit but with some work to smooth out a few areas I think a 305 will fit with the right tire on a 11" wide rim. Put it this way when your laying out money for custom fitted wheels they're yours if they fit or not. No returns. You make a mistake you own them. When I get them on the car I will post the info for everyone with a 69 GS400/Skylark. 20180304_152019.jpg
     
  6. Robs455

    Robs455 Well-Known Member

    Redsixty9 your car looks awesome! Im looking forward to see more of you car :)
     
  7. Troys69GS

    Troys69GS Well-Known Member

    20190911_193551.jpg 2012 regal 18s
     
  8. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Update to wheels. I ordered a set of Billet Specialties SLG 35 Twists for my 69 GS400. I went there with my car and the new tires and had it measured. Based on their measurements I ordered up a 18"x 10" with a 5 -7/8" backspace on a 295/35/18" Mickey Thompson Street Comp on back. I have a Strange S60 rearend and Baer S4+ brakes with coilovers. Up front we ordered a 17"x 8" with a 5-1/2" backspace on a 245/45/17" M.T. Street Comp.with ridetech spindles w/ Baer S4+ brakes and coilovers. We'll see in a few weeks if I could stuff that combo in the wheel well in back. If it does fit without messaging the wheel well I'll be very happy. The gain in width is substantial compared to what I had on the car. I'm hoping to get a little more traction I honestly think that's the widest rear tire you could run on a 68-69 GS400 without some surgery which isn't out of reality just yet. I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
     
  9. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

  10. Robs455

    Robs455 Well-Known Member

    Looks great, but it will be a real tight thing with that tire and no rolled lips. I looking forward to see the results in how it looks and hooks :)
     
  11. Sebambam

    Sebambam Well-Known Member

    19x10ET20 no issues
    front 19x8.5 et35- 1 inch adapter
     
  12. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    My first question is how wide is the Currie built 9" FORD rear end w/disc brakes?
     
  13. 1973gs

    1973gs Well-Known Member

    I know that it's too late now, but you should have placed the wheels and tires in the correct location under the car and measured between them. With this measurement, whoever is building the rear axle can make the axle the correct width.
     
  14. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    I understand what you mean about rolled rolling the lips. If you feel with your fingers about 2 or 3 inches up on the inside of the outer wheel housing you'll notice a bump that runs horizontal to the wheel opening. I believe unless you do something there you'll hardly gain much I have already trimmed it even with that. The bump out looks like it's there to stiffen the outer wheel housing. I basically added width to the wheel inside towards the inner housing. Will see. I'm committed now I never had any issues with rubbing towards the outside and had a ton of room towards the frame rail.
     

Share This Page