I am considering running wider tires on my 64 Wildcat. I am currently running P215 R75 15 on the stock 15x6.00 formula five wheels. I would really like to fill the wheel opening for better looks and traction. The car starts to break loose on twisty roads at fairly low speeds. What size tires are others running both on stock or aftermarket wheels? How wide can I go w/o rub? I'd like to keep the stock tire OD to maintain the current ground clearance and speedometer calibration. Has anyone tried having the formula five wheels widened to say 8 inches? to keep the stock appearance with improved traction?
On all three of my cars I am running 235/70-15's with no issues. Particularly like the BF Goodrich Radial TA's on my '69 Riv. Lots of folks running 225/75-15's on the big cars as well. I once tried to run 235/75-15's on the '67 Riviera and the tires did rub the frame and fender well in hard at-limit turns, and they made the car sit taller than I liked. As for width limit, never gone any wider than a 235 so not sure if a 245 or 255 would rub on your car, depending on profile size of course. If you're looking for a stock look with white stripe side walls, however, good luck finding them - they are becoming unobtanium, getting discontinued left and right. Especially in size 235/70-15, and even 225/75-15's are getting hard to find. Just bought a set this weekend for the '67 Riv at Discount Tire, Hankook Mileage Plus II H725, in 235/70-15, the one and only tire they could find me in that size with whitewalls. They had to back order them.
Thanks for the info. I know the 215s are a little on the small side. I was thinking 235s max width on the stock rims. This should give me the original ride height and speedo calibration. Right now the speedo reads about 5mph faster than actual ground speed.
I have widened 15 x 6 Buick 5 on 5s. Here is a picture of some done for a customer about a month ago. If interested they are $260 each with no tradeins. You can keep yours and sell them to recoup your money. If interested call me at 515-685-3397 after 7pm Iowa time. Thanks, Curt P.S. Can put them into chromed rimshells for $35 extra but when you press in center it sometimes scratches chrome. You must press in from frontside. I also have 15 x 8 NEW trimrings for $25 each. Thanks again.
I've got 15x7 slot mags on my '62. It's currently got 225/75/15's, but I plan on switching to 245/60's front and 255/60's rear come next spring. They should fit, although I do have to double check some measurments.
Curt, can you do a straight up restoration of my stock wheels which are chrome with silver/gray centers? They will definitely need rechromed. These also have the Wildcat centers which are a one year only item. I'm leaning towards keeping the wheels stock and installing the widest tire I can safely run.
Yes, I have done about 3 sets of the 15 x 6s. They will be completely stripped, then rechromed. When I get them back, I will tape them off and primer and paint them any color you want. I have about 6 of these wheels so if any of yours are too rough, I can substitute. Price is $190 each when completely done plus shipping! Call me at 515-685-3397 if interested. Thanks again! Curt
